How to Download and Set Up WeChat Outside of China
05 December 2025
How to Download and Set Up WeChat Outside of China？
Here is a step-by-step guide in English on how a foreigner can download and set up WeChat.
WeChat is the essential "super app" for communication, payments, and services in China. Here's how to get started.
1. Download the App
1.1 For iOS (iPhone/iPad): Go to the App Store. Search for "WeChat" and download the official app developed by "Tencent Holdings Limited."
1.2 For Android: Go to the Google Play Store. Search for "WeChat" and download the official app by Tencent. If you don't have Google Play, you can securely download the APK from WeChat's official website.
2. Sign Up for an Account
2.1 Open the WeChat app and tap "Sign Up."
2.2 You will be required to agree to the service terms and privacy policy.
2.3 Crucial Step: Account Registration Method.
Use your non-Chinese mobile number. Select your country code (e.g., +1 for USA, +44 for UK) and enter your personal phone number. This is the most reliable method for foreigners.
Avoid using an email address alone, as it often requires additional verification linked to a phone number.
3. Verify Your Identity
3.1 WeChat will send a 6-digit SMS verification code to the phone number you provided. Enter it to proceed.
3.2 Due to security and anti-spam measures, you may need a "friend verification." This requires an existing WeChat user (who has had an account for over 6 months and is not blocked) to scan a QR code from your screen to confirm you are a real person. Plan ahead and ask a friend, colleague, or your hotel concierge to assist if this step appears.
4. Complete Your Profile
After verification, set up your profile:
4.1 Profile Photo & Name: Choose a name (can be your real name or nickname).
4.2 WeChat ID: Create a unique ID (like a username). This can be shared with others to find you instead of giving your phone number.
5. Essential Post-Setup Steps for Use in China
To fully use WeChat in China, especially for payments, complete these verifications before your trip if possible:
Add a Payment Method (WeChat Pay):
5.1 Go to "Me" > "Services" > "Wallet."
5.2 Add your international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). WeChat now supports linking many foreign cards directly.
5.3 Follow the prompts to verify your identity, which usually requires uploading a photo of your passport. This process can take a few minutes to a day to approve.
Enable International Data Roaming on your phone plan or purchase a Chinese SIM card/eSIM upon arrival, as you will need mobile data for almost all functions.
Important Tips & Notes:
1. Friend Verification: This is the most common hurdle. Having a trusted contact ready to assist is highly recommended.
2. WeChat Pay: While linking a foreign card works for many payments (hotels, restaurants, chain stores), it does NOT work for peer-to-peer transfers or receiving red packets. For full functionality, a Chinese bank account is needed.
3. Security: Only download from official sources. Never use unofficial "modded" versions.
4. Alternatives: For communication only, consider WhatsApp or Telegram. However, note they are often restricted within Mainland China without a VPN, and are not used by locals for daily life.
Summary: Download from your official app store, sign up with your foreign phone number, complete SMS and possible friend verification, and then set up WeChat Pay with your passport and international card before traveling.
Enjoy using WeChat!
Here is a step-by-step guide in English on how a foreigner can download and set up WeChat.
WeChat is the essential "super app" for communication, payments, and services in China. Here's how to get started.
1. Download the App
1.1 For iOS (iPhone/iPad): Go to the App Store. Search for "WeChat" and download the official app developed by "Tencent Holdings Limited."
1.2 For Android: Go to the Google Play Store. Search for "WeChat" and download the official app by Tencent. If you don't have Google Play, you can securely download the APK from WeChat's official website.
2. Sign Up for an Account
2.1 Open the WeChat app and tap "Sign Up."
2.2 You will be required to agree to the service terms and privacy policy.
2.3 Crucial Step: Account Registration Method.
Use your non-Chinese mobile number. Select your country code (e.g., +1 for USA, +44 for UK) and enter your personal phone number. This is the most reliable method for foreigners.
Avoid using an email address alone, as it often requires additional verification linked to a phone number.
3. Verify Your Identity
3.1 WeChat will send a 6-digit SMS verification code to the phone number you provided. Enter it to proceed.
3.2 Due to security and anti-spam measures, you may need a "friend verification." This requires an existing WeChat user (who has had an account for over 6 months and is not blocked) to scan a QR code from your screen to confirm you are a real person. Plan ahead and ask a friend, colleague, or your hotel concierge to assist if this step appears.
4. Complete Your Profile
After verification, set up your profile:
4.1 Profile Photo & Name: Choose a name (can be your real name or nickname).
4.2 WeChat ID: Create a unique ID (like a username). This can be shared with others to find you instead of giving your phone number.
5. Essential Post-Setup Steps for Use in China
To fully use WeChat in China, especially for payments, complete these verifications before your trip if possible:
Add a Payment Method (WeChat Pay):
5.1 Go to "Me" > "Services" > "Wallet."
5.2 Add your international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). WeChat now supports linking many foreign cards directly.
5.3 Follow the prompts to verify your identity, which usually requires uploading a photo of your passport. This process can take a few minutes to a day to approve.
Enable International Data Roaming on your phone plan or purchase a Chinese SIM card/eSIM upon arrival, as you will need mobile data for almost all functions.
Important Tips & Notes:
1. Friend Verification: This is the most common hurdle. Having a trusted contact ready to assist is highly recommended.
2. WeChat Pay: While linking a foreign card works for many payments (hotels, restaurants, chain stores), it does NOT work for peer-to-peer transfers or receiving red packets. For full functionality, a Chinese bank account is needed.
3. Security: Only download from official sources. Never use unofficial "modded" versions.
4. Alternatives: For communication only, consider WhatsApp or Telegram. However, note they are often restricted within Mainland China without a VPN, and are not used by locals for daily life.
Summary: Download from your official app store, sign up with your foreign phone number, complete SMS and possible friend verification, and then set up WeChat Pay with your passport and international card before traveling.
Enjoy using WeChat!