The Indian Government said the apps were “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India,
defense of India, the security of the state and public order”
India’s IT Ministry has said that the Chinese apps were stealing and transmitting users’ data in
an unauthorized manner. The ban on these Chinese apps was the result of many complaints from
various sources.
Many of the Chinese apps were linked to the issues like data privacy, and have been asked the
users sharing sensitive information with the Chinese government.
The Indian government said in its statement that, these Chinese apps were profiling to the national
security and defense of India so it was a matter of deep and immediate concern which requires
emergency measures.
As the impact of banned apps were already affecting millions of users across India, unable of using
blacklisted apps.
List of alternatives to TikTok, UC Browser, ShareIt and more on Android, iOS
1. Banned video-sharing apps: TikTok, Kwai, Vigo Video, VFly Status Video, VMate, Likee, U Video, New Video Status
Alternative: Chingari, Roposo, Bolo Indya, Dubsmash
2. Banned social media apps: Helo, We Meet
Alternative: ShareChat, Facebook, Instagram
3. Banned File sharing/transfer app: ShareIt, Xender, ES File Explorer
Alternative: Files Go, Google Drive, Dropbox
4. Banned browser app: UC Browser, CM Browers, DU Browser, APUS Browser
Alternative: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Jio Browser
5. Banned map apps: Baidu Map
Alternative: Google Maps, Apple Maps
6. Banned online shopping app: Shein, Romwe, Club Factory
Alternative: Myntra, Amazon India, Koovs, Limeroad, Flipkart
7. Banned mobile game apps: Clash of Kings, Mobile Legends
Alternative: Clash of Clans
8. Banned battery saver apps: DU Battery Saver
Alternative: Battery Saver & Charge Optimizer
9. Banned photo editing apps: Beauty Plus, YouCam makeup, Wonder Camera, Photo Wonder, Sweet Selfie, Meitu, SelfieCity
Alternative: B612 Beauty & Filter Camera, PicsArt, Lightroom, Snapseed
10. Banned community apps: Mi Community
Alternative: There isn’t any alternative as such but users can use Twitter for Xiaomi updates
11. Banned antivirus apps: Virus Cleaner
Alternative: Avast Anti-virus
12. Banned news apps: Newsdog, QQ Newsfeed, UC News
Alternative: Google News, Apple News, InShorts, NewsHunt
13. Banned messaging apps: WeChat, QQ International
Alternative: WhatsApp
14. Banned mail apps: QQ Mail, Mail Master
Alternative: Gmail, Outlook
15. Banned blogging apps: Weibo
Alternative: Twitter
16. Banned music apps: QQ Music
Alternative: YouTube Music, JioSaavn, Apple Music, Wynk Music, Spotify
17. Banned live-stream apps: Bigo Live
Alternative: Twitch, YouTube, Facebook
18. Banned clone apps: Parallel Space
Alternative: App Cloner
19. Banned video calling apps: Mi Video Call – Xiaomi
Alternative: Google Duo, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger
20. Banned syncing apps: WeSync
Alternative: Google Contacts
21. Banned video editing apps: Viva Video – QU Video Inc
Alternative: Adobe Premier Pro
22. Banned call recorder apps: DU Recorder
Alternative: Automatic Call Recorder, inbuilt call recorders in smartphones
23. Banned App lock apps: Vault- Hide, DU Privacy
Alternative: KeepSafe, AppLock
24. Banned cache cleaner apps: Cache Cleaner DU App studio, DU Cleaner, Clean Master – Cheetah Mobile
Alternative: CCleaner, Norton Clean
25. Banned interactive gaming apps: Hago Play With New Friends
Alternative: Snapchat or any other social media app
26. Banned scanning apps: CamScanner
Alternative: Adobe Scan, Microsoft Office Lens, inbuilt scanner in iPhones’ Notes app
27. Banned media player apps: QQ Player
Alternative: VLC Media Player
28. Banned translation apps: Baidu Translate
Alternative: Google Translate
29. Banned password manager: QQ Security Center
Alternative: 1Password, Keychain in iOS
30. Banned app launcher apps: QQ Launcher
Alternative: Microsoft Launcher
These apps are told to be spying on users and sending user data to China. So, it’s best to delete the banned Chinese apps and opt for their alternatives.
Note: The above mentioned alternative apps are popular ones. So, just in case you wish to go for some other app, you are always free to do so.