Getting Started with Xiaohongshu
You’ve probably seen stunning travel photos, honest product reviews, or delicious food guides popping up on your social feeds lately. Many of these come from a platform that’s taken the digital world by storm, especially if you’re interested in lifestyle content from and about China. That platform is Xiaohongshu, often called “Little Red Book” in English.
Maybe a friend recommended it, or you keep hearing about it as the go-to app for authentic recommendations. But when you go to download it, you hit your first hurdle: how do you actually sign up? The process isn’t as straightforward as typing in an email on Instagram, and the language barrier can feel intimidating.
This guide is here to demystify that process. We’ll walk through every step, from downloading the app to setting up your first profile, ensuring you can join this vibrant community of over 300 million monthly active users. Whether you’re a shopper, a traveler, a foodie, or just curious, creating an account is your first step into a world of user-generated discovery.
Understanding the Xiaohongshu Landscape
Before we dive into the technical steps, it helps to know what you’re signing up for. Xiaohongshu is a unique hybrid. It’s part social media platform, where users share detailed “notes” about their experiences, and part e-commerce marketplace, where you can often purchase the products being reviewed directly.
The content is heavily focused on lifestyle categories: beauty and skincare, fashion, travel destinations, food and dining, and home decor. The community places a high value on detailed, personal reviews and high-quality visuals. It’s less about fleeting status updates and more about creating a helpful, lasting guide for others.
As a platform originating in China, the primary language is Mandarin Chinese. However, the app has a built-in translation feature, and there is a significant and growing community of international users who post in English and other languages. The sign-up process is designed with a Chinese phone number as the primary method, but there are workarounds, which we will cover in detail.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Preparation is key to a smooth account creation. Here’s what you should have ready:
– A smartphone (iOS or Android). The Xiaohongshu experience is primarily mobile-first, and the sign-up process is done through the app.
– A stable internet connection.
– Your email address. This is a secondary option and is highly recommended as a backup.
– If you have one, a Chinese (+86) mobile phone number. This is the simplest path.
– If you don’t have a Chinese number, have your standard international phone number ready. The app may attempt to verify it.
– Patience. The app interface will be in Chinese by default, but we’ll navigate it together.
Step-by-Step Account Creation
Follow these steps carefully. We’ll provide the English translation for the on-screen Chinese buttons you need to tap.
Downloading the Official App
First, you need to get the app on your phone. Do not download clones or third-party versions; always get the official app for security.
For iOS users (iPhone/iPad), open the App Store. In the search bar, type “Xiaohongshu.” The official app icon is a white notebook with a red “X” on the cover. The developer is listed as “Xiaohongshu Technology Co., Ltd.” Tap “Get” to download and install it.
For Android users, open the Google Play Store. Search for “Xiaohongshu.” Again, look for the same icon and developer. Tap “Install.” If you are in a region where Google Play is not available, you may need to visit the official Xiaohongshu website to download the APK file directly, but this is less common and requires you to enable “Install from unknown sources” in your security settings—proceed with caution.
Navigating the Initial Setup
Once the app is installed, open it. You will be greeted with a splash screen, likely in Chinese. Don’t be alarmed. Look for the button that says “我” (wǒ) or a human silhouette in the bottom right corner. This is the “Me” or profile tab. Tap it.
Since you don’t have an account yet, this screen will prompt you to log in or register. Look for text that says “登录/注册” (dēnglù/zhùcè) which means “Login/Register.” Tap on it to begin the sign-up process.
You will now see the main registration screen. It will present you with several login options. The most prominent will be a large field prompting for a phone number, with a country code prefix (like +86 for China). This is the primary sign-up method.
Method 1: Using a Chinese Mobile Number (+86)
This is the most straightforward method. If you have access to a Chinese mobile number, the process is simple.
1. Ensure the country code is set to China (+86). The dropdown or prefix is usually to the left of the input field.
2. In the large text field, enter your full Chinese mobile number (11 digits, excluding the +86 country code).
3. You will see a button below, often labeled “获取验证码” (huòqǔ yànzhèng mǎ), which means “Get verification code.” Tap it.
4. A 4 to 6-digit SMS code will be sent to the phone number you provided. Enter this code in the next field, which appears after you request it. This field is labeled “验证码” (yànzhèng mǎ).
5. After entering the code, you may be asked to set a password. Choose a strong password and confirm it. The button to proceed will say something like “完成” (wánchéng) or “注册” (zhùcè).
6. Tap that button. Congratulations, your account is now created. You will be redirected to set up your profile.
Method 2: Using an International Phone Number
Xiaohongshu has been expanding its international support. You can try registering with a non-Chinese number, though success can vary by region and carrier.
1. On the phone number entry screen, tap on the country code prefix (e.g., +86). A list of country codes should appear.
2. Scroll or search to find and select your country (e.g., United States +1, United Kingdom +44).
3. Enter your full phone number in the field, including your area code.
4. Tap the “Get verification code” button (“获取验证码”).
5. If the platform supports your region and carrier, you will receive an SMS code. Enter it to proceed.
6. If you do not receive an SMS after a minute or two, this method may not be available for your number. Proceed to the email method below.
Method 3: Using an Email Address
Using an email address is a reliable alternative, especially for users outside mainland China. The option might not be immediately obvious on the main screen.
1. On the phone number entry screen, look for smaller text below the main button. It often says “其他登录方式” (qítā dēnglù fāngshì) meaning “Other login methods” or “使用邮箱登录” (shǐyòng yóuxiāng dēnglù) meaning “Use email to log in.” Tap this text link.
2. You will be taken to a new screen with an email field. It will be labeled “邮箱” (yóuxiāng). Enter your valid email address.
3. Tap the button to proceed, often labeled “下一步” (xià yī bù) or “Next.”
4. You will be asked to set a password. Enter and confirm a secure password.
5. The app will then send a verification email to the address you provided. Open your email inbox, find the message from Xiaohongshu (check spam/junk), and click the verification link inside.
6. Once you click the link, your email will be verified, and your account creation will be complete. Return to the app, where you should now be logged in.
Completing Your Profile Setup
After successful registration, the app will guide you through initial profile setup. This is crucial for personalizing your feed and connecting with others.
You will be prompted to choose topics of interest. These are categories like Fashion, Beauty, Food, Travel, and Home. Select several that appeal to you. This helps the algorithm show you relevant content from the start.
Next, you’ll set up your basic profile. Tap on the default avatar or the “Edit Profile” area. Here you can:
– Upload a profile picture.
– Set a username (“昵称” níchēng). This is your display name.
– Write a short bio (“简介” jiǎnjiè) to let others know who you are.
– You can also add your gender and birthday, but these are usually optional.
Take a moment to fill this out. A complete profile makes the experience more engaging and helps you connect with like-minded users.
Essential First Steps After Sign-Up
You’re in. Now what? Here’s how to hit the ground running.
Exploring the Interface
The bottom navigation bar has five main tabs. From left to right, they are typically:
– “首页” (shǒu yè): The “Home” or “Discover” feed. This is your main content stream.
– “购物” (gòu wù): The “Shopping” tab for the integrated marketplace.
– The “+” or center button: This is for creating and posting your own notes.
– “消息” (xiāo xī): The “Messages” tab for notifications and direct messages.
– “我” (wǒ): The “Me” or “Profile” tab you used to sign up.
Spend some time scrolling through the Home feed. The app will show you popular and recommended notes. You can like, save, and comment on them.
Enabling In-App Translation
If you don’t read Chinese, this feature is a game-changer. When viewing a note written in Chinese, look for a small button or link that says “翻译” (fānyì) or shows a language icon (like “A→文”). Tapping this will translate the entire note’s text into English or your device’s language. This allows you to enjoy the vast majority of content on the platform.
Following Your First Users
Search for topics you care about using the search bar at the top of the Home tab. Use English keywords like “Korean skincare,” “Tokyo travel,” or “coffee.” The search results will show notes, users, and products. Find users who post content you enjoy and tap the “Follow” button on their profile. This will further customize your feed.
Troubleshooting Common Registration Issues
Even with a guide, you might encounter some hurdles. Here are solutions to common problems.
“This Phone Number Cannot Be Used” Error
If you get an error when trying to use an international number, it likely means Xiaohongshu’s SMS gateway does not support your carrier. Your best course of action is to switch to the email registration method immediately. The email method is generally more reliable for global users.
Not Receiving the SMS or Email Verification Code
For SMS codes, first double-check the phone number and country code. Ensure you have a strong cellular signal or Wi-Fi calling enabled. Wait 2-3 minutes. If it still doesn’t arrive, tap the “Resend” button (“重新发送” chóngxīn fāsòng). If multiple attempts fail, use the email method.
For email codes, check your spam, junk, promotions, and social folders meticulously. The sender is often “Xiaohongshu” or “小红书.” If you use Gmail, it might be under the “Social” tab. If you still can’t find it, you can request the email to be sent again from within the app.
App Crashes or Freezes During Sign-Up
This is rare but can happen. First, ensure your phone’s operating system is up to date. Then, force-close the Xiaohongshu app and reopen it. Try the process again. If the problem persists, uninstall the app, restart your phone, and reinstall the app from the official store. This clears any corrupted temporary data from the first installation attempt.
Forgotten Password
If you set up an account but can’t remember the password, tap the “Login/Register” button and then look for the “忘记密码?” (wàngjì mìmǎ?) or “Forgot password?” link. You will be guided through a reset process using either your registered phone number or email address.
Maximizing Your Xiaohongshu Experience
With your account active, you can now fully participate in the community. The real value of Xiaohongshu comes from interaction.
Start by saving notes you find useful. Use the bookmark icon on any note. These saved notes are organized in collections on your profile, creating a personal library of recommendations.
Engage with creators by leaving thoughtful comments. The community appreciates genuine questions and feedback. You can also send direct messages to users who have enabled that feature.
When you’re ready, try creating your own note. Tap the “+” button in the center of the navigation bar. You can upload photos or videos, write a detailed review or guide, add location tags, and categorize your post. You can write your note entirely in English—many users do. This is how you contribute to the ecosystem and potentially build your own following.
Your Gateway to Authentic Discovery
Creating a Xiaohongshu account opens a door to a different kind of social web, one centered on in-depth sharing and practical discovery. While the initial sign-up has a few more steps than Western platforms, the effort is well worth it for the unique content and community access.
The key is to start with the email method if you lack a Chinese number, use the translation feature liberally, and curate your feed by following topics and users aligned with your interests. Don’t be a passive scroller; use the save function to build your personal guidebook for everything from your next vacation to your next skincare purchase.
Now that you’re equipped with this clear roadmap, the only thing left is to take the first step. Download the app, follow the steps for your situation, and start exploring. Your next favorite restaurant, hidden travel gem, or life-changing product might be just a few scrolls away.
