You can now create a Bilibili account without Chinese phone number. Since the international app relaunch in August 2026, Bilibili accepts an email address, an international phone number, or a Google login, and it no longer asks overseas users for a passport or government ID. The fastest route is to install the international Bilibili app from Google Play, tap Sign Up, choose email, confirm the code, and pick a username.
This guide is built from Bilibili's August 2026 relaunch announcement and reporting from multiple technology outlets, and it separates what is confirmed from what is still rolling out. Bilibili has been expanding quickly, so details such as iPhone support may change. Where a feature is not final, you will see a clear note.
Why Bilibili Used to Require a Chinese Phone Number
Bilibili was built first for viewers in mainland China. Its account system followed the same logic as most large Chinese platforms: a mainland phone number was the main way to confirm that a real person owned an account. A number starting with +86 worked as a spam filter and as a light identity check, because mainland SIM cards are tied to the owner's registered identity.
For people outside China, that design created two separate problems.
The first was the phone number itself. Unless you lived in China or had a roaming SIM with a Chinese number, you could not receive the verification code, so you could not finish registration on the main Chinese app.
The second was identity verification. Bilibili did allow overseas users to take part, but anyone who wanted to post content had to submit a passport or a comparable government ID. Many creators were uncomfortable sharing identity documents with a platform they were only testing, and many simply gave up.
As a result, a large international audience watched Bilibili content secondhand through reuploads on other platforms, or used the site without an account. Without an account you could not comment, send the scrolling comments Bilibili is famous for, follow creators, or reliably unlock higher video quality. The demand was obvious. The sign up process was the barrier.
Understanding this history also explains why so many outdated guides still mention virtual numbers, borrowed accounts, and other tricks. Those workarounds were built for a problem that, for most overseas users, no longer exists.
What Changed in August 2026
On August 19, 2026, Bilibili relaunched its international app on Android. The change that matters most for readers of this guide is that the identity verification requirement was removed for the international version. You no longer need to upload a passport or national ID to register.
Here is what the relaunch means in practice:
The sign up methods are broader. Reports on the new app describe three options: an email address, an international phone number, and a third party login such as a Google account. The exact options shown to you can vary slightly by region while the rollout continues.
The country code selector is real. The login screen lets you pick your own country code instead of forcing a +86 number.
The content library is bigger. The international app now carries user made videos and licensed anime, rather than only a limited set of features such as voice chat and posts. Chinese and international content appear together in one feed.
The company is investing in the audience. Bilibili has said an English language website is in progress and has been hiring community managers in cities including Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, São Paulo, Istanbul, and Tokyo, along with staff for AI assisted moderation.
There is also an important limit to understand. The change applies to the international app. The domestic Chinese app, and some locked titles on connected comic and reading platforms, may still ask for a Chinese number. If a guide tells you the Chinese number requirement disappeared everywhere, it is overstating the change.
Which Bilibili App Should You Download?
Bilibili now has more than one app, and choosing the wrong one is the most common reason a sign up fails.
The international Bilibili app. This is the one you want. On Google Play it is identified by a pink icon with a small globe symbol, which separates it from the standard Chinese version. It shows a country code selector at login and supports email, international phone, and Google sign in. It is available on Android in supported regions.
The domestic Chinese Bilibili app. This version is designed for users in mainland China. It expects a +86 number and may apply different rules for uploading and verification. Overseas users should generally avoid it unless they already have a working Chinese account.
Older overseas apps and lookalikes. Some third party sites offer APK files with names like "Bilibili English" or "Bilibili Premium." Treat these with caution. An unofficial file can contain adware or steal login details, and you cannot tell what it does with your password. Stick with the official store listing published by Bilibili.
To check that you have the right app, open the Google Play listing and look at the developer name, the number of downloads, and the globe icon. If the app opens straight to a +86 only login screen, you probably installed the domestic version.
If you prefer a computer, you can also visit the Bilibili website. Be aware that language options and international sign up behavior on the website may differ from the app while the English site is still being built.
What You Need Before You Sign Up
Preparation takes about five minutes and prevents most registration errors. Here is a short checklist.
An Android phone or tablet. The international app launched on Android first. If you use an iPhone, read the next section before you begin.
A working email address. An email you check regularly is the most dependable option because it avoids carrier problems with international text messages. Use a personal address you control, not a shared one, since this is where password resets will go.
Or an international phone number. Most numbers from supported countries work, but text delivery depends on your carrier. If you plan to use a phone number, make sure international SMS is not blocked on your plan.
Or a Google account. If you are already signed in to Google on your device, third party login is the quickest path. It also removes the need to remember another password.
A stable internet connection. Verification codes can expire in about 60 seconds, so a weak connection can cause a failed attempt. Wi Fi is usually more reliable than a congested mobile network, though switching between the two is a good troubleshooting step.
A password manager or a safe place for your credentials. Choose a unique password. Bilibili's own password rules have been reported as roughly six to twenty characters, but a longer random password is better.
You do not need a Chinese phone number, a passport, a VPN, or a virtual number for the standard process.
Step by Step: Create Your Bilibili Account
Follow these steps on the international Android app.
Step 1: Install the right app. Open Google Play, search for Bilibili, and choose the listing with the pink icon and small globe symbol. Check that the publisher is Bilibili. If the app does not appear, it may not be available in your region yet (see the availability section below).
Step 2: Open the app and tap Log In or Sign Up. The first screen may offer a language choice. Select English or your preferred language.
Step 3: Choose your sign up method. You will usually see these options:
- Email address
- Phone number with a country code selector
- Google or another third party login
If you do not have a Chinese phone number, email or Google is the simplest choice.
Step 4: Enter your details. For email, type your address carefully and request a verification code. For phone, select your own country code first, then enter your number without the leading zero if your country normally uses one.
Step 5: Enter the verification code. Check your inbox or messages and type the code before it expires. If you use email, check your spam and promotions folders.
Step 6: Set a password and username. Choose a strong password. Your username is public, so avoid using your real full name, your email handle, or details you would not want strangers to see.
Step 7: Pick your interests. The app will ask you to select content categories such as anime, gaming, music, technology, or lifestyle. This tunes your home feed, and you can change it later.
Step 8: Complete your profile. Add an avatar and a short bio if you want. You can leave these blank and finish later.
Step 9: Confirm that you are signed in. Open your profile tab and verify that your username appears. Try playing a video and opening the comments to confirm everything works.
If you want help checking your own content quality later, the Bilipedia tools hub collects free utilities for Bilibili users: Explore Bilipedia tools.
What iPhone Users Should Do
At the time of writing, the August 2026 relaunch covers Android. Bilibili has signaled that iOS is coming, along with an English website, but I could not confirm a firm release date. Because rollout plans change, check the App Store directly before assuming either way.
Here are your realistic options if you use an iPhone:
Search the App Store first. Look for the official Bilibili international listing. If it has appeared since this guide was written, install it and follow the same steps above. Check the developer name and the icon before downloading.
Try the website in your mobile browser. The Bilibili website is reachable worldwide. Sign up options may be more limited than in the app, and the English interface is still in progress, but browsing and basic account tasks may work.
Borrow an Android device temporarily. If you only need to create the account, you can register on an Android phone or tablet and then log in on other devices where supported. This is a safe and simple option when you have access to a second device.
Be careful with workarounds. Changing your Apple ID region or installing from unofficial sources can cause payment problems, data loss, or security risks. Wait for official support when you can.
If you are not in a hurry, the safest plan is to bookmark the App Store listing page and check back. Official support is better than any shortcut.
Is Bilibili Available in Your Country?
Bilibili has been reachable from outside China for years, and the international app was described as rolling out worldwide on Android. That does not mean every feature is available in every country on the same day, so treat availability as a spectrum.
Several things can differ by location:
App store visibility. The listing may be missing in some countries or regions while rollout continues. If you cannot find it, check again later and confirm your Google Play country setting.
Sign up options. The choices on screen, including phone number, email, and Google login, can vary slightly by region.
Licensed content. Anime and other licensed titles are often limited by territory, just as on other streaming services. A show that is available in one country can be blocked in another because of rights agreements.
Payments and memberships. Prices and payment methods can vary. As of 2026, Bilibili's officially listed Premium Membership has been reported at around 15 yuan per month, though your local price and billing options may differ.
Language. The interface is expanding, but not every video has English subtitles, and the English website was still being built when this was written.
A practical way to test availability is to open the Google Play listing and try the sign up screen. If the country selector shows your country and the verification message arrives, you are in a supported region for registration. If the listing is missing or the code never comes, check the troubleshooting section before concluding that your country is unsupported.
Do You Still Need ID Verification?
For the international app, the answer is no. The August 2026 relaunch removed the passport or government ID requirement that used to apply to overseas users who wanted to register and post. Bilibili has confirmed this change for the international version.
That said, there are a few situations where verification may still come up, so it helps to know the difference between registering and unlocking extra features.
Basic registration. You do not need ID. Email, an international phone number, or a Google login is enough.
Security checks. Like most platforms, Bilibili may ask you to confirm your email, solve a captcha, or verify a new device if it sees unusual activity. This is routine account protection, not an ID check.
Business accounts. Brands that want enterprise certification, often called Blue V, have to submit business documents. According to reporting on the 2026 changes, a foreign company generally needs a valid business registration with several months of validity left, a clear scan, and an account name that matches the license exactly, plus a certified translation if the license is not in Chinese. This applies to companies, not individual viewers.
Earning and payouts. Monetization has separate rules that go beyond sign up. Reporting suggests the commerce tools for foreign accounts were not fully live yet, so do not assume that creating an account gives you immediate income. For a deeper look at eligibility, read our guide to Bilibili monetization requirements.
If anyone asks you to pay a fee to "bypass ID verification," avoid them. The official process for the international app is free and does not require that kind of help.
Old Workarounds You Should Skip
When a platform is hard to join, a whole ecosystem of tricks appears. Most of them are now unnecessary, and some are risky. Here is what to skip.
Buying a Chinese SIM card or number. This used to be a common route, but it costs money, can raise privacy concerns, and is no longer needed for the international app.
Using virtual or temporary SMS numbers. These services rent a disposable number for receiving a code. Some older guides still describe this as the main fallback. The problems are real: the numbers are shared by many users, so they are often blocked, your account can be tied to a number you will never control again, and password recovery becomes difficult or impossible. If you lose access, you lose the account.
Paying someone to register for you. A stranger who creates your account knows your login history and may keep access. Never hand over control of your account.
Using borrowed or purchased accounts. Accounts bought from marketplaces can be banned at any time and may have been created through violations of platform rules.
Installing modified APK files. These files can bundle malware or collect your credentials. They also break automatic updates, which leaves security holes open.
Relying on a VPN for registration. A VPN is not required for the standard sign up process, and it can actually cause problems. Switching locations during registration can trigger security checks or make code delivery fail. Use a VPN only if you have your own privacy reasons, and keep your connection steady while you sign up.
The honest summary is simple. If the official app is available in your region, use the official sign up options. Save workarounds for the rare case where the official route truly fails, and even then, prefer contacting support over using a throwaway number.
Common Problems and Fixes
Most problems fall into a few categories. Work through the list in order.
The verification code never arrives.
Wait a full minute before requesting a new one, since repeated requests can slow delivery. For email, check spam, promotions, and junk folders and confirm there is no typo in the address. For phone, check that your carrier allows international SMS, remove the leading zero from your local number, and try switching between mobile data and Wi Fi. If it still fails, try the email or Google option instead.
The code says it is invalid or expired.
Codes often last about a minute. Request a fresh one and enter it quickly. Make sure you are using the newest code, not an older message.
The app only offers a +86 login.
You probably installed the domestic app. Uninstall it and install the international version with the pink icon and small globe symbol.
The app is not in Google Play.
It may not be available in your country yet, or your Play Store region may be set elsewhere. Check your account country, update Google Play, and look again in a few days.
Sign up fails with a generic error.
Update the app, clear its cache from your phone settings, restart the device, and try again. Avoid switching networks mid process.
Your email or phone is already in use.
You may have created an account before and forgotten it. Use the password reset option instead of making a new account.
You cannot post or comment.
New accounts can have limits. Complete your profile, verify your email, watch a few videos, and give the account time. If a message mentions community guidelines, read it carefully rather than trying to bypass it.
Videos will not play.
Some content is territory restricted. This is a licensing issue, not a sign up problem.
If nothing works, contact Bilibili support through the app's help section and describe the exact error message you see, along with your device model and country.
Privacy and Safety Tips
A new account on any large video platform deserves a quick security setup. These habits take only a few minutes.
Use a unique password. Never reuse a password from your email, banking, or social accounts. A password manager makes this easy.
Prefer an email you control. A personal email gives you a recovery path if you forget your password. A disposable address or temporary number does not.
Be careful with Google login. It is convenient, but it ties Bilibili access to your Google account. Make sure your Google account itself has two step verification turned on.
Review your public profile. Your username, avatar, bio, and any uploaded videos are visible to others. Avoid using your full legal name, home city, school, or workplace.
Think before you share personal details in comments. Scrolling comments are public and can be screenshotted.
Download only from official stores. Avoid APK sites and "premium unlocked" versions. They are the most common way fake apps spread.
Watch for phishing. Bilibili will not ask for your password in a direct message. Ignore messages offering free memberships, coins, or verification help in exchange for your login.
Check app permissions. Grant only what the app needs for features you actually use, such as notifications or storage for downloads.
Keep the app updated. Updates fix security problems and often improve registration reliability.
What to Do After Creating Your Account
Once you are signed in, a few quick steps will make the platform far more useful.
Tune your feed. Follow creators and like videos in the categories you enjoy. Bilibili's recommendations improve quickly when you interact.
Learn the scrolling comments. This feature, known as danmaku, places viewer comments directly on top of the video in real time. Try turning it on and off to see which style you prefer.
Set your video quality. Open the playback settings and choose a resolution that matches your connection. A signed in account usually unlocks better quality than anonymous viewing.
Explore communities and tags. Anime, gaming, music, technology, study content, and creative tutorials all have active communities. Search in your own language and in English, and try Chinese keywords when you find a topic you love.
Use translation tools carefully. Not every video has English subtitles. Browser translation and subtitle features can help, though automated results are not always accurate.
Build a safe routine. Add a recovery email, review your privacy settings, and log out of shared devices.
Think about creating content. If you want to publish videos, start with a few strong uploads, a clear profile, and a consistent theme. Before you plan on income, read the rules in our guide to Bilibili monetization requirements and browse the free utilities at Bilipedia tools.
Check back for updates. The English website, iOS support, and creator features were all described as works in progress. Revisit official announcements every few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a Bilibili account without a Chinese phone number?
Yes. Since the August 2026 relaunch of the international app, you can register with an email address, an international phone number, or a Google login. A Chinese +86 number is not required for the international version. The domestic Chinese app and some connected platforms may still ask for one.
Do I need a passport to sign up for Bilibili?
No. The international app no longer requires a passport or government ID to register. Basic sign up only needs a working email, phone number, or Google account. Brands applying for business certification do need to provide company documents, but that is a separate process.
Is the Bilibili international app available on iPhone?
Not confirmed at the time of writing. The relaunch rolled out on Android first, and Bilibili has said iOS is coming. Check the App Store for an official Bilibili listing before downloading anything, and avoid unofficial installers. In the meantime, you can try the website in your browser or register on an Android device.
Is Bilibili available in every country?
Not necessarily. The app was described as rolling out worldwide on Android, but availability can vary by region, and so can language options, licensed content, and payment methods. If the app does not appear in your store, check your Google Play country setting and try again later.
Should I use a VPN or virtual number to register?
Usually no. You do not need a VPN to use the standard sign up process, and switching locations can trigger security checks. Virtual numbers are risky because they are shared, often blocked, and make account recovery difficult. Use email or Google sign in instead, and keep a recovery email you control.
Why did I not receive my Bilibili verification code?
Common causes include a typo, a spam filter, a carrier that blocks international SMS, a weak connection, or requesting too many codes in a row. Wait a minute, check your spam folder, remove the leading zero from your phone number, switch between Wi Fi and mobile data, and try email or Google sign in. If the problem continues, contact Bilibili support from the app.
Can international creators earn money on Bilibili?
Possibly, but it is not automatic. Creating an account does not unlock income, and reporting on the 2026 changes suggests the commerce infrastructure for foreign accounts was still being developed. Eligibility depends on factors such as account status and platform rules. Read the details in our guide to Bilibili monetization requirements.