Should UK Users Register on OKX with an Email or Phone Number?
When registering on OKXOKX, using an email address is the preferred method. The platform's withdrawal verification rules, updated in 2024, no longer use SMS verification. Instead, a dual verification of "email + authenticator app" is required, making email mandatory for withdrawals. Your phone number is used only for login and security notifications, so it should be added as a backup, not the primary registration method.
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The Logic Behind the Two Registration Methods
Let's look at a key fact: the role of phone numbers on OKX is diminishing. While it's convenient to sign up with a phone number, when you try to withdraw funds, the system will only allow you to proceed via email + Google Authenticator. If you only linked a phone number without an email, your withdrawal will be blocked.
| Comparison Dimension | Email Registration (Recommended) | Phone Number Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawal Verification | Required | Cancelled, cannot be used |
| Account Recovery | Reset password via email | Reset via phone number, but the number must remain active |
| Login Method | Supported | Supported |
| Replacement Cost | Low – emails are usually long-term | High – changing number requires contacting support or identity verification |
| SMS Delivery Stability | Gmail/Outlook etc. reliable | UK +44 numbers may experience international SMS delays |
Step-by-Step Guide
Scenario A: Register with Email (Recommended)
- Go to the OKX official website or app registration page and click "Sign up with Email".
- Enter your email address (Gmail, Outlook etc. recommended; some local email services may delay messages). Set a login password (8–20 characters, including upper and lower case letters, numbers and special symbols). Click "Get Code" and check your email for a 6-digit verification code, then enter it.
- Completion: the page will show "Registration successful", and you can log in using your email and password.
After registration, the system will prompt you to add a phone number. We recommend adding your UK +44 mobile number at this stage. It will be used for security notifications and as a backup for password recovery, but it is not required for withdrawal verification.
Scenario B: Register with Phone Number
- On the registration page, select "Mobile Number" and choose United Kingdom so the country code becomes +44.
- Enter your UK mobile number (remove the leading 0 after +44. For example, if your number is +44 7700 123456, enter 7700123456). Retrieve the SMS verification code and enter it.
- Completion: the page indicates successful registration, and you can log in using your phone number.
- Crucial next step: Immediately after logging in, go to [Security Settings] and link an email address. Without it, withdrawals will not work.
Prerequisites
- Have a long-term, stable email address (an international provider is strongly recommended).
- Have a UK mobile number (+44) that can receive international SMS for security notifications.
- Prepare a valid, government-issued photo ID (passport, driving licence, or BRP card). You must complete KYC verification before you can deposit and trade.
Common Issues and Why They Happen
- Not receiving verification code: For email, check your spam or junk folder. For phone, check whether SMS blocking is enabled. Codes usually expire within 3 minutes; request a new one if time runs out.
- Incorrect phone number format: When entering a UK number, do not add the +44 prefix again if the country code is already selected. The system already adds +44; you only need the digits after it.
Important Risk Reminders
- High cost of changing your phone number: If you registered with a phone number and later change your UK mobile number, you will need to go through the identity verification process or contact customer support to unlink the old number, which can be complicated.
- Withdrawals require email: An account registered only with a phone number and no linked email cannot process withdrawals. This is a platform security policy, not a temporary restriction.
A leading global cryptocurrency platform,suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
New user benefit: 20% off trading fees upon registration!！
Confirmation Checklist
After successfully registering, log in and go to [Security Settings] to confirm:
- The email verification status shows "Bound" (linked).
- The phone number verification status shows "Bound".
- Google Authenticator is enabled (we recommend binding it immediately – this is the second mandatory verification step for withdrawals).
Once all three are in place, your account's basic security is configured. Next, immediately head to [Profile] – [Identity Verification] and complete KYC. Submit your UK passport or BRP card to unlock all trading functions.
