Should Hong Kong Users Register on OKX with Phone Number or Email?

Platform rules require both a phone number and an email to be linked. For Hong Kong users, it's recommended to register with email first, then bind a Hong Kong phone number (+852). The main reason: using a mainland China phone number (+86) is highly likely to be blocked, while email registration is more stable and offers a higher success rate.

1. Understand the Platform Rules First: It's Not an "Either-Or" Choice

Get to know OKX registration requirements to avoid misunderstandings.

OKX officially requires that both a phone number and an email must be linked when creating an account – you cannot choose only one. During the registration process, the system will ask you to enter and verify your email, then your phone number. Both the phone number and email must be under your own name and able to receive verification codes normally.

So this isn't a "phone number vs. email" single choice, but rather a question of "which one to use as the primary registration method first."

2. Evaluating the Options for Hong Kong Users: Prioritize Email

Based on the actual circumstances of Hong Kong users, determine which method is more suitable as the primary registration approach.

Scenario A: Register with a mainland China phone number (+86)

• There's a high chance you'll see "registration not supported in this region" or simply won't receive the verification code.
• Mainland phone numbers may face restrictions when used in the Hong Kong area, making this option not recommended.

Scenario B: Register with a Hong Kong phone number (+852)

• You can normally receive verification codes, and OKX supports Hong Kong number ranges.
• However, the Hong Kong phone number must be under your own name; otherwise, subsequent KYC verification will fail.

Scenario C: Register with email (Recommended)

• Use international email services like Gmail or Outlook. QQ Mail also works, but international options are preferred.
• Higher registration success rate, not limited by phone number ranges.
• After registration, the system will ask you to bind a phone number – at that point, enter your Hong Kong phone number (+852).

Email-first registration is confirmed as the most reliable path for Hong Kong users – create the account with email, then bind the Hong Kong phone number to complete two-factor verification. Another advantage of email registration: it's more convenient when changing phone numbers or using the account across different countries, without affecting account login and recovery functions.

3. Execute the Registration: Step-by-Step

Register with email and bind your phone number according to the instructions.

1. Open the OKX official website or app, and click [Sign Up].
2. Select [Email Registration], enter your email address (Gmail/Outlook recommended), obtain and enter the email verification code.
3. Set a login password (it is recommended to include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters).
4. Proceed to the next step; the system will require you to bind a phone number: select area code +852, enter your Hong Kong phone number, obtain and enter the SMS verification code.
5. After completing registration, immediately go to [Identity Verification], select "Hong Kong, China" as your place of residence, upload your Hong Kong ID card, and complete facial recognition.

When the page shows that registration was successful, and both the phone number and email are bound, with KYC submitted or approved, the registration process is complete.

Common failure reasons:

• Not receiving the email verification code: Check your spam folder; confirm the email address is correct; wait 1-2 minutes and try again.
• Not receiving the SMS on your Hong Kong phone number: Make sure you selected the +852 area code; check if the phone number has outstanding bills or is suspended; local Hong Kong numbers usually receive codes quickly, but some virtual numbers may experience delays.
• Incorrect KYC region selection: You must select "Hong Kong, China" during verification and upload a Hong Kong ID card. If you select "China," a mainland ID will be required – mismatched regions will cause verification failure.

Log in to OKX, go to [Profile] → [Security Settings], and confirm that the phone number field shows a Hong Kong number starting with +852, and the email field shows the address you used to register – both must be bound. Wait for KYC review to pass (usually 1-3 business days), then you can start using all the exchange's features.