How to Complete Security Initialization After Signing Up on OKX with a Friend’s Invitation Link
After registering through a friend’s invitation link, your account is not yet fully configured—you must complete KYC verification, bind Google Authenticator (2FA), and set a trading password to finish security initialization. The referral relationship is fixed at registration; you just need to unlock the account’s full permissions.
A leading global cryptocurrency platform,suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
New user benefit: 20% off trading fees upon registration!！
Prerequisites: Registration Successful, Referral Relationship Bound
You have completed OKX account registration via a friend’s invitation link or code, received the verification code, and logged in successfully. The referral relationship has been confirmed through the invitation code; please make sure the invitation code is correct during registration.
What comes next is no different from standard registration—building the account security baseline.
Steps
Step 1: Complete Identity Verification (KYC) — No Trading Without It
After registration, the account is unverified. An unverified account cannot buy/sell crypto, deposit/withdraw (including internal transfers), borrow, or transfer funds.
Open the OKX App, tap the user center icon in the top left corner, tap your nickname/account at the top, enter Identity Verification, and tap Verify Now.
Upload photos of your ID document (front and back of national ID or passport information page). Make sure the document is clear, unobstructed, and all four corners are visible.
Follow the prompts to complete facial recognition. Face the screen directly in good lighting.
(Optional) For higher limits, complete video verification in C2C Buy. The system will read a risk disclosure; you do not need to repeat it. Say “Yes” after the beep to submit.
When is it done?: The verification page shows “Under Review” or “Verified”. Review usually completes automatically within 5 minutes; complex cases take no more than 24 hours.
Step 2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) — Your Account’s Most Critical Defense
This is the core measure to prevent account theft, more secure than SMS verification.
Go to user center — Security Settings.
Find Authenticator App (i.e., Google Authenticator) and tap Enable.
Scan the QR code with the Google Authenticator app, or manually enter the secret key.
Enter the 6-digit dynamic code generated by Google Authenticator and confirm to bind.
After successful binding, the system generates a backup recovery code — the only way to restore 2FA if your phone is lost. Write it down immediately and store it securely. Do not screenshot it on your phone, and never send it via WeChat or email.
When is it done?: The security settings page shows “Enabled” for the authenticator app.
Step 3: Set a Separate Trading Password
The login password is for logging in; the trading password is for high-risk operations like withdrawals and placing orders. They must be different.
In Security Settings, find Trading Password and tap Set.
Enter a 6-digit PIN or alphanumeric password as prompted by the app.
After confirming the password, the system will require SMS or Google Authenticator verification to complete.
When is it done?: The trading password has been set successfully.
Common Failure Reasons and Risk Reminders
Common failure: The referral relationship is wrongly bound, noticed only later. On OKX, the referral relationship is confirmed solely by the invitation code. Be sure the code is correct during registration. Usually, one invitation code can only bind one new account and cannot be changed after binding.
Misunderstandings about referral rewards: Registering via a referral link does not automatically mean you will receive rewards. The invitee must complete KYC verification and fulfill a deposit task within a specified period after registration for the inviter to get the corresponding reward. For exact task requirements, refer to the “Invite Friends” page in the OKX App.
A leading global cryptocurrency platform,suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
New user benefit: 20% off trading fees upon registration!！
How to Confirm You’ve Completed Security Initialization
Log in to OKX, go to User Center > Security Settings. Check that the following three items all show as “Enabled” or “Bound”:
| Security Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Identity Verification | Shows “Verified” or “Approved” |
| Authenticator App (Google Authenticator) | Shows “Bound” |
| Trading Password | Shows “Set” |
Once all three are completed, the account has basic trading and deposit/withdrawal permissions. Next, you can go to the Assets page to start depositing crypto, or visit the Buy Crypto page to add funds.
