How to Create a 1688 Account in Nigeria: A Guide

Create a 1688 account in Nigeria, understand phone verification, resolve common registration problems, and prepare to contact Chinese suppliers safely.

How to Create a 1688 Account in Nigeria: A Guide

Creating a 1688 account in Nigeria helps you save products, contact suppliers and manage orders. Start with your own phone number, use the registration or Alipay sign-in option offered by the platform, and complete any verification it requests.

For a first-time buyer in Lagos, Onitsha or Kano, opening the account is only the beginning. You still need a suitable supplier, a payment route and a delivery arrangement. Our guide to buying from 1688 in Nigeria explains that wider process.

Can Nigerians create a 1688 account? #

1688 recognises overseas users, including people registered with overseas phone numbers or supported third-party accounts. Its international terms also say services and features can vary by country.

Start with the options actually available in your app or browser. If Nigeria appears in the country selector, choose it. If the platform says registration is unavailable in your region, use its help route instead of selecting a false country.

A buyer account does not establish that a seller is trustworthy. Before discussing payment, understand the red flags in Chinese supplier scams.

What do you need before registering? #

Prepare the following:

• Your own active Nigerian mobile number.
• A reliable internet connection.
• A password you do not use for other accounts.
• Access to your email if the selected route requests it.
• Your identity document if verification is required.
• The official 1688 app or website.

1688's account privacy guidance describes mobile-number registration and identity checks for certain services. An OTP confirms access to a phone; identity verification is a separate check.

For Chinese menus, use our 1688 English-version guide. Translate the screen before accepting a request you do not understand.

How do you create the account and sign in? #

To create your 1688 account in Nigeria, use one of the supported routes shown on the platform.

Direct registration

1. Open the official 1688 website or its official app.
2. Select registration. On the China-facing platform, choose the personal-buyer option when offered.
3. Select Nigeria's +234 code if available, then enter your number in the requested format.
4. Complete the displayed security check and enter the verification code.
5. Set your login details and save your account ID.

WorldFirst's Africa sourcing guide documents personal registration and phone verification.

Alipay sign-in

WorldFirst also documents an Alipay sign-in route. Register your own Alipay account, complete its requested identity checks, then choose Alipay login in 1688 when available. Review the authorisation and confirm your 1688 user ID after signing in. This ID can differ from your phone number; copy it from your profile.

Screens can differ between versions. Before ordering, obtain the correct China warehouse address for Nigerian buyers, including the recipient details and your customer code.

What if the verification code does not arrive? #

First check your number. If you selected +234 and the field requests the remaining digits, a number written locally as 0803 123 4567 becomes 803 123 4567. Follow the displayed example if the form uses another format.

Then:

• Confirm the SIM can receive messages.
• Check blocked-message and spam folders.
• Wait for the resend timer before requesting another code.
• Follow any voice or alternative verification option the platform itself offers.
• Save a screenshot of the exact error for official support.

Do not keep changing devices, identities or numbers to force registration through. A region-availability message needs a different response from a delayed OTP.

Do not share a login code, password or payment PIN with a registration helper. Someone asking for these details may gain control of the account. Our China payment-scam guide explains related warning signs.

Is Alipay verification the same as being ready to pay? #

No. Registration, identity verification and payment access are different stages.

WorldFirst's documented Alipay route directs users to Account and Security, then Identity Information. Supply your own details and follow the document options available to you. Complete checks inside the official app.

A verified login does not mean a Nigerian bank card can fund every supplier purchase or transfer. Check the payment method supported for the particular order and your location before committing.

Our WeChat Pay and Alipay guide covers visitor payments. For buying stock, read how to pay a Chinese supplier from Nigeria.

Ask for the currency, exchange rate, payment fee and recipient details in writing. Keep the order reference and payment evidence together.

What should you check before your first order? #

Begin with the product and seller, rather than the lowest displayed price.

Ask for the exact model, material, quantity, minimum order, dispatch date, packaging and delivery cost to your China warehouse. Establish the seller's business identity; our Chinese supplier verification service explains the information needed for a check.

Consider an Onitsha trader buying 100 phone stands. The listing photograph may show several sizes, while the cheapest price applies to only one. Confirm the chosen size and packaging before approving payment.

For an unfamiliar product, request samples from China. For a larger order, agree on quality inspection in China before shipment. Include the actual product requirements in the inspection instructions.

Also distinguish the platforms: Alibaba Trade Assurance concerns eligible Alibaba.com orders. Its official explanation does not make a separate 1688 purchase automatically protected.

Can an agent buy for you if registration fails? #

Yes. An agent can source and purchase through its own account under an agreed arrangement. Confirm who places the order, who pays the seller, and who handles a dispute.

Before sending money, obtain:

• Product links, quantities and agreed specifications.
• The buying fee and exchange-rate basis.
• China delivery, inspection and warehouse charges.
• Order evidence and the process for reporting shortages.
• Shipping options and the information needed for a quote.

Our China sourcing-agent guide explains the role. If buying from several shops, arrange how to combine orders from China, then follow the 1688-to-Nigeria shipping process.

ChinaBridge can review product links and quantities, your Nigerian destination, and whether you need buying, inspection or shipping support.

A working 1688 account in Nigeria is useful when the order behind it is clear. Keep account access under your control and confirm the full buying arrangement before paying.

First published 07 Oct 2026. Last checked 07 Oct 2026 by The ChinaBridge desk. Something here out of date? Tell us in the comments and we will fix it.