What you need to create a Taobao account

You need a valid email address or a phone number registered in mainland China, plus a password you create yourself. Taobao is owned by Alibaba and operates primarily in Chinese, though the interface can be switched to English. The account creation itself takes about five minutes, but linking a payment method and verifying your identity for certain features takes longer.

If you are outside mainland China, you can still create an account using an international email address, but you will not be able to use all features — particularly seller functions and certain payment methods — without a Chinese phone number and ID verification. Most international buyers use Taobao through third-party shopping services instead of creating their own account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create a Taobao account with an email address or Chinese phone number in about five minutes through the official Taobao website or mobile app.
  • After account creation, you must set a payment method and complete real-name verification to buy items or use seller features.
  • International users without a Chinese phone number or ID can create an account but will have limited access to buying and selling functions.
  • Your account login credentials are separate from your Alipay wallet, which is Taobao's primary payment system and requires additional setup.

Step-by-step account creation on the website

Go to taobao.com and look for the login or registration link, usually in the top right corner. Click "Register" or "Sign Up" and choose whether to use an email address or phone number. If you use a phone number, it must be a valid Chinese mainland number; if you use email, any email address works.

Enter your chosen email or phone number, then create a password at least six characters long. Taobao will send a verification code to your email or phone — enter that code in the field provided. Choose a username (this is what other users see, separate from your login email), then click to confirm. Your account is now active.

You will be prompted to set up Alipay, Taobao's payment system. You can skip this step initially, but you will need to complete it before making any purchase. The setup process asks for your real name and ID number if you want full account features.

Creating an account through the Taobao mobile app

Download the Taobao app from your device's app store (iOS or Android). Open the app and tap the profile or account icon at the bottom of the screen. Select "Register" or "Sign Up" and follow the same process as the website: enter email or phone, create a password, verify with the code sent to you, and choose a username.

The mobile app often prompts you to link Alipay immediately after registration. You can complete this during setup or return to it later through your account settings. The app version is faster for browsing but has the same account requirements as the website.

Linking Alipay and setting up payment

Alipay is Taobao's payment system and is required to make purchases. After creating your Taobao account, go to your account settings and select "Payment Methods" or "Alipay Wallet." You will be asked to link an Alipay account — you can create a new one or link an existing one.

To set up Alipay, you need your real name and a valid ID number (for mainland China users, this is your ID card number). You will also need to link a bank account or provide payment details. International users can sometimes use international payment methods through Alipay, but this varies by country and bank.

Once Alipay is linked, you can add a backup payment method. Some sellers accept other payment options, but Alipay is the default and most reliable method on Taobao.

Real-name verification and account limits

Taobao requires real-name verification for most transactions. This means providing your legal name and ID number, which Taobao verifies against government records in mainland China. Without verification, your account will have spending limits and you cannot sell items.

To verify your identity, go to your account settings and select "Real-Name Verification" or "Identity Verification." Enter your full legal name and ID number, then submit. Verification usually takes 24 to 48 hours. Once approved, you will have full access to buying and selling features.

If you are an international user without a Chinese ID, you can still create an account and browse, but you cannot complete purchases or become a seller. Some international shipping services work around this by creating accounts on your behalf, though this violates Taobao's terms of service.

What to do if account creation fails

If you receive an error message during registration, the most common causes are: the email or phone number is already registered to another account, your password does not meet requirements (too short or contains invalid characters), or the verification code expired. Verification codes are usually valid for 10 to 15 minutes.

If the phone number or email is already in use, try a different one. If you forgot which email you used for a previous account, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page and enter the email or phone you think you used — Taobao will confirm whether an account exists. If the verification code expired, request a new one.

If you continue to have problems, contact Taobao customer service through the Help Center on the website. Response times vary, but you should expect a reply within 24 to 48 hours.

Keeping your account secure after creation

After your account is active, change your password to something unique that you do not use on other websites. Enable two-factor authentication if available in your account settings — this usually involves linking your phone number or email for verification codes when you log in from a new device.

Do not share your password or verification codes with anyone, including Taobao staff. Taobao will never ask for your password through email or message. If you receive a message claiming to be from Taobao asking for personal information, it is likely a phishing attempt — do not respond.

Review your account settings regularly to check linked payment methods and recent login activity. If you see unfamiliar logins or linked payment methods you did not add, change your password immediately and contact Taobao support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a Taobao account without a Chinese phone number?

Yes, you can use an email address instead. However, without a Chinese phone number and ID verification, you will have limited access to buying and selling features. Most international buyers use third-party shopping services rather than creating their own account.

What happens if I forget my Taobao password?

Go to the login page and click "Forgot Password." Enter your registered email or phone number, and Taobao will send a verification code. Use that code to reset your password. You will need access to the email or phone number associated with your account.

Can I have more than one Taobao account?

Taobao allows multiple accounts per person, but each must use a different email address or phone number. However, linking multiple accounts to the same payment method or Alipay wallet may trigger fraud detection. Keep accounts separate if you create more than one.

Do I need to verify my identity immediately after creating an account?

No, but you will need to complete real-name verification before making purchases or selling items. You can browse without verification, but your account will have spending limits. Verification usually takes 24 to 48 hours once you submit your information.

What if my account gets locked or suspended?

Accounts are usually locked for security reasons — too many failed login attempts, suspicious activity, or payment issues. Check your email for a message from Taobao explaining why. Follow the instructions in that email to unlock your account, which usually involves verifying your identity or changing your password.