WeChat and Weixin (微信) are totally the same product owned by Tencent company. However, due to different countries’ laws, especially in western counties. And the US political ways to China is so changeable, and uncertain. In this article, I will show you WeChat vs Weixin in detail.
So WeChat and Weixin runs separately in 2021. This means most features are the same, but some features/functions are different.
Now Weixin and WeChat are services operated by different companies under the Tencent group and provide certain interoperable services across Weixin and WeChat so that users around the world can connect with each other, including by chatting, placing VOIP calls, sharing Moments, and using Weixin Pay or WeChat Pay features, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Am I using WeChat or Weixin ?
Weixin and WeChat users are differentiated by mobile numbers, Weixin users use Chinese Mainland mobile numbers while WeChat users use non-Chinese Mainland mobile numbers.
In other words, it’s the mobile phone number that defines whether you’re using WeChat or Weixin.
How to change WeChat account to Weixin account?
If you signed up for an account with a non-Chinese Mainland mobile number, email address, or via Facebook Connect and haven’t subsequently linked your account to a mobile number that uses the international dialling code +86 (“Chinese Mainland mobile number”), you are a WeChat user.
In order to switch to becoming a Weixin user, you will need to link your account to a Chinese Mainland mobile number. You can do so by going to “Me” > “Settings” > “Account Security” > “Phone” > “Change Mobile Number” and binding a Chinese Mainland mobile number.
How to change Weixin account to WeChat account?
If you signed up for an account with or your account is currently linked to a mobile number that uses the international dialling code +86 (“Chinese Mainland mobile number”), or if you used a QQ number to sign up for your account, you are a Weixin user.
In order to switch to becoming a WeChat user, you will need to link your account to a non-Chinese Mainland mobile number. You can do so by going to “Me” > “Settings” > “Account Security” > “Phone” > “Change Mobile Number” and binding a non-Chinese Mainland mobile number.
Differences between WeChat and Weixin
The main features are almost the same, however, some features are different. And some features are still available for foreigners. It all depends on which country your phone number is.
Terms and Privacy Policy
The terms and Privacy Policies of WeChat or Weixin are different.
Weixin users are subject to the Weixin Agreement on Software License and Service of Tencent Weixin and Weixin Privacy Protection Guidelines (together the “Weixin Terms”).
While WeChat users are subject to the WeChat Terms of Service and WeChat Privacy Policy (“WeChat Terms”).
It is common for a Weixin user to interact with a WeChat user, and for a WeChat user to interact with a Weixin user or use any feature operated by Weixin (“Interoperable Interaction”).
In the case of an Interoperable Interaction, a Weixin user will also be subject to the WeChat Terms, and a WeChat user will also be subject to the Weixin Terms. This means that information shared during the course of such Interoperable Interaction will be processed, shared and/or stored by the other service in accordance with the other service’s terms to facilitate the relevant interaction.
However chat data is always only stored on your device and the devices of the users that you have sent communications to, unless you or your recipient adds any communications to Favorites.
So, if you want to save your chatting history, you should always backup WeChat before you uninstall WeChat or install WeChat on a new device.
WeChat out
WeChat out is only available for WeChat users. It can’t be found on Weixin.
The following features are available to Weixin users and not available to WeChat users:
WeChat Channels
WeChat Channels is available for Weixin users to watch videos and create WeChat Channels.
However, the WeChat users can only watch videos, but can’t create WeChat Channels. And some WeChat users can’t even find the WeChat Channels on WeChat interface.
If you can’t find WeChat Channels, you can try this proven tip (my foreign friend told me). She didn’t see WeChat Channels at all, but it showing up after updating WeChat through “应用宝”, a Chinese app store.
So you might try to update WeChat via Chinese app store. WeChat Channels missing issue could be fixed.
Weixin Games Center
Tencent Games is the biggest game company in China, and also one of the biggest game companies in the world.
PUBG games (和平精英) and Arena Of Valor (王者荣耀) are owned by the Tencent Group. And other popular games.
The Weixin Games Center is available for all Weixin users and some WeChat users. But some regions WeChat users can’t use Weixin Games Center.
Parental Control Mode
Because of the PUBG and Arena Of Valor, too popular! Causes many students or kids addicted to playing games. So new law was released.
All Chinese games need ID verification, and facial recognition confirmed.
Well, the parental control mode is only available for Weixin users.
That said, all the facial recognition features are not available for WeChat users.
Live stream
For Weixin users, WeChat Livestream is available to watch and active your own Livestream channel.
However, for WeChat users, neither for watching, nor finding Livestream.
Health code
China is the first country to use health code to track people who visit high-risk areas or have contact with infections or not using health code when COVID pandemic.
It’s useless to foreigners, but it is really important for Chinese residents who living, working, or studying abroad, and get back to China.
So if you are using WeChat, then you might need to switch WeChat to Weixin.
WeChat Mini Program
Weixin users can use all Mini Programs. But WeChat users can’t use the Mini Programs which requires facial recognition.
And for some regions’ WeChat users, you can’t find Mini Programs on WeChat. Because it’s hidden by default. In this case, you can ask someone who can use Mini Programs to share one with you.
If you don’t have that kind of friend. Please add me on WeChat, and let me share it with you.
Voiceprint
Voiceprint is a way to unblock WeChat or login WeChat with voice. It does will collect your voice data. So Voiceprint is available for Weixin users and some WeChat users.
The Voiceprint feature is unavailable for WeChat users from the EU/EEA, North America, or UK.
WeChat pay
WeChat pay and Alipay are the most used party payment. For most Chinese people only use WeChat pay or Alipay for purchasing online, or store shopping.
Which means, that WeChat pay is available for Weixin users.
However, not all WeChat users can use WeChat pay. Some regions’ WeChat can’t even find the WeChat Pay on WeChat. Most WeChat users see the WeChat Pay, but are not able to activate WeChat Pay.
WeBeans
WeBeans can be purchased and consumed within Weixin to redeem selected Weixin functions and services. The types of features and services which can be redeemed using WeBeans may be adjusted from time to time at our discretion. WeBeans are not currency and have no monetary value. WeBeans cannot be transferred or paid to any other Weixin user or third party, and it cannot be redeemed or refunded for cash.
However, WeBeans is currently available to all Weixin users and some WeChat users from certain countries.
Kid watch
Kid watch is available to Weixin users, but some WeChat users are not able to use it.
Why am I unable to switch my Weixin account to WeChat or my WeChat account to Weixin?
In order to switch your WeChat account to Weixin or your Weixin account to WeChat, you must first change the mobile number linked to your account and agree to the Weixin or WeChat terms, respectively.
To better protect your account, your account may be restricted from changing the linked mobile account for reasons including if a password was recently set, if your account has recently experienced suspicious login activity, or if certain features are restricted due to potential violations of our Terms. If this is the case, the mobile number change can only be completed after the issues causing the restriction have been adequately resolved.
Switching between WeChat and Weixin is restricted during the first 180 days after account registration and during the first 90 days after the completion of a prior account migration. For safety reasons, switching may be restricted if you don’t already have a mobile number linked to your account. Finally, switching from Weixin to WeChat may be restricted if you are a Weixin user with Parental Control Mode enabled.
Final thought:
WeChat and Weixin are owned by the same company (Tencent Group), but serviced by different companies. The main features are totally the same, but some features are different, especially the features need ID verification or facial recognition.
