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setup · Last verified: 2026-10
WeChat is asking me to have a friend verify my registration — can I skip this?
You can't skip it, but you don't need to know someone in China beforehand. Ask your hotel front desk staff, a guide, or post in a travel forum — most people are happy to scan your code.
Step by step
- 1When WeChat shows the 'invite a friend' screen, tap 'Ask a Friend to Verify'.
- 2You'll get a QR code with a 1-hour expiry.
- 3Ask any WeChat user to scan it — hotel staff are the most reliable option.
- 4The helper needs: a WeChat account with WeChat Pay enabled, account older than 6 months.
- 5After they scan and confirm, your WeChat registration completes and you can set up WeChat Pay.
Common mistakes
- !The QR code expires in 1 hour — have someone ready before generating it.
- !If WeChat asks for a sponsor, Alipay usually doesn't — consider setting up Alipay first.