Meta recommends Mullvad and AmneziaVPN for WhatsApp users encountering network disruptions

WhatsApp's parent company, Meta, has encouraged users of its encrypted messaging app to use Mullvad VPN or AmenziaVPN if they are facing network disruption.

Navigating internet censorship wasn't directly cited as the reason for this endorsement, but it is one of the primary reasons people use a VPN to access WhatsApp.

We have never seen Meta openly recommend one of the best VPNs before, so the fact it has explicitly named two VPNs is significant.

The VPNs were mentioned under the "Use a VPN" heading of the "About connecting to WhatsApp when your network isn't working" tab in WhatsApp's Help Center.

"Well-regarded VPN providers"

WhatsApp's guide is aimed at helping users connect to the app when their "network isn't working," and it covers both iOS and Android.

One of the four options suggested is connecting to a VPN. WhatsApp says: "Try connecting via a VPN. If you’re already using a VPN, you can try disabling it or try using a different one."

Further down, it is explained what a VPN is and WhatsApp states "using a VPN can allow you to connect to WhatsApp if it is unavailable from your current network."

It says "examples of well-regarded VPN providers include Mullvad and Amnezia." Links to both VPNs, along with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), are provided.

Like WhatsApp, VPNs are end-to-end encrypted and your internet traffic is protected from third-party monitoring, ISPs, and government censorship. WhatsApp confirmed that its own end-to-end encryption remains in place when using a VPN and states nobody outside your personal chat can "read, listen to, or share" your messages.

Using a VPN does not mean you are immune from breaking the law. WhatsApp warned those using a VPN with its app to be "aware of applicable laws and regulations in your country."

Why Mullvad and AmneziaVPN?

WhatsApp did not give a reason for why it named Mullvad and AmneziaVPN. The former is one of the most private VPNs out there and AmneziaVPN is one of the best Russia VPNs – but there are plenty of safe and secure VPNs to choose from.

In our most recent speed tests, Mullvad emerged as one of the fastest VPNs. It recorded speeds of 2,140 Mbps, but didn't perform as well as other VPNs in our streaming testing.

AmneziaVPN isn't anywhere as fast, but its focus is on anti-censorship. It utilises the AmneziaWG protocol, which is designed to resist Deep-Packet Inspection (DPI) and can mimic other protocols such as QUIC. AmneziaWG is a fork of WireGuard and adds censorship resistant qualities to the already fast and secure WireGuard.

Both AmneziaVPN and its protocol, AmneziaWG, are open-source so you can inspect the code for yourself. Windscribe has recently adopted AmneziaWG to offer users in Iran and Russia new connection methods to bypass restrictive censorship.

Mullvad also boasts anti-censorship features. It utilises the QUIC protocol, post-quantum encryption, and multi-hop, all with the aim to help vulnerable users access the internet.

Mullvad has a flat pricing structure. Its plan costs €5 per month (~$5.79 per month) no matter how long your subscription is. This is fairly uncommon as most VPN subscriptions see your monthly price reduced as your plan length increases.

A one-year AmneziaVPN costs $4 per month ($48.00 up front) and a six-month plan costs ~$4.66 per month ($28.00 upfront). AmneziaVPN has a secure free VPN, with unlimited data, for users in certain regions. These are: Africa, Brazil, Cuba, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, Venezuela, Vietnam, and the UK. AmneziaVPN also offers a six-month subscription at 50% if you're switching from a VPN you've already paid for.

WhatsApp is a common target

WhatsApp is a common target of internet censorship. As one of the best encrypted messaging apps, millions rely on it to contact family, friends, and access vital information under restrictive network conditions. As a result, it is often the target of bans and blocks.

Most recently, Russia blocked WhatsApp in February 2026 in an attempt to turn users towards its state-controlled app, MAX.

According to the Surfshark, and its Internet Shutdown Tracker, "WhatsApp is the most common messaging app to be restricted by governments," and 46% of the world has been affected by disruptions to the app.

In the last 10 years, 52 countries have temporarily or permanently banned WhatsApp. 12 countries have restrictions currently in place – Mozambique, Sudan, Uganda, Bangladesh, China, North Korea, Myanmar, Oman, Qatar, Turkmenistan, UAE, and Russia.

Using a VPN is a safe and reliable way to ensure access to WhatsApp is maintained and vital communication methods remain accessible.