Let's get straight to the point: since 2021, the Apple App Store in mainland China has removed all cryptocurrency exchange applications, including Binance, OKX, Coinbase, Crypto.com, and others. If you search for "Binance" using a mainland China Apple ID, you simply won't find it.
There is only one reliable solution—you must switch to an overseas Apple ID (such as a US, Hong Kong, or Japan account) and download it from that region's App Store.
If you haven't yet registered a Binance account, first visit the official Binance website to sign up. Android users can skip this hassle entirely and grab the APK directly from the Binance Official App page. For a fully illustrated guide on Apple devices, see our iOS Installation Guide.
Below, we detail exactly why you can't find it, how to correctly switch your Apple ID, and what to keep in mind after switching.
Why is Binance Missing from the App Store in China?
In September 2021, Chinese regulatory authorities issued a notice defining cryptocurrency-related business activities as illegal financial operations. Complying with local laws, Apple China subsequently purged all cryptocurrency exchange apps from the mainland App Store.
It wasn't just Binance that got removed; almost every major crypto app vanished, including:
- Binance
- OKX
- Coinbase
- Crypto.com
- KuCoin
- Bitfinex
- Kraken
- Bybit
Currently, searching for "Binance" on the Chinese App Store only yields third-party tutorial apps or general crypto news aggregators—none of which are the official exchange app.
However, Binance is still available in Apple App Stores outside of China. App Stores in the United States, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, the UK, Canada, and Australia all list the official Binance app for normal download.
The Solution: Switch to an Overseas Apple ID
Which Region Should I Choose?
The most popular choices are the US (United States) and HK (Hong Kong) regions. Both have extensive app libraries, receive Binance updates immediately, and are relatively easy to register.
| Region | Registration Difficulty | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| US (United States) | Moderate | Largest app library, fast updates | Requires a fictional US address/phone |
| HK (Hong Kong) | Easy | Traditional Chinese interface available | Some global apps may be slightly delayed |
| JP (Japan) | Moderate | Great for mobile games | Japanese interface |
| UK (United Kingdom) | Moderate | Comprehensive app library | Time zone differences |
For most users, the US region is highly recommended as it offers the most stable download experience for Binance. If you prefer navigating an App Store in Chinese, the HK region is an excellent alternative.
Step 1: Prepare a Brand New Email Address
We strongly advise using a completely new, independent email address (like a fresh Gmail or Outlook account) to register your overseas Apple ID. Do not use an email that has ever been associated with a mainland China Apple ID. Apple's system may flag it and refuse to let you register in a new region.
Step 2: Register the Apple ID via Browser
Open your browser and navigate to appleid.apple.com, then click "Create Your Apple ID." Fill out the registration form:
- Country/Region: Select "United States" (or Hong Kong).
- Name: You can use your Pinyin name (it does not have to match your ID card).
- Email: Enter the new email address you prepared.
- Password: Must be at least 8 characters, containing uppercase, lowercase, and numbers.
- Security Questions: Pick questions you can easily remember.
- Date of Birth: Enter any valid adult birth date.
Phone Number: You will need to enter a phone number formatted for that country (e.g., a US number like +1 (415) 555-0xxx). Apple generally does not force SMS verification for free account creation on the web. If it insists, use a temporary virtual number service like Google Voice or TextNow.
Address: Provide a realistic-looking address. For example, for the US, you could use Apple's Cupertino HQ (One Apple Park Way, Cupertino, CA 95014, Zip Code 95014).
Step 3: Verify Your Email
During registration, Apple will send a 6-digit verification code to your email. Enter it to complete the account creation. If you don't see the email, check your spam or junk folder.
Step 4: Log In via the App Store on Your iPhone
Open the "App Store" app on your iPhone (Note: Open the actual App Store app, do not go to "Settings"). Tap your profile icon in the top right corner, scroll all the way to the bottom, and tap "Sign Out."
(Don't panic: this only signs you out of the App Store. It does not affect your iCloud, photos, iMessage, or FaceTime.)
Once signed out, scroll back to the top and log in using your newly registered overseas Apple ID. You will be prompted with "This Apple ID has not yet been used in the iTunes Store." Tap "Review" and follow the prompts:
- Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Country/Region: Ensure it is set to your chosen region (e.g., United States).
- Payment Method: Select "None".
- Billing Address: Enter the address you used during registration.
- Tap "Next" to complete the setup.
If you do not see the "None" option under Payment Method, it usually means this email was previously used or flagged. In that case, you must create a brand-new email and start over.
Step 5: Search for Binance
Once successfully logged into the overseas App Store, tap the search tab and type "Binance". The first result should be the official app, published by "Binance". Tap the "GET" button to download it.
During the download, it may ask you to enter your Apple ID password again, or you can use Face ID / Touch ID if you've enabled it.
Step 6: Complete the Download
Once downloaded, the Binance icon will appear on your home screen. If upon opening it prompts "Untrusted Enterprise Developer" (which is rare for App Store downloads but happens with side-loaded profiles), navigate to "Settings → General → VPN & Device Management" to trust the certificate. Otherwise, simply open it and log in.
What Happens When I Switch My Apple ID?
This is the biggest concern for beginners. Here is the short answer:
| Service | Is it Affected? |
|---|---|
| iCloud (Photos, Notes, Contacts) | No |
| iMessage & FaceTime | No |
| iCloud Drive | No |
| Main Apple ID (in Settings) | No |
| Currently Installed Apps | No |
| App Store Updates | Apps downloaded from the China store will require switching back to update. |
| Previously Purchased Apps | Tied to the original ID; cannot be redownloaded on the new ID. |
In short: As long as you do not sign out of your main Apple ID in the "Settings" app, none of your iCloud data is affected. We are exclusively changing the account used for the "App Store", which has a very narrow impact.
Tips for Managing Multiple Apple IDs
Long-Term Strategy
The most common setup for users is:
- Main Apple ID (in Settings): Keep as mainland China for iCloud, iMessage, and Apple Music.
- App Store Account: Keep logged into the US or HK region to download and automatically update Binance and other overseas apps.
- Updating Local Apps: When domestic apps (like WeChat or Taobao) require a major update, briefly log out of the App Store, log back into your Chinese ID, update them, and switch back.
Switching Frequency
There is no hard limit on how many times you can switch accounts inside the App Store app; doing it multiple times a day won't trigger security flags. However, switching your main iCloud Apple ID in "Settings" more than 3 times a year can lock your device. Always do your switching strictly inside the App Store app.
Comparison of Overseas Apple ID Regions
| Region | Setup Difficulty | Binance Updates | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | Moderate | Fastest | Long-term use, maximum app variety |
| HK | Easy | Fast | Users preferring Chinese interfaces |
| Japan | Easy | Fast | Gamers needing Japanese exclusives |
| UK | Moderate | Fast | Users in European time zones |
| Singapore | Moderate | Fast | Users in Southeast Asia |
| Australia | Moderate | Fast | Users in Oceania |
FAQ
Q: Can I just buy a pre-made overseas Apple ID on Taobao? A: Technically yes, but it is strongly discouraged. Bought IDs are often shared among dozens of people. The password might be changed by the seller at any time, and worse, Apple's system routinely flags these shared accounts as "high risk," which could lead to your iPhone being remotely locked. Registering your own account takes 10 minutes and is perfectly safe.
Q: Do I need a credit card to register an overseas Apple ID? A: No. By selecting "None" as the payment method during the setup review, you can download any free app (including Binance) without linking a card. A payment method is only required if you attempt to buy a paid app or subscribe to a service.
Q: Why is there no "None" option in the Payment Method section? A: This happens if the Apple ID was previously used, has unpaid balances, or triggered a regional mismatch error during creation. The easiest fix is to abandon that account, create a new, clean email address, and register from scratch.
Q: Will my Apple ID get banned for downloading Binance? A: No. Binance is a fully legitimate, officially listed application in the US and HK App Stores. Downloading it breaks no Apple rules. You should be far more worried about downloading "cracked" or "enterprise" versions of Binance from shady third-party websites, as those can install malware and trigger Apple to revoke developer certificates.
Q: If I buy a new iPhone, can I still use this overseas Apple ID? A: Yes. Your overseas Apple ID is yours to keep. When you set up a new phone, simply log into the App Store with that ID, and you can instantly redownload Binance from your purchase history.
Q: Can I have a tech-savvy friend register the account remotely for me? A: Yes, but you will have to share the account email and password with them. It is much better to follow the steps in this guide and do it yourself—understanding how to manage your own Apple ID is a necessary skill for long-term security.
Q: Is registering a Hong Kong Apple ID easier than a US one?
A: The process is identical, but the formatting for addresses and phone numbers differs. For HK, you can use any valid Hong Kong address (e.g., Citic Tower, 1 Tim Mei Avenue, Admiralty, Hong Kong) and a phone number starting with +852 followed by 8 digits. The HK App Store defaults to Traditional Chinese, making it much easier for Chinese speakers to navigate.
Q: Does using an overseas Apple ID void my iPhone's warranty? A: Not at all. Your iPhone's warranty is tied to its hardware serial number, not the Apple ID logged into the software. Your device remains fully covered.
While the inability to find Binance on the App Store can be frustrating for beginners, successfully registering an overseas Apple ID solves the problem permanently, granting you unrestricted access to Binance and the rest of the global app ecosystem.