New WeChat Function: Get a Second WeChat Account Without a Second Mobile Number

For WeChat users hoping to separate close friends and family from the innumerable ‘business contacts’ in China, we have good news for you! As part of the 11 October WeChat updates, the app is currently running a trial among a group of users allowing two accounts per mobile number, ending the limitation of one account per number.

We expect this trial to be rolled out to the larger WeChat user base, but in the meantime, the test is only available to selected groups of users. The following explanation will help you check if you have been selected to be involved in the trial.

Steps to see if you have been selected for the two WeChat accounts trial:

On the WeChat homepage, click “Me” and then “Settings”, and then “Switch Account” at the bottom.

Get a second WeChat account with one mobile number

WeChat 2nd account copy

After clicking “Add Account”, if it shows you “Log in via Mobile Number”, unfortunately you have not been selected for this trial.

If your page turns to “Select Sign Up Method”, then it means that you have been selected to be part of the trial and can sign up to a new WeChat account via your original WeChat ID!

Add another WeChat account from same mobile

get 2nd wechat account selected for trial

wechat 2nd account 1 mobile num, not on trial

General feedback has been mixed by users. Some are in favour of having one account for business and the other for private to separate out the work and personal life. Some are indifferent. Others jokingly noted that it will be helpful for infidelities. Nevertheless, it is likely to help Tencent grow the number WeChat accounts, which are flattening out in China as penetration becomes saturated.