How to Register for WeChat?

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You can quickly register for WeChat using a phone number or email. WeChat currently has over 1.3 billion registered users worldwide. You can opt for assisted registration or use an overseas phone number. Registering for WeChat has become simpler, but it’s recommended to prioritize account security and compliance.

Key Points

• WeChat supports registration via phone number, email, or assisted methods, allowing you to choose the most suitable option.
• Always use official channels for registration, ensure information is accurate, and avoid virtual numbers to secure your account.
• After registration, promptly set up your profile picture, nickname, and security settings, and bind a phone number and email to enhance account protection.

How to Register for WeChat

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WeChat offers multiple registration methods. You can register with a phone number, email (mainly for the international version or public platform), or through assisted registration if you lack a new phone number. Below, I’ll detail the three common ways to register for WeChat and highlight key considerations during the process.

Phone Number Registration

You can register a WeChat account directly with a phone number. The process is straightforward and suitable for most users. Follow these steps:

1. Open the WeChat app and tap “More Options” to access the registration interface.
2. Select “Sign Up” to enter the phone number registration page.
3. Enter your phone number, set a password, agree to the privacy policy, and tap “Agree and Continue.”
4. Review the WeChat Privacy Guidelines, confirm by checking the box, and tap “Next.”
5. Access the security verification interface and tap “Start.”
6. Complete the sliding puzzle verification as prompted.
7. Tap “Send SMS Now” to receive a verification code.
8. In the SMS interface, tap the arrow symbol to complete registration.

You must enter the verification code within the specified time. Codes are typically valid for 60 seconds; if expired, request a new one. During registration, you’ll need to agree to terms, including the Tencent Service Agreement and Privacy Policy. Set a profile picture and nickname to ensure accurate account information. Phone number registration emphasizes instant verification and account protection, effectively securing your account.

Email Registration

Email registration is mainly for WeChat’s international version, public platform, or mini-program accounts. Follow these steps to register with an email:

1. Visit the WeChat Public Platform website and select to register a new account.
2. Enter an email address not previously used for WeChat registration.
3. Log into your email, click the activation link to verify.
4. After activation, provide entity and administrator information.
5. Set an account password and nickname to complete registration.

Email registration focuses on email activation and information completion. Ensure your email is secure to prevent unauthorized access. This method suits users managing public accounts, mini-programs, or using WeChat overseas. You must agree to relevant terms and ensure all information is accurate and valid.

Assisted Registration

If you lack a new phone number or want to register a second WeChat account with the same number, use the assisted registration feature. There are two common entry points:

1. In an existing WeChat account’s settings, select “Log Out”, return to the startup screen, tap “More,” and find the “Sign Up” option.
2. In a WeChat account with a bound phone number, go to “Settings,” select “Switch Account”, and choose to assist in registering a new account.

Assisted registration is suitable for:

• Registering two WeChat accounts with the same phone number to separate personal and work use.
• Using a friend’s scan to assist in registering or unblocking an account.

For assisted registration, the assisting WeChat account must have a bound phone number, enabled WeChat Pay, be active for over two years, and have no bans within the past year. The new account won’t be bound to a phone number and can only be logged in with a username and password. The WeChat Security Center warns that assisted registration carries risks. Malicious actors may exploit it for fraud or illegal activities like gambling. Be cautious when scanning to assist others, as it could lead to account bans or legal risks.

Tip: Regardless of the registration method, you must agree to WeChat’s terms and policies. Ensure your registration actions and submitted information are authentic, legal, and accurate. After registration, promptly set a profile picture, nickname, and password, and enhance account security settings.

Registering for WeChat is now very convenient. Choose the method that best suits your needs, prioritize account security, and avoid unsafe channels.

Overseas Registration and Common Issues

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Overseas Phone Number Registration

You can register a WeChat account from overseas. The process is similar to using a Chinese phone number. Select the correct country or region code on the registration page, then enter your overseas phone number. The system will send a verification code to your phone. Enter the code, set a password, and add a profile picture. You’ll need to agree to the terms. The process is simple and ideal for those living or working abroad.

Risks of Virtual Numbers

Using virtual numbers to register WeChat poses significant security risks:

1. Virtual number registration is simple and inexpensive, making it easy for malicious actors to exploit, forming illicit networks.
2. Such accounts are often used for fraud, spreading malicious information, or illegal transactions, threatening user and societal safety.
3. Virtual number accounts are prone to bans and have short lifespans.
4. Your personal information may be exposed, potentially causing financial losses.
5. Malicious actors may spread malware or phishing links via WeChat, posing as customer service to commit fraud.
   WeChat’s official stance is cautious toward virtual number registration, emphasizing compliance and safety to prevent abuse. Avoid using third-party virtual number platforms for WeChat registration.

Public Platform Registration

To register a WeChat public account, follow these steps:

1. Visit the WeChat Public Platform website and click “Register Now”, then select the account type.
2. Enter an email, log in to activate the account via the email link.
3. Choose the registration type (individual or enterprise) and provide ID and phone number details.
4. Provide creator information (optional).
5. Enter the account name, description, and operating region.
6. Complete registration to start using the public account.
   Public platform registration differs from personal accounts, requiring more identity and document verification. Enterprise accounts need additional documents like business licenses. Choose the appropriate type based on your needs.

Account Security Settings

After registering, promptly enhance your account security:

• Bind a phone number to ensure account verification and security.
• Bind a QQ account or email as an additional verification method.
• Complete real-name authentication and bind a bank card to enhance payment security.
• Manage login devices to prevent unauthorized access.
• Regularly update your password to maintain security.
  You can also disable strangers from viewing your Moments, control how others add you, and turn off the “Nearby People” feature to protect privacy. WeChat’s multiple security measures reduce the risk of account theft, but stay vigilant, avoiding suspicious links or sharing personal information.

You now understand the various ways to register for WeChat. Follow these compliance requirements to protect your account:

1. Register through official channels, avoiding malicious registration or misuse of others’ information.
2. After registration, set a profile picture, WeChat ID, and bind a QQ account and bank card, engage appropriately, and avoid frequent information changes.

FAQ

1. What should I do if I don’t receive the verification code during registration?

Check your phone signal and ensure SMS isn’t blocked. Try requesting a new code or switching networks.

2. Can I bind a Hong Kong bank account to WeChat Pay?

You can bind a Hong Kong bank account. WeChat supports various banks, requiring identity and card verification during binding.

3. Does registering for WeChat cost anything?

WeChat registration is completely free. No fees are charged. Use official channels to avoid scams.

Registering and using WeChat offers great convenience for your social and daily life, especially in mainland China, where WeChat Pay has become indispensable. However, for users located abroad, challenges often arise with registration, linking bank cards, and conducting cross-border payments. High remittance fees, non-transparent exchange rates, and complex procedures can be major headaches for international users.

BiyaPay provides a superior solution to these problems. Our platform supports conversions between various fiat and digital currencies and offers real-time exchange rate inquiries, ensuring you get the best rates for your cross-border transactions. With a simple registration, you can benefit from our ultra-low transaction fees, starting from just 0.5%, and transfer funds quickly to most countries and regions worldwide, with transfers often completed on the same day. Whether you’re sending money to family and friends back home or managing international income, BiyaPay makes your global financial life as convenient as using WeChat Pay.