Registering a WeChat account overseas is feasible, but it requires additional steps. First, use a valid mobile phone number that can receive verification codes, preferably numbers from the United States, Canada, Australia or European countries to avoid temporary or VoIP numbers; if the local number is invalid, you can try Google Voice and other virtual number services. Secondly, download the standard version of WeChat App to avoid corporate WeChat or third-party modified versions; some areas may consider using a stable VPN when they are restricted. Finally, set up your account according to the process: select the country code, enter the number to obtain the verification code, set the nickname and avatar; when the verification fails, you should wait for several hours before trying to avoid frequent attempts that lead to the ban. After completing the above steps, you can use it normally.

Setting up a WeChat account outside of China is definitely possible, though it comes with a few extra steps compared to signing up within the country. The main challenge is phone number verification, but with a bit of planning, you can get everything working smoothly.

Use a Valid Phone Number That Can Receive Verification Codes

WeChat requires a phone number for registration, and while many international numbers work, some regions may have issues. Numbers from countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe usually go through without problems.

• Try to avoid using temporary or VoIP numbers — they often get blocked.
• If your local carrier's number doesn't work, consider using a virtual number service like Google Voice (US only) or others that support WeChat verification.

You'll receive an SMS code during registration, so make sure your phone has service in the country you're registering from.

Download the Correct Version of WeChat

Outside of China, you should download the standard version of WeChat — not WeChat Work or WeCom.

• On iOS or Android, search for “WeChat” in your app store.
• Avoid third-party APKs or modified versions; they might not be safe or functional.
• Some users in certain regions report better results using a VPN during download or registration — more on that below.

If you're in a region where WeChat is restricted (like South Korea or some Middle Eastern countries), using a stable international VPN might help bypass local restrictions.

Set Up Your Account Step by Step

Once you've got your phone number ready and the app downloaded, the setup is straightforward:

1. Open the app and select your country code.
2. Enter your phone number and request a verification code.
3. Wait a moment — codes usually arrive within 10–30 seconds.
4. Input the code and set up your display name and profile picture.
5. You can skip adding contacts if you want, but linking your phone contacts helps find friends later.

A few things to note:

• If verification fails, wait a few hours and try again — sometimes it's just a temporary issue.
• Don't rush multiple attempts; this might temporarily block your number.
• If you already have a WeChat account linked to another number, you can transfer your data during setup.

That's basically all you need to know. It's not overly complicated, but the phone number part can trip people up if they're not prepared. Just take it step by step, and you'll be chatting in no time.

The above is the detailed content of How to set up a WeChat account outside of China?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!