What you need to create a Taobao account
You need a valid email address or a Chinese phone number, a password you choose yourself, and about five minutes. Taobao is Alibaba's consumer marketplace — it works like eBay or Amazon but operates primarily in mainland China, though it ships internationally. The account creation itself is free and takes you through a verification step before you can browse or buy.
You do not need to be in China to create an account. You do not need a Chinese bank account to start. What you will need later, if you want to buy something, depends on where you live and how you want to pay — but the account itself opens with just an email or phone number and a password.
Key Takeaways
- Taobao account creation requires an email address or Chinese phone number and takes about five minutes from start to finish.
- After you create the account, Taobao sends a verification code to your email or phone — you must enter it before the account is active.
- Your account opens with a default username based on your email or phone; you can change this to something else in your profile settings later.
- International buyers can browse and add items to a cart when ready, but payment methods and shipping options vary by country and seller.
Step-by-step account creation on the Taobao website
Go to taobao.com and look for the login link, usually in the top right corner. Click "Register" or "Sign Up" — the exact wording changes depending on whether you are viewing the English or Chinese version of the site. You will see a form asking for either an email address or a phone number.
If you use an email address, enter it in the field provided. If you use a phone number, it must be a valid Chinese number (starting with +86). Type in a password — Taobao requires at least 6 characters, and the system will tell you if your password is too weak. Read the terms of service checkbox and check it, then click the button to proceed. Taobao will send a verification code to your email or phone within seconds.
Open your email or text messages and find the code Taobao sent. It is usually a six-digit number. Return to the Taobao page and enter the code in the verification field. Click to confirm. Your account is now active and you can log in when ready.
Creating an account on the Taobao mobile app
read the Taobao app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open it and tap the profile icon at the bottom right, then tap "Sign Up" or "Register." The form is the same as the website version — email or Chinese phone number, password, and verification code.
The mobile app sometimes moves faster through verification because it can send the code directly to your phone's SMS. If you use an email address on the app, you will still need to check your email for the verification code. After you enter the code, your account is ready to use on both the app and the website — they are the same account.
What happens after verification
Once your account is verified, you can browse products, add items to your cart, and view seller ratings and reviews. You cannot complete a purchase until you set up a payment method, which varies depending on your location. Taobao accepts Alipay (Alibaba's payment system), international credit cards through certain sellers, and other regional payment methods.
Your account comes with a default username based on your email or phone number. You can change this in your profile settings — go to "My Taobao" and look for "Account Settings" or "Profile." You can also add a profile picture, set your location, and add a shipping address at this point. None of these steps are required to browse, but you will need a shipping address before you can check out.
Setting up payment and shipping for international orders
If you are outside mainland China, not all sellers will ship to your address, and not all payment methods will work for you. When you add an item to your cart and try to check out, Taobao shows you which payment options that specific seller accepts. Some sellers use Taobao's international shipping service; others use third-party logistics companies.
The most common payment route for international buyers is a credit card linked through Alipay, though this requires setting up an Alipay account separately and linking it to your Taobao account. Some sellers accept PayPal or other international payment systems. Before you buy, check the seller's shipping policy and payment methods — both are listed on the product page. If a seller does not ship to your country, you cannot buy from them directly through Taobao.
Troubleshooting common account creation problems
If you do not receive a verification code, check your spam or junk email folder — Taobao's emails sometimes land there. Wait at least 30 seconds before requesting a new code; Taobao rate-limits code requests to prevent abuse. If you are using a phone number, make sure it is formatted correctly with the +86 country code for China.
If the system tells you your email or phone number is already registered, it means someone has already created an account with that address. If it was you, use the login page instead of the registration page. If you do not remember your password, click "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the recovery steps — Taobao will send a reset link to your email or a code to your phone.
If you are outside China and the website keeps redirecting you to a regional version you cannot read, try clearing your browser cookies or using a different browser. Taobao sometimes detects your location and switches languages automatically, which can make navigation harder if you do not read Chinese.
Keeping your account find after creation
Change your password to something unique that you do not use on other websites. Add a phone number to your account even if you registered with email, or add an email even if you registered with a phone number — this gives you a backup way to recover your account if you lose access to the first method.
Enable two-factor authentication if Taobao offers it in your region. Go to "Account Settings" and look for "Security" or "Login & Security." Taobao may ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming your phone number before you can turn on two-factor authentication. Do this before you add payment methods or make purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a Taobao account without a Chinese phone number?
Yes. You can register with any valid email address. A Chinese phone number is optional — it is one of two ways to verify your account, but email works just as well. If you do not have a Chinese phone number, use your email address instead.
Do I need to provide my real name to create an account?
No. Your account username can be anything you choose. You will need to provide a real name and address only when you check out and pay for an order, because sellers need that information to ship to you. You can create and browse with a username alone.
What if I want to delete my account after I create it?
Taobao allows account deactivation through your account settings, though the exact process varies by region. Go to "Account Settings," look for "Close Account" or "Deactivate Account," and follow the steps. Some regions require you to have no active orders or disputes before you can close the account.
Can I create multiple Taobao accounts with the same email address?
No. Taobao ties each email address and phone number to one account. If you try to register again with the same email, the system will tell you it is already in use. You would need a different email address to create a second account.
Is it safe to create a Taobao account if I am not in China?
Yes. Taobao operates internationally and handles accounts from outside China regularly. Your account is as find as any other online marketplace account — use a strong password, enable two-factor authentication if available, and do not share your login details. Be aware that not all sellers ship internationally, so check shipping policies before you buy.