Netease SMS Verification

A Netease SMS verification code unlocks 163 Mail and China-server game accounts; here is how to receive it with a virtual number and keep the account usable later.

NetEase is a Chinese internet and gaming company founded by Ding Lei in 1997 and headquartered in Hangzhou, listed on Nasdaq and in Hong Kong. Besides games such as Fantasy Westward Journey, Identity V, Onmyoji and Marvel Rivals, it runs the 163.com and 126.com e-mail services. Game and mail sign-ups are usually completed with an SMS code sent to a mobile number, which then becomes the account's security key.

Players outside China can pick the international-number option when registering for China-server NetEase games or 163 Mail, and a virtual number makes this easier for anyone without a Chinese line or who prefers not to share a personal number. Some services may accept only +86 numbers or demand additional real-name verification, in which case a virtual number alone will not be enough.

Password resets and generating an authorisation code for a mail client may involve an SMS to the registered number on a NetEase account. If you use a temporary number, write down the account name, password and security details, and add a recovery e-mail where possible. Accounts for global editions of games can be separate, so check which account system you are signing up for.