What is WeChat Mini Programs and How to Use it?

WeChat has come to pervade almost every aspect of our lives, from social exchanges, information subscription to mobile payment. However, it seems that WeChat may not settle for that.

On January 9th, 2017. WeChat officially launched its new service "Mini Program" and thrilled the entire Chinese internet world. Some even call it "killer of APPs".

What is Mini Programs?

Mini Programs, actually, are Apps built within WeChat. Users no longer need to download APPs from App Store and install them in the telephone, but can get access to them only via “one tap” in WeChat.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Available anytime and anywhere
• Neither installation nor uninstallation required
• Cannot shared in WeChat Moments but chats
• Now cannot support Alipay but only WeChat pay

How to start Mini Programs?

First of all, Please UPDATE your WeChat to the latest version! The 6.5.3 version is for both IOS and Android.

Now, they are two ways to get access to these programs.


1. Scan the QR code

It is one of the basic ways to find the mini program.

2. Search the name of the mini program within WeChat

Once you have gotten access to one mini program, a new option will appear on the page of "Discover". Otherwise, the option will not appear.

And then, you can enter the "Mini Program" and search mini programs. However, you should type in the FULL name of the mini program, or you won't find it.

Other functions

The Mini Program you have used will stay on the page of "Mini Program". You can use them whenever you want.

Android uses can even pin the Mini Program to the desktop.