Here’s how to install WeChat, set up your profile, enable payments, and use its built-in features.
What is WeChat
WeChat is an app used in China for communication, payments, and accessing various services. It was developed by Tencent and has become one of the country’s key digital platforms.
WeChat includes:
- chats and voice/video calls
- a personal feed called Moments
- payments through WeChat Pay
- mini-apps for taxis, food delivery, tickets, medical appointments, university services, and more
All core functions work inside the app itself. Most shops, cafés, universities, and services rely on WeChat for both communication and payments.
For foreigners, it’s just as essential as it is for locals — being in China without WeChat is extremely difficult.
How to sign up for WeChat
The signup process starts with installing the app from the App Store or Google Play. After launching it, open the registration page, select your country, and enter your phone number. You’ll receive an SMS code to confirm that the number belongs to you. The app will then ask you to enter your profile name and photo, which you can add later.
After submitting your details, you’ll need to pass a mandatory verification step: WeChat checks that you’re not a robot — this may be a puzzle, matching similar images, or another simple test. At this stage, some users complete the process immediately, and the account moves straight to the first launch.
However, when registering outside China, the app often adds an extra security step: WeChat may require “friend verification.” In this case, a QR code will appear, which you need to send to someone with an active WeChat account. They confirm your registration through a special menu, after which your profile is activated.
