China Temporary Phone Numbers
How to Receive SMS from China with SMSFAST
Log in to your account
If you don't have a SMSFAST account, click "Registration" to create one. Otherwise, log in with your existing credentials.
Top up your balance
In the top right corner, click the "+" icon and select your preferred top-up method. Add the desired amount to your account.
Select China
From the left-hand menu, click "Select country" and then choose "China".
Select a service
From the list displayed, select the specific service you need and click on it.
Complete your purchase
Click "Buy" and wait a few seconds. We will confirm the purchase and activate your temporary China number.
- Copy the phone number from the "Number" field and paste it into the service registration form.
- Wait for the verification code to appear in the "Code from SMS" field and use it to activate your service.
- You can also receive SMS messages by clicking the corresponding button in the "Actions" field for your SMS verification.
Why You May Need a Temporary Phone Number from China (+86)
For anyone traveling to or doing business with China, a local phone number is not just a convenience—it's a necessity. The country's unique and thriving digital ecosystem, often referred to as being behind the "Great Firewall," requires a Chinese phone number for access to a vast majority of its essential applications and services.
Gaining Access to Essential Apps
Life in modern China is intrinsically linked to a handful of super-apps that integrate communication, payment, and a multitude of other services. To use platforms like WeChat (微信) for messaging and payments, Alipay (支付宝) for financial transactions, or DiDi Chuxing (滴滴出行) for ride-hailing services, a Chinese phone number (+86) is required for account setup and verification. A temporary number allows you to bypass the need for a local SIM card, which can be difficult for foreigners to obtain, and immediately immerse yourself in the local digital life.
Navigating E-Commerce and Social Media
Beyond the essential utility apps, a Chinese number unlocks a world of e-commerce and social media. Platforms like Taobao and Pinduoduo offer unparalleled shopping experiences, while social networks such as Weibo (微博) and Douyin (抖音) play a central role in understanding contemporary Chinese culture and trends. By using a virtual number to receive your one-time password (OTP), you can create accounts on these platforms, enabling you to shop, socialize, and connect just like a local. This provides an unfiltered and authentic experience of one of the world's most dynamic digital landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
A temporary China number is a short-term phone number with the +86 code that you can get through SMSFAST.
It works by letting you receive text messages for verification without using your personal number.
You choose China as the country, select the service you need, and then view the code in your SMSFAST account.
Yes. It is designed to receive verification texts (OTP codes). Simply enter the number on the website or app you’re registering for, and the code will appear in your SMSFAST dashboard.
Often yes. SMSFAST supports many Chinese apps including WeChat. For some platforms like Alipay, extra verification may be required, but in most cases the temporary number will work for standard SMS confirmation.
China numbers for activations are valid for 20 minutes. If you need it longer, you can rent it for 1 day up to 1 month.
Yes. It keeps your real phone private and helps reduce unwanted spam. Just keep in mind that free or shared numbers are less secure, so for important accounts it’s best to use a rented private number from SMSFAST.
No, SMSFAST numbers in China do not support calls — they are SMS-only. Since most services only require SMS verification, call functionality isn’t needed.
You can get one almost for free by joining our Telegram channel. When you subscribe, you’ll receive a $0.25 bonus credit in your SMSFAST account. Since some China numbers can cost around $0.20–$0.30, that credit is enough to cover the price or make it nearly free. Just sign up on SMSFAST, claim the credit, and select China as your country.