How to Create a Baidu Account from Outside China
Shopping on Taobao is usually straightforward for me. However, I recently encountered an issue where I purchased a digital item, and the seller provided a download link via Baidu Cloud. Baidu Cloud is similar to Dropbox but is China’s version. Consequently, accessing the purchased digital files requires a Baidu account. But there’s a catch: registering for Baidu requries a Chinese phone number.
As someone outside China, acquiring a Chinese phone number is challenging. This situation led me to explore alternative methods to register a Baidu account as a foreigner without a Chinese phone number. If you’re facing a similar dilemma in obtaining a Baidu account, this guide could be beneficial.
When you visit Baidu.com and switch to the English version, you’ll notice that there is no apparent option to register for an account.
![Baidu Homepage](https://assets.hongkiat.com/uploads/register-baidu-account-oversea/baidu-homepage.jpg)
The option to sign up is concealed within the “Log in” button.
![Baidu Sign Up](https://assets.hongkiat.com/uploads/register-baidu-account-oversea/baidu-sign-up.jpg)
Attempting to sign up here typically fails, as it requires a Chinese phone number for verification.
![Registration Phone Number Error](https://assets.hongkiat.com/uploads/register-baidu-account-oversea/registration-phone-number-error.jpg)
Signing up directly via Baidu.com’s official website doesn’t work. However, I discovered that adding ?reg&overseas=1
to the URL https://passport.baidu.com/v2/
allows non-Chinese residents to register.
The complete URL is: https://passport.baidu.com/v2/?reg&overseas=1
![Baidu Oversea Sign Up Page](https://assets.hongkiat.com/uploads/register-baidu-account-oversea/baidu-oversea-sign-up-page.jpg)
You simply need to provide the correct country code for your phone, a phone number, a username, and a password. Then click “get verification code,” verify your phone number, and you’re set!
However, I encountered an issue where the verification code was labeled “Likely-SCAM” and was hidden.
![Likely Scam](https://assets.hongkiat.com/uploads/register-baidu-account-oversea/likely-scam.jpg)
If you don’t receive your verification code via SMS, check your text inbox’s spam folder.
And that’s it! Now you know how to sign up for a Baidu account, giving you access to its search engine, Baidu Cloud, and other services. I hope this guide is helpful!