Why You Can't Download the Binance App in China
If you search for "Binance" in domestic app stores like Tencent MyApp, Xiaomi App Store, or Huawei AppGallery on an Android phone, you won't find it. Similarly, searching the China-region App Store on an iPhone yields no results.
This is because after Binance announced its withdrawal from the mainland China market in 2021, all major Chinese app stores delisted the Binance app. While Google Play does list it, mainland China Android phones typically cannot access Google Play directly (domestic models from Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo, etc. don't come with Google services pre-installed).
However, this doesn't mean you can't install the Binance app. Android phones can install it by directly downloading the APK package, while iPhones can download it by switching the Apple ID region. Here's a detailed explanation for each.
How to Download the Binance App on Android
The installation method for Android is quite straightforward—download the APK package from the Binance official website and install it manually.
Step 1: Visit the Binance official website. Open the Binance website using your phone browser (network tools required). The homepage usually has a prominent "Download App" or "Download" button.
Step 2: Download the APK file. After clicking the download button, select the Android version. The system will begin downloading a ".apk" file. File size typically ranges from tens of MB to 100MB, depending on the version.
Step 3: Allow installation from unknown sources. Android phones default to blocking app installations from outside the app store (also called "sideloading"). You need to enable this permission in phone settings. The specific steps vary by phone brand:
- Xiaomi: Settings → Privacy Protection → Special App Access → Install Unknown Apps
- Huawei: Settings → Security → More Security Settings → External Source App Downloads
- OPPO/vivo: Settings → Security → Install Unknown Apps
- Samsung: Settings → Biometrics and Security → Install Unknown Apps
Find the browser you used to download the APK and toggle on "Allow Installation."
Step 4: Install the APK. Open your phone's "File Manager" or "Download Manager" app, find the APK you just downloaded, and tap it to start installation. Your phone may display a security warning during installation—confirm to proceed.
Step 5: Installation complete. After installation, the Binance app icon will appear on your home screen. Open it to log in or register.
Security warning: Always download the APK from Binance Official channels. Do not download from third-party websites or links shared in WeChat groups or QQ groups. APKs from third-party sources may contain malicious code that steals your account information and funds.
How to Download the Binance App on iPhone
Due to iOS system restrictions, iPhones cannot directly install APK files like Android. You need to switch your Apple ID region to download the Binance app from an overseas App Store.
Method 1: Register an overseas Apple ID
This is the most recommended approach. Steps:
- On a computer or phone browser, go to appleid.apple.com and click "Create Apple ID"
- In the registration info, select "United States" for Country/Region (or another country where the Binance app is available, such as Japan or Singapore)
- Use a new email address (different from your existing Apple ID)
- Follow the prompts to complete registration
- After registration, open the App Store on your iPhone
- Tap the avatar in the upper right, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Sign Out"
- Sign in with the newly registered overseas Apple ID
- Search for "Binance" to find and download it
- After downloading, sign out of the overseas ID and sign back in with your original China-region Apple ID
Method 2: Switch your existing Apple ID's region
If you don't want to register a new Apple ID, you can temporarily switch your existing ID to another region:
- Open iPhone "Settings," tap your name at the top, then "Media & Purchases," then "View Account"
- Tap "Country/Region," then "Change Country or Region"
- Select "United States" or another country
- Agree to the terms, select "None" for payment method
- Enter an address for that country (you can search for one online)
- After saving, the App Store will switch to that country's store
- Search for and download Binance
- After downloading, follow the same steps to switch back to the China region
Important notes: After switching regions, some China-exclusive apps you previously downloaded may temporarily be unable to update. This returns to normal after switching back. Also, if you have App Store balance or active subscriptions, you may need to use up the balance or cancel subscriptions before switching regions.
Initial Setup After Download
Whether Android or iPhone, after downloading and installing the Binance app, it's recommended to complete these initial settings:
Log in to your account. Open the app and enter the phone number/email and password you registered with. If you haven't registered yet, you can also register directly in the app.
Allow necessary permissions. The app may request certain permissions, including camera access (for KYC facial recognition) and notification access (for trade alerts and security notifications). These permissions are recommended.
Set the language. The Binance app may default to English. You can switch to your preferred language in the settings.
Enable security verification. In the app's security settings, enable Google Authenticator or another two-factor authentication method.
Verify app authenticity. After installation, verify the app is genuine through Binance's official channels. Binance provides a verification tool where you can enter app characteristics to confirm authenticity.
How to Update the App
Android users need to re-download the latest APK from the official website and install it. Choose "Install Over Existing" during installation—your account data and login status won't be lost.
iPhone users who downloaded with an overseas Apple ID will need to switch back to that ID to update in the App Store. If this is too cumbersome, enable automatic updates while signed in with the overseas ID so it downloads updates for existing apps automatically.
It's recommended to keep the Binance app at the latest version. Each update typically includes security patches, feature optimizations, and bug fixes. Using an outdated app version may pose security risks and some features may not work properly.