Is WhatsApp Banned in Saudi Arabia?
Yep, kind of. WhatsApp messaging works just fine in Saudi Arabia, but voice and video calls? Not so much. If you try to make a WhatsApp call from inside the Kingdom, chances are it won’t go through. The government has strict regulations on VoIP (voice over internet protocol) services, which includes WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, and more.
Why Are WhatsApp Calls Blocked in Saudi Arabia?
The ban mostly has to do with government regulations and telecom control. Basically, authorities want to manage internet calling to protect local telecom revenues and maintain control over communication channels. That’s why even though you can text and send voice messages, live calls are often blocked.
Are WhatsApp Calls Allowed in Saudi Arabia?
Nope, not officially. Calls on WhatsApp are blocked by most local networks. Some people say it occasionally works on certain Wi-Fi networks, but it’s super unreliable.
Does WhatsApp Work in Saudi Arabia?
Text messaging, sending images, videos, and voice notes – all that stuff works fine. It’s just the voice and video calling that doesn’t work unless you’re using a workaround like a VPN.
Why Use a VPN in Saudi Arabia?
Living in Saudi? Traveling there? You’ll quickly find that many useful services are blocked, including WhatsApp calls, some video streaming platforms, and a bunch of news sites. A VPN helps you unblock all that by changing your virtual location.
What You Can Unblock with a VPN in Saudi Arabia:
WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype calls 📞
Netflix US, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video 🎬
Tinder, Bumble, and other dating apps ❤️
Blocked news sites 🌍
Betting platforms like 1xBet 🎰
What Is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) hides your real IP address and replaces it with one from a different country. It also encrypts your internet traffic so no one can spy on what you’re doing — not even your internet provider. It’s the #1 tool for unlocking apps, boosting online privacy, and getting full internet access.
How to Use a VPN in Saudi Arabia
Super simple:
Download a reliable VPN app (we’ll recommend one shortly 👀).
Install the app and create an account.
Choose a server outside of Saudi Arabia (like the US or UK).
Connect and boom — you’re ready to call on WhatsApp.
What Is the Best VPN for Unblocking WhatsApp?
Here’s a quick comparison of the top 3 VPNs you can use in Saudi Arabia:
| VPN | Works in KSA | Speed | Ease of Use | Good for WhatsApp Calls | Price (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mena VPN | ✅ Yes | ⚡ Fast | ✅ Very Easy | ✅ 100% Reliable | 💰 Affordable |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ Yes | ⚡ Fast | ✅ Easy | ✅ Mostly Reliable | 💰 Expensive |
| NordVPN | ✅ Yes | ⚡ Fast | ✅ Easy | ✅ Works well | 💰 Mid-range |
✅ Mena VPN is our top pick — built for the Middle East, with reliable connections, great speeds, and servers optimized for calling apps like WhatsApp.
Why Choose MenaVPN?
Because it works, simple as that. It’s made for people in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. It connects fast, bypasses restrictions easily, and doesn’t mess with your phone speed. Plus, it works great for WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, Netflix, and more.
Risks of Using Free VPNs
Free sounds good, right? But not with VPNs. Here’s why:
❌ Slow speeds that make video calls laggy
❌ Annoying ads or popups
❌ They might sell your data to third parties
❌ Some free VPNs don’t even hide your location properly
Risk | What Can Happen |
|---|---|
Data Tracking | They log what you do online |
Weak Encryption | Your data can be intercepted easily |
Ads and Malware | Some free VPNs push ads and spyware |
Limited Servers | Poor connection options |
Bottom line: if privacy and performance matter, go with a paid VPN like Mena VPN.
Is It Safe to Use a VPN in Saudi Arabia?
Using a VPN is generally safe as long as you don’t use it for illegal stuff. Tons of people in Saudi use VPNs to make international calls, unblock streaming, and just browse freely.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN in Saudi Arabia?
VPNs aren’t illegal, but using them to break Saudi laws definitely is. So, if you’re just unblocking WhatsApp or watching Netflix — you should be okay. Just avoid anything shady.
Banned Websites and Apps in Saudi Arabia
Here’s a sample of blocked platforms:
WhatsApp Calls
Skype
FaceTime
Telegram Calls
Tinder / Bumble
Some news websites
Some gaming servers
Why My WhatsApp Video Call Is Not Working
If you’re in Saudi, that’s probably because the call feature is blocked. If it rings and then drops or just doesn’t connect — that’s your answer. You need a VPN.
How to Make WhatsApp Video Call Quality Better
Use a fast VPN (like Mena VPN), connect to a nearby server (like UAE or Turkey), and make sure you’ve got a good Wi-Fi or 4G connection. That’ll give you smoother calls with less lag.
Are WhatsApp Messages Private?
Yes. WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted. That means even WhatsApp can’t read them. But your phone still logs your messages — so always keep your phone secure.
Are WhatsApp Calls Free?
Yep. As long as you’re on Wi-Fi or have mobile data, you won’t pay extra for WhatsApp calls.
Are WhatsApp Messages Encrypted?
100%. Every message is encrypted between you and the person you’re chatting with.
Are WhatsApp Video Calls Safe?
They’re safe from end to end — no one can eavesdrop on your call as long as you’re not using sketchy apps or public Wi-Fi without protection.
Are WhatsApp Video Calls Recorded?
Not by default. WhatsApp doesn’t record your calls. But the other person can screen-record without you knowing. So always stay alert.
Have WhatsApp on Two Phones?
Yes! In 2025, WhatsApp added multi-device support. So you can now use the same WhatsApp account on up to 4 phones.
Do WhatsApp Calls Use a Lot of Data?
Not a crazy amount, but yeah, it uses data. A 5-minute voice call might use around 1MB, while a video call can eat up to 5MB per minute depending on the quality.