How to Get a Chinese Phone Number Online: A Beginner’s Guide

— Instructions + Pros and Cons of Using Temporary Numbers from China

Trying to create an account on a Chinese website? Good luck without a local phone number. Most platforms—from social media apps like WeChat to marketplaces like Taobao—won’t let you past the login screen unless you enter a working number that starts with +86.

Now, unless you’re physically in China (and fluent enough to navigate a local telecom shop), that’s a problem. But there’s a workaround—one that doesn’t involve buying a SIM card or sharing your real number. It’s now possible to get a chinese phone number online, temporarily, and use it to receive SMS verifications.

Sound simple? It is. But like everything online, there are risks, limitations, and a few things worth knowing before you start.

Why Chinese Websites Require a Local Number

China’s digital infrastructure is tightly regulated. The government mandates real-name verification for most online services. That means accounts must be tied to a valid, traceable phone number—usually one issued by a Chinese mobile provider.

So when a site asks you for your number, it’s not just for security or anti-bot measures. It’s often a legal requirement. If the platform doesn’t verify you properly, it risks fines—or worse.

And that’s why foreign numbers won’t cut it. You might try with a +1 or +44 prefix, but the registration process will likely block it, or never send the code at all.

What Is a Temporary Chinese Phone Number?

A temporary number is just what it sounds like—a disposable phone line, usually available online, that lets you receive SMS without linking to your actual mobile device. These are commonly used for account verifications, app testing, or one-time access.

The important part? These numbers aren’t private. In most cases, they’re shared, public-facing, and reused frequently. Once you select a number and use it for a verification code, anyone else can see the messages too. That’s why they’re best used for quick, low-stakes signups—not sensitive or personal logins.

How to Get One: Step-by-Step

The process is surprisingly simple and works almost the same no matter where you’re located.

Step 1: Find a service that provides +86 numbers

There are various online platforms that publish lists of Chinese phone numbers available for receiving SMS. These don’t require a sign-up. You just pick a number and use it.

Step 2: Copy the number and paste it during registration

When you’re prompted to enter your number on a Chinese website or app, paste the number in the correct international format: +86 followed by the phone digits.

Step 3: Wait for the SMS code

Back on the SMS page, you’ll see a message inbox for that number. Refresh it until your verification code appears. Usually takes under a minute—sometimes less.

Step 4: Enter the code

Once the SMS arrives, copy the code and paste it into the app or website’s form. Done. You’re in.

Why Use a Temporary Number at All?

If you’re not based in China, there are good reasons to take this route.

Avoid revealing your real number

This is big. You don’t want Chinese websites holding on to your actual contact info, especially if you only need access once. Temporary numbers act as a buffer.

Bypass region restrictions

Some platforms block access unless a user has a Chinese number. Using a +86 temp number often unlocks functions or lets you finish a signup process.

Test or preview apps

Developers, researchers, and analysts often need to test the Chinese versions of apps. Temporary numbers let you register and explore without setting up full accounts.

No paperwork, no ID, no cost

Unlike physical SIMs, these numbers don’t require a passport scan or in-person registration. You don’t need to be in China, either.

But What Are the Limitations?

These numbers are not a magic key. There are definite trade-offs.

Not private

Because the numbers are public, anyone can see the messages. That means you can’t use them for anything personal or sensitive—like banking, e-wallets, or government logins.

Risk of rejection

Some sites detect and block widely used temporary numbers. If a number has been abused or blacklisted, you won’t receive the code.

One-time use

You probably won’t get the same number again. If a site sends a second code or you need to recover your account later, you’re out of luck.

Unstable access

Sometimes messages don’t arrive. Or they show up too late. That’s just part of the deal with shared, disposable services.

Who Uses These Numbers and Why?

Temporary Chinese numbers might sound niche, but they’re used more widely than you think.

• Digital nomads: Signing up for local tools or delivery apps during travel
  
  
• Students: Creating accounts on Chinese learning platforms or forums
  
  
• App testers: Developers needing to verify an account for debugging
  
  
• Analysts: Monitoring local trends or using geo-restricted services
  
  
• Privacy-conscious users: Those who don’t want to link personal info to every account
  
  

It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about minimizing unnecessary exposure.

Common Use Cases

Here’s where temporary Chinese numbers come in handy:

• Signing up for WeChat just to join a group
  
  
• Verifying a Taobao account to check product availability
  
  
• Accessing local video apps like iQIYI or Bilibili
  
  
• Joining niche Chinese-language forums or subcultures
  
  
• Getting around the “Chinese number only” restriction on registration pages
  
  

Things to Watch Out For

If you’re using one of these numbers, a few precautions can help:

• Don’t reuse passwords or sensitive info on accounts tied to temporary numbers
  
  
• Take a screenshot of the SMS code before it disappears—some services auto-clear messages
  
  
• Don’t expect password recovery unless you control the number long-term
  
  
• Use incognito mode or clear cookies—some platforms fingerprint browsers as well as numbers
  
  
• Avoid using temp numbers for financial services—just don’t go there
  
  

Final Thought: A Tool, Not a Solution

Getting a chinese phone number online can save you time, protect your real data, and unlock access to apps that otherwise shut you out. But it’s not foolproof, and it’s not private.

Think of it as a disposable pass—great for quick access, testing, or bypassing a block. Not something you build a digital identity on.

And remember: just because something works doesn’t mean it’s right for every use case. Know what you’re signing up for—and what you’re not.