WeChat is one of the most commonly - used messaging political program worldwide . Here ’s everything you need to know about the app .

Keep reading to discover everything you require to know about WeChat , including what it is , what feature film are usable , how secure it is and whether the app is usable to download in the UK .

What is WeChat?

WeChat ( also known as Weixin in China ) is a Chinese instant messaging app , societal medium platform and mobile payment service developed by Shenzhen - based technical school troupe Tencent . As of March 2023 , the app is the fifth most pop social medium app worldwide , bluster more than 1.3 billion monthly active users ( via Statista ) .

Tencent describes WeChat as“a free chat app for smartphones that offer free video and interpreter calls , videos , picture , game , stickers , and text messages to help you stay connected with the people who weigh to you most ” .

While WeChat began as a message app like toWhatsApp , the app has since recrudesce into a fully - fledged social media platform with features like minute allowing users to post images and videos similar to the Stories feature on Snapchat and Instagram .

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There are also lots of third - company “ Mini Programs ” bake into WeChat that allow users to book flights , hail taxis , buy motion picture ticket , gild food , see reviews for local eatery , top - up their phone and vie in mini - games , to name just a few features .

Is WeChat safe?

One major difference between WeChat and other democratic electronic messaging apps likeSignalorTelegramis that WeChat include no form ofencryption . This mean it ’s potential for Tencent and third parties to intercept your messages if they so choose to , spend a penny the app significantly less strong than many of its rivals .

The app has also faced criticism for censorship in recent years .

“ While WeChat only censors user with telephone numbers from mainland China , its surveillance is far - reaching . WeChat does not offer end - to - last encoding , a concealment feature that exploiter expect from most message apps . The app has backdoor that allow third parties to read the messages you transport and get ” .

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This means you may require to think double before using WeChat to host any private conversations or share raw information .

Can you use WeChat in the UK?

WeChat is available in more than 200 area and regions globally , include the UK . The only strange caveat is that you will need to rule someone already register with WeChat to control your explanation so as to sign up .

The app is compatible with all major mobile operating systems , admit iOS 9.0 and above and Android 4.4 and above . It ’s free to employ but you could pay extra to access unlike sticker sets or make calls to external landlines via WeChat Out .

WeChat Pay is one of the most common payment methods in China and the biggest rival to Alibaba ’s Alipay . WeChat contactless payment are also accept by many retail merchant and businesses in the UK and the app can also be used to remove money between friends . However , you do take a Formosan bank report to apply the divine service .

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WeChat

WeChat

WeChat

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WeChat

WeChat