Top Indian Apps to Replace Chinese Alternatives in 2025

The Indian app ecosystem has come a long way since the government’s decision to ban several Chinese apps over national security and data privacy concerns. From TikTok to Shareit, UC Browser to CamScanner, many popular apps faced the axe. While this left a temporary gap, it also opened the door for Indian developers to rise and shine. By 2025, India has successfully built a vibrant collection of homegrown apps that are safe, secure, and fully capable of replacing their Chinese counterparts.

Whether you’re looking for short video platforms, browsers, file sharing tools, or editing apps, there is now an Indian alternative that is feature-rich, easy to use, and made in India for India. In this blog, we’ll explore the top Indian apps that can replace Chinese apps in 2025, across different categories. These apps not only help in boosting the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission but also give you better control over your data and digital habits.

Indian Alternatives to TikTok and Likee

TikTok was once the king of short video platforms in India. But its exit created space for Indian developers to bring local flavor into short-form content. Apps like Josh, Moj, and Chingari have emerged as top alternatives. Josh, developed by VerSe Innovation, is especially popular in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Moj, created by ShareChat, offers a clean interface, regional language support, and a growing creator community. Chingari, another desi alternative, has integrated rewards and crypto-based incentives for users and creators.

These apps have improved in quality, offer similar filters and music libraries, and most importantly, keep user data stored within Indian servers, making them much safer.

Indian Alternatives to CamScanner

Many students, professionals, and businesses once relied on CamScanner to scan documents. After its ban, Indian apps like Kaagaz Scanner and Doc Scanner have stepped in. Kaagaz Scanner is entirely made in India and does not require users to sign in. It offers PDF creation, image editing, OCR, and document management all in one place. It’s lightweight, ad-free, and trusted by over 10 million users. Another excellent option is Adobe Scan, which, while not Indian, is safer and more reliable than Chinese counterparts.

Indian Alternatives to ShareIt and Xender

For file sharing, JioSwitch and ShareKaro have become the most dependable Indian alternatives. JioSwitch supports both Android and iOS and offers fast transfer speeds without internet. ShareKaro, made by Indian developers, is specifically designed for local users and supports multiple Indian languages. These apps are lightweight, secure, and work well across devices. They don’t bombard users with ads or hidden permissions like some Chinese apps did.

Indian Alternatives to UC Browser

UC Browser was once popular for its fast download speeds and lightweight design. But with concerns over data leakage, users are switching to Indian-made browsers like JioBrowser and Bharat Browser. JioBrowser is clean, fast, and optimized for Indian users with news updates in regional languages. Bharat Browser, developed by BlueSky Inventions, supports content from Indian sources and prioritizes user privacy. Another secure choice is the Indian version of Firefox or DuckDuckGo, which aren't Indian but are privacy-focused alternatives.

Indian Alternatives to BeautyPlus and YouCam Makeup

Selfie and beauty camera apps from China were widely used but often demanded excessive access to personal data. Candy Camera Indian Version, You Makeup India, and B612 India Safe are now being recommended replacements. However, a standout is Bestie Camera India, which offers similar filters and editing features without compromising your privacy. These apps are designed with Indian skin tones and styles in mind, making them more relatable for the local audience.

Indian Alternatives to Zoom

While Zoom is not a Chinese app, concerns about its data handling led many Indian companies to explore local options. JioMeet, developed by Reliance, is a solid video conferencing app with high-quality calls and security protocols. It supports unlimited meetings and up to 100 participants without forcing upgrades. Say Namaste, another Indian platform, is growing steadily with its easy-to-use design and focus on data protection.

Indian Alternatives to PUBG Mobile and Other Games

PUBG was one of the most popular games banned in India. While BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) made a return, Indian developers have started launching homegrown games. FAU-G, though not as massive in scale, is a step toward developing Indian war-themed games. Other games like Moksha, Underworld Gang Wars (UGW), and SICO (Special Insurgency Counter Operation) are being developed to give Indian players high-quality alternatives with familiar settings and themes.

Indian Video Editing and Content Creation Apps

Content creators once relied heavily on Chinese apps for video and photo editing. Now, apps like VITA India, Node Video Editor, and InShot Indian Version are providing professional-level editing on smartphones. Another strong Indian competitor is Roposo Editor, which offers short video editing tools with templates, music, and filters that appeal to Indian creators.

Why Indian Apps Are the Future

Indian apps are designed keeping Indian users in mind. They focus on regional language support, lower data usage, cleaner UIs, and local content. More importantly, they store user data within Indian servers, reducing the risk of foreign surveillance or misuse. The Digital India movement, startup ecosystem, and government support have boosted the creation of Indian alternatives across all categories.

With millions of users now switching to Indian apps, companies are improving quality and features rapidly. These apps are no longer just replacements; many are becoming better than the original Chinese versions they replaced.

Final Thoughts

As we move deeper into the digital age, using apps that align with national interests and personal security is becoming more important than ever. Thankfully, Indian developers have stepped up to the challenge. Whether it’s scanning documents, watching short videos, sharing files, or editing content, you no longer need to rely on Chinese apps.

The alternatives listed above are not only safer but also help support Indian innovation and data sovereignty. By switching to these Indian apps, you’re not just protecting your data but also contributing to a larger vision of self-reliant digital India.

So if you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to uninstall those old Chinese apps and explore what India has to offer in 2025.