How to register in a Chinese game on Android: a complete guide with bypassing restrictions

Chinese mobile games are a separate universe with unique gameplay, generous bonuses for new players and, often, earlier releases of updates compared to global versions. However, access to them is complicated by the language barrier, regional restrictions and the need to use local accounts. If you tried to install Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail or Punishing Gray Raven via Chinese App Store or TapTap, but came across a registration error - this article is for you.

We will sort it out legal ways to create an account without using dubious ones services, we will explain how to bypass IP blocking, and we will warn you against typical mistakes due to which your account can be blocked even at the registration stage. We will pay special attention linking a Chinese phone number - without it, many games simply will not allow you to pass verification. Spoiler: it's easier than it seems and does not require buying a SIM card in China.

⚠️ Important: Registration rules in Chinese games change more often than firmware on Xiaomi. If after reading the article something does not work, check the current requirements on the official website of the game or in the community (for example, on Reddit or Bilibili).

1. Why are Chinese versions of games better than global ones?

Before diving into technical details, let's take a look at why a Chinese version is needed at all if there is a global one. Here are three key reasons:

• 🎁 Generous starting bonuses. In China, games often give away exclusive skins, currency, and characters for first logins. For example, in Genshin Impact Chinese players received privileged accounts with unique artifacts.
• 📅 Early access to updates. New events, characters and mechanics are first tested on Chinese servers, and only then released to global ones. The difference can reach 2-3 weeks.
• 💰 Cheaper donations. Prices in Chinese stores (for example, Mi Pay or WeChat Pay) are often lower due to local discounts and promotions. Plus, there are exclusive payment methods that are not available abroad.

But there is also a downside: language barrier (although many games support English in the settings), risk of ban when using a VPN and difficulties with linking payment methods. If this doesn’t scare you, read on.

⚠️ Attention: Some games (for example, Tower of Fantasy) block accounts with non-Chinese IPs at the entrance. This does not mean that you can’t play - you just have to use VPN always, and not just at the registration stage.

2. Registration methods: which account to choose?

In China there is no unified account system, like Google Play or Game Center. Each game supports its own set of services for authorization. Here are the main options:

Service	Supported games	Registration complexity	Do you need to link your phone
miHoYo Account (HoYoverse)	Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Tears of Themis	Average	Yes (Chinese number)
QQ International	Punishing Gray Raven, Arknights, Onmyoji	Easy	No (but needed for recovery)
WeChat	Moonlight Blade, Perfect World Mobile	Difficult	Yes (required)
Bilibili	Fate/Grand Order, Princess Connect! Re:Dive	Medium	Yes (Chinese number)

The most popular among foreign players are miHoYo Account i QQ International. The first is suitable for fans HoYoverse, the second is universal for most MMORPGs. WeChat and Bilibili require more effort, but give access to exclusives.

🔹 Tip: If the game supports several authorization methods, choose the one where no need to link your phone (for example, QQ). This will make it easier to restore your account in the future.

3. Step-by-step guide: registration via miHoYo Account

Using an example Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail let's look at the most common method. You will need:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android (or emulator type BlueStacks)
• 🌐 VPN with servers in China (for example, ExpressVPN, NordVPN)
• 📞 Virtual Chinese phone number (services below)

Step 1. Install a VPN and connect to China

Run VPN and select a server in Shanghai or BeijingCheck your IP via the website ip.cn —it should show the Chinese region. Without this step, the game will not allow you to register.

Step 2. Download the Chinese version of the game

Games from HoYoverse you can download:

• 🔗 Via the official website: https://ys.mihoyo.com (for Genshin Impact) or https://hsr.mihoyo.com (for Honkai: Star Rail).
• 📱 Via TapTap (Chinese analogue (requires registration). select Google Play). Download APK from the website taptap.cn.
• 🤖 Via QooApp — Asian games store (registration required).

Step 3. Start registering for the game

On first launch, select 米哈游账号 (miHoYo Account) and click 注册 (register). Fill in:

• 📧 Email (you can use any, even Gmail)
• 🔑 Password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters)
• 📞 Number phone (Chinese, see next section)

VPN connected to China|Chinese version of the game has been downloaded (not global)|Chinese phone number is ready|Email is not used in other miHoYo accounts-->

⚠️ Attention: If an error appears during registration 该手机号已被注册 ("this number is already registered"), it means that the virtual number has already been used Try another one. or wait 24 hours.

4. Where can I get a Chinese phone number for verification?

Without a Chinese number, you won’t be able to register in most games. Fortunately, you don’t need to go to China or buy a local SIM card:

Method 1. Virtual number services

Platforms like SMS-Activate, 5sim or OnlineSIM sell temporary Chinese numbers for receiving SMS. Cost - from 10 to 50 rubles per number.

1. Select country China (China) and service miHoYo, Tencent or WeChat (depending on the game).
2. Buy a number and enter it into the registration form.
3. Wait for an SMS with a code (usually arrives within 1-5 minutes).

Method 2. Toll-free numbers from Tencent (for QQ)

If you register via QQ International, you can use the built-in verification system. When registering, select the option 使用手机号注册 and follow the instructions - sometimes the system offers a free virtual number.

Method 3. Help from friends or community

On forums like 4PDA or Reddit (game subreddits) often share verification numbers. It’s risky (you might run into scammers), but if there are no other options, try it.

🔹 Important: Numbers from services like SMS-Activate sometimes are blocked. If the code is not received, try another service or wait an hour.

What to do if the SMS does not arrive?

1. Check if your VPN is blocking SMS (try disabling it for 1-2 minutes).

2. Make sure that the number supports the game service (for example, miHoYo not all Chinese operators are suitable).

3. Try another virtual number service - they have 5sim and SMS-Activate different pools of numbers.

4. If all else fails, write to number service support - sometimes they can issue the code manually.

5. Bypassing blocks: VPN, proxies and alternative methods

Even after successful registration, you may be disappointed: the game does not start or displays an error 网络连接异常 ("network connection error"). This means that the game server is blocking your IP. Solutions:

Problem 1: The game does not start without a VPN

Some games (for example, Tower of Fantasy) require a Chinese IP not only for registration, but also for playing. Solution:

• 🔄 Use VPN with servers in China constantly during the game.
• ⚡ If VPN slows down, try proxy (for example, through Shadowrocket on iOS or ProxyDroid on Android).

Problem 2: Account blocked for “suspicious activity”

If you often change IP or use the same account from different devices, the game may consider this to be fraud. To avoid a ban:

• 📍 Link your account to one device and do not change VPN unnecessarily.
• 🔐 Do not share your account with other players.
• 📧 Confirm your email - this reduces the risk of a ban.

Problem 3: Error 实名认证 (identity verification)

Some games (for example, Perfect World Mobile) require passport verification. It is almost impossible to get around this, but you can:

• 🎭 Use the account of a friend from China (risky).
• 🔄 Try another game - not all require 实名认证.

⚠️ Attention: Free VPN (such as Hola or Turbo VPN) are often blocked by Chinese servers.

1. Is the VPN connected to China.

2. Has your IP changed (sometimes the VPN crashes).

3. Does the game require additional verification (SMS or email).-->

6. Alternative methods: emulators, APK and bypass without VPN

If registration through official methods does not work, there are workarounds. They are less reliable, but sometimes they save.

Method 1. Emulators with pre-installed services

Emulators like MuMu Player or LDPlayer have built-in Chinese services (QQ, WeChat). Algorithm:

1. Download the emulator from the official website.
2. In the emulator settings, select the region China.
3. Install the game via the built-in one App Store (for example, TapTap in MuMu).
4. Register via QQ or WeChat without VPN.

Method 2. Modified APK

Some games have "international" versions of APK that do not require a Chinese IP. You need to look for them on forums like 4PDA or APKMirror. Risk: such files may contain viruses or be outdated.

Method 3. Buying a ready-made account

On sites like PlayerAuctions or G2G they sell Chinese accounts with linked numbers. Prices start from 500 rubles.. Disadvantages:

• 🚨 Risk of getting a banned account.
• 🔄 Difficult to restore if you forget the data.

⚠️ Attention: Modified APKs may violate the rules of the game. Use them at your own risk - your account may be blocked without possibility. recovery.

7. Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Errors when registering in Chinese games often lead to account loss or permanent ban:

Error	Cause	Solution
手机号已被注册	Phone number is already in use	Take a new virtual number
网络连接异常	IP is not from China or VPN is blocked	Change VPN server or use a proxy
实名认证失败	Identity verification failed	Try another game or account with a linked one Chinese ID
账号异常	Account blocked for suspicious activity	Write to game support with an explanation

🔹 Tip: If the game gives an error in Chinese, copy it to Google Translate - this will help understand the problem.

⚠️ Attention: Never use the same phone number to register in several games. Services like miHoYo block such numbers forever.

8. FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Can I play without a VPN after registration?

Depends on the game. Genshin Impact i Honkai: Star Rail from HoYoverse sometimes work without a VPN, but may give errors when login. Punishing Gray Raven i Arknights usually require a Chinese IP all the time. Test it experimentally: turn off the VPN and try logging in. If an error appears, turn the VPN back on.

What to do if your account is blocked?

Write to game support in Chinese (you can via Google Translate). Indicate:

• Account ID or linked email;
• a screenshot of the error;
• an explanation that you did not break the rules (for example: “I used a VPN for registration, but not for cheating”).

The answer may come in 1–7 days. The chances of being unbanned are about 50%.

Is it possible to link a Chinese account to a global one?

No, this is impossible. Chinese and global servers are separate ecosystems. However, some games (for example Arknights) allow transfer progress from the Chinese server to the global one upon official release. Please clarify this in the game announcements.

How to pay for purchases in the Chinese version?

Most Chinese games support:

• WeChat Pay or Alipay (Chinese bank account required account);
• gift cards (QQ Coin, Mi Pay);
• payment terminals (for example, UnionPay).

For foreigners, the easiest way is to buy gift cards on Taobao or through intermediaries (for example, SEAGM).The prices there are lower than in the global versions.

Is it legal to use a VPN for the game?

From a legal point of view, yes, VPN it is not prohibited. — gray method. In most cases, an account will not be banned just for using a VPN, but if you are also cheating, a ban is guaranteed. HoYoverse and Tencent they do not officially ban VPN, but do not recommend it either.