Step-by-step guide: purchase, activate your Chinese number, link it to WeChat or your car app, renew the subscription. Works with Lixiang, Zeekr, Voyah, NIO and other Chinese services.
Key facts: 15 min full activation, no VPN for the app itself, WeChat / cars main use cases.
Step 1. Purchase eSender
eSender is sold as a subscription to a virtual Chinese phone number. Available through our marketplace โ pay by card or crypto, instant code delivery to your email.
| Plan | Price | When to choose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | see listing | For a one-time check or short-term use |
| 3 months | see listing | Save ~15% compared to three separate months |
| 6 months | see listing | Save ~23% โ ideal for car owners |
| 12 months | see listing | Save ~36% โ best value for continuous use |
Check listing for current prices.
Step 2. Download the eSender app
- On iPhone (iOS) โ Switch your App Store region to China, search for eSender and download it. Or use the link from the post-purchase email.
- Android โ Download the APK from the official eSender website or via Google Play with a Chinese account. APK installation is safe โ this is the official app.
- Windows / Mac โ The desktop version is available on the official eSender website. Useful for managing your number and reading SMS without a smartphone.
Step 3. Activate the subscription and get your number
- Open the activation code email โ After purchase an email arrives with your activation code (serial number). Copy it.
- Enter the code in the eSender app โ Open eSender โ "Activate subscription" โ paste the code โ confirm. The subscription activates instantly.
- Receive your Chinese number โ After activation your Chinese number appears in the "My Number" section in the format +86 1XX XXX XXXX. Note it down โ you will need it when registering with services.
- Test SMS reception โ In the "Inbox" or "SMS" section you will receive all messages sent to this number. Incoming SMS arrive in the app in real time.
Step 4. Link to the required service
- Open WeChat โ "Sign up"
- Select region "+86 China"
- Enter your number from eSender
- Request an SMS code โ receive it in eSender โ enter it in WeChat
- Complete registration: name, password, avatar
Lixiang (Li Auto) app
- Download "็ๆณๆฑฝ่ฝฆ" from the Chinese App Store or as an APK
- When registering, enter your eSender number (+86)
- Receive the SMS in eSender and enter the code in the app
- Link your car's VIN (found on the door jamb plate)
Zeekr / Voyah / NIO
The process is the same for all Chinese car apps: select China (+86), enter your eSender number, receive the SMS in the app, enter the code. After verification, link your car's VIN.
Step 5. Renewing the subscription
The eSender app sends a notification before your subscription expires. To renew:
- Buy a new renewal code โ Purchase an eSender subscription of the required duration in our marketplace. The code will arrive by email.
- Enter the code in eSender โ Open eSender โ "Renew subscription" โ enter the new code. The time is added to your current period โ it is not lost if you renew early.
- Your number stays the same โ Your Chinese number remains unchanged. All services linked to it (WeChat, your car) continue to work without re-registration.
Important: Renew before the subscription expires. If it lapses, the number may be reassigned to another user and you will have to re-link your services.
FAQ
What is eSender and why do I need it?
eSender is a virtual Chinese phone number service. It is required for registering and using apps that need a Chinese number: WeChat, Lixiang ONE, Zeekr, Voyah, NIO and other Chinese car and service apps.
How long does eSender activation take?
The activation process itself takes 5โ15 minutes. After purchase the activation code arrives by email. Entering it in the eSender app and registering your Chinese number with the required service all fits within 15 minutes.
Does eSender work without a VPN?
The eSender app itself works without a VPN. However some Chinese services (WeChat, certain car features) may require a Chinese IP for initial setup. After the first login many functions work without a VPN.
What happens when the eSender subscription expires?
The number is deactivated after expiry. If you linked this number to WeChat or your car, renew before it expires. After expiry some services may require re-verification via SMS.
Can one eSender number be used for multiple services?
Yes. A single eSender Chinese number can be linked to several apps simultaneously: WeChat, your car app, and others. You just need an active subscription.
What should I do if the SMS verification code does not arrive?
Wait 2โ3 minutes and request a resend. If the SMS still does not come: confirm the number is active in the eSender app, try a voice call if the service offers that option, or contact eSender support.