Are you trying to sign up for WeChat and wondering how to get a Chinese phone number for WeChat? Unquestionably, this is the most common hurdle for users outside of China. Getting a +86 number is crucial for WeChat verification, but it can feel impossible. Therefore, this guide provides the complete solution for your WeChat registration. We explain why this requirement exists and how you can get a valid China mobile number for your SMS verification code in just a few minutes.
In this post, we’ll walk through the exact steps, compare your options, and show you how to use a reliable service to get your WeChat account set up today, even without a physical Chinese SIM card.
Why Does WeChat Require a Chinese Phone number for Verification?
First, you need to understand why this is a rule. You see, WeChat is more than a messaging app; it’s a “super-app” for payments, social media, and official identification in China. Because of its central role in daily life, the WeChat sign up process ties directly to China’s strict internet real-name verification laws.
- Security & Identity: Specifically, a phone number is the primary tool for real-name verification, linking a digital account to a real person.
- Spam Prevention: Furthermore, it’s an effective way to filter out bots and bad actors. This is precisely why services offering a virtual phone number for free are almost always blocked.
- Ecosystem Integration: Your phone number is the key that links your WeChat account to WeChat Pay and other mini-programs.
While you can sometimes register with a non-Chinese number, users often find that a +86 number provides a much higher success rate for receiving the SMS verification code and avoiding immediate account flags.
How to Get a Chinese Phone Number for WeChat: Traditional vs. Virtual Methods
When you need a Chinese phone number for WeChat verification, you have two main paths.
Option 1: The Traditional (Difficult) Route
- Get a Physical Chinese SIM: This method involves flying to China, presenting your passport, and buying a prepaid Chinese SIM card. Obviously, this is the most “legit” way, but it’s completely impractical for most international users.
- Use an International Roaming Plan: Some expensive business plans offer Chinese numbers. However, these are not cost-effective for simple WeChat verification.
Option 2: The Smart & Fast Route (SMS Verification Service)
Alternatively, you can use this recommended method for 99% of international users. You use an online platform to get a private, temporary Chinese number for the sole purpose of receiving your SMS verification code.
This is where a service like LegitSMS.com becomes essential. It’s a platform designed to provide clean, real, private numbers that are not (VoIP) and have a high success rate for platform verifications like WeChat.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Get a Chinese Number for WeChat with LegitSMS
LegitSMS.com is a platform dedicated to SMS verification. It dramatically simplifies the process of getting a number for your WeChat account. Here’s how you can do it.
Step 1: Sign Up and Make a Deposit
First, you’ll need to create an account at LegitSMS.com. Once you’re in, you must add funds to your wallet to rent a number.
- Payment Methods: The platform is flexible, accepting bank cards (Visa/Mastercard), various cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin or Ethereum), and other electronic payment systems.
- Minimum Deposit: Best of all, you can get started with a minimum deposit of only $5.00.
Step 2: Select the Service (WeChat) and Country (China)
Next, on your “Order Number” dashboard, you will find a list of services you can verify.
Find and select “WeChat” from the service list.
Then, you’ll choose your country. To get a Chinese phone number for WeChat, click on “China”.
LegitSMS offers numbers from over 170 countries, so this method also works for countless other platforms.
Pro-Tip: If for any reason you can’t find “WeChat” (services can change), you can select the “any other” service. This is a general-purpose option. Just select “any other” and then choose “China” as your country.
Step 3: Get Your Number and Receive the WeChat Verification Code
As soon as you select your service and country, the platform will instantly generate a private phone number for you.
- The system will redirect you to your “Active” page, where your new China mobile number appears.
- After that, copy this number.
- Open the WeChat sign up page. Enter the number and press the button to send the code.
- Go back to your “Active” page on LegitSMS and wait. Within a minute or two, your 6-digit WeChat verification code will appear on the screen.
- Finally, copy that code into WeChat, and you’re in!
This entire process is the most effective answer to the common question, “How to Get Verification Code Without Phone Number in Asia.”
Key Features of Using LegitSMS for WeChat Verification
This platform has several user-friendly features that make it a reliable choice for getting your WeChat Chinese phone number.
- Automatic Refunds: If you order/rent a number and the SMS code never arrives, you don’t lose your money. The system automatically times out and returns the funds to your user wallet.
- Cancel Any Number: Don’t like the number you were given? You can click the “Cancel” button before the code arrives, and the system will refund your funds, allowing you to generate a new one.
- Reuse Numbers: This is a crucial feature. If you successfully verify your account but get logged out later, you can go to your “History” page and click the “Reuse” button on that same number to receive another SMS verification code (as long as the number is still available).
- Versatile Verification: In addition, this process isn’t just for WeChat. You can use it when you’re wondering “how do i get the 6-digit code for facebook“, or for verifying Google, Telegram, TikTok, and more.
Key Considerations for Your WeChat Chinese Phone Number
Using a temporary number is the best way to solve the initial WeChat registration problem. However, keep these points in mind for the long-term health of your account:
- Friend Verification: Even after using a valid +86 number, WeChat might still trigger a secondary “friend verification” step. This requires an existing WeChat user (who meets certain criteria) to scan your QR code. This is a completely separate security layer.
- Link Other Details: Once you are in, go to your account settings immediately. Link an email address and set up your WeChat ID. This provides you with additional ways to recover your account if you lose access.
- Be a Good User: Don’t use your new account for spam. WeChat monitors new accounts, and suspicious activity can get you flagged or banned, forcing you to need another Chinese phone number for WeChat.
FAQS: Getting a Phone Number for WeChat
Q: Can I use a virtual phone number for free for WeChat?
A: We strongly advise against it. WeChat’s security system is extremely advanced and has blacklisted almost every public, free number. In short, they are a waste of time and a risk to your privacy.
Q: What is a Temporary Phone Number for Verification?
A: This is a private, real (non-VoIP) SIM number that you rent for a short duration (e.g., 10-20 minutes). Its sole purpose is to receive a one-time SMS verification code from a platform like WeChat.
Q: What if I don’t get my WeChat SMS code?
A: With a service like LegitSMS, this is not a problem. If the code doesn’t arrive within the time limit, the system automatically cancels the rental and returns the money to your account wallet, risk-free.
Q: This seems complex. Are there other tricks?
A: Honestly, this is the most straightforward and reliable method. Other “tricks” you might read about, like trying to figure out How to Use Viber Without a Phone Number, are often complicated, outdated, or violate terms of service. Using a dedicated verification service directly solves the problem.
Q: Can I use this number to make calls?
A: No. These are temporary-use numbers designed only to receive SMS verification codes. They cannot be used for outgoing or incoming calls.
Your Best Solution for a WeChat Phone Number: Final Steps
The hurdle of WeChat registration is primarily the initial SMS verification step. Therefore, our recommended strategy focuses on getting a dedicated Temporary Phone Number for Verification that guarantees delivery of the +86 number code. This method ensures your new WeChat account starts on solid ground, avoiding the headaches associated with cheap or public services that risk account flagging and data leaks.
This official verification process is far superior to searching for risky workarounds. Many users waste hours attempting to find solutions like How to Use Viber Without a Phone Number, which often involve complicated, outdated, or rule-breaking tricks for other messaging apps. In contrast, securing a clean, non-VoIP Chinese phone number for WeChat via a reliable verification service is the only way to satisfy the platform’s stringent security protocols. Once your account is active, you must immediately link a backup email and set your WeChat ID to fortify your profile against future lockouts.
Finally, as WeChat is a platform governed by Chinese law, its registration and real-name requirements are constantly evolving. Consequently, always check the latest rules to maintain compliance and avoid restrictions. While this guide provides the current best practice for obtaining a valid China mobile number and getting started, we always recommend reviewing the official WeChat Help Center for any recent policy changes that might affect your long-term account use.