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How to activate WeChat (China)

Who needs this?

 

First-time WeChat Pay (Weixin) recipients of an international transfer. Activation must be completed within 48 hours of the notification, or the transfer is cancelled and refunded.

 

What your recipient needs

 

  • WeChat app (logged in with their number).
  • Mainland China bank card linked to WeChat Pay (required even if choosing “WeChat Balance”).
  • Valid ID for real-name/face verification.
  • A working mobile number (to receive SMS/OTP).

 

How it works

 

  1. Sender sends money
  2. Recipient gets SMS or a WeChat message card
  3. Opens the WeRemit (Tenpay) mini-program
  4. Authorize account & choose receiving method (WeChat Balance or linked bank card)
  5. Face verification & fill personal details
  6. Agree & sign service terms
  7. If purpose is Family, confirm relationship

  8. Done, funds usually arrive within minutes

     

Step-by-step guide (Tutorial in Simplified Chinese (简体中文)) 

1) Open the activation

 

  • Tap the SMS link or the WeChat message card the sender shared.
  • The WeRemit mini-program opens → tap “下一步 / Next step.”
     


 

2) Choose where to receive

 

  • Tap “授权 / Authorize.”
  • Pick WeChat Balance or a linked bank card

 

3) Verify identity

 

  • Tap “验证 / Verify” to complete face recognition.
  • Fill in region, address, occupation, ID dates, and bound phone.

 


 

4) Accept terms & (if Family) confirm relationship

 

  • Read and agree to the WeRemit Service Agreement and Privacy.
  • If the transfer reason is Family, select the correct relationship (e.g., spouse/parent).
  • WeChat may request supporting documents in some cases.

 

 

5) Done: wait for credit

 

  • You’ll see “收款操作完成，等待到账 / Collection complete, waiting for funds.”
  • Wallet: typically minutes.
  • Bank card: shows an ETA (e.g., “预计…到账 [Bank] (****)”).
     

 

Track the status

 

  • In WeChat, follow the “微汇款 / WeRemit” Official Account to get instant notifications, or
  • Open the WeRemit mini-program and check “我的订单 / My Orders.”
     


 

Having issues? (quick fixes)
 

  • No SMS received: Ask the sender to share the activation link in WeChat.
  • Can’t open the link: Open WeChat → search “微汇款” → tap “立即体验 / Experience Now.”
  • No linked card: Add a Mainland bank card to WeChat Pay, then return and choose it.
  • Face verification failed: Ensure good lighting and stable connection; try again.
  • Family purpose: Choose the correct relationship; upload documents if prompted.
  • 48h expired: The transfer is cancelled and refunded. Ask the sender to resend after you finish setup.

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