The Complete 2025 Guide to Recovering a Frozen Taobao Account

 If you’re a dropshipper or cross-border eCommerce seller using Taobao, chances are you’ve either encountered — or worried about — having your account frozen. Especially when accessing Taobao from outside China, account restrictions can happen suddenly and without much warning.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most effective ways to prevent your Taobao account from getting frozen, and what to do if it already has.
This is based on the latest UI and policies as of February 2025.

Why Does Taobao Freeze Accounts?

Taobao is heavily optimized for domestic users in China. When its system detects suspicious access patterns — such as logins from foreign IP addresses — it may automatically flag and freeze your account to protect against fraud or bot activity.

This means that even legitimate sellers like you can get caught in the system.

How to Prevent Your Taobao Account from Being Frozen

To avoid triggering Taobao’s security filters, follow these precautions from the moment you sign up:

✅ 1. Sign Up Using LTE/5G, Not Wi-Fi

Before you even install the app, disable your Wi-Fi router and use mobile data instead (LTE or 5G).
Wi-Fi networks, especially shared ones or VPNs, are more likely to be flagged as suspicious traffic.

✅ 2. Change Your Basic Info After Signing Up

After your account is created, you should immediately update the following:

  • Set a login password (it’s not always required at first)
  • Change your nickname (the default one looks temporary and bot-like)
  • Upload a profile photo (blank profiles are more suspicious)

These actions show that you’re an actual user, not a mass-generated account.

✅ 3. Always Use QR Code Login on PC

If you need to log into Taobao from your desktop or laptop (for order management, etc.), avoid entering your ID and password directly.
Instead:

  1. Open the Taobao homepage on your computer.
  2. You’ll see a QR code for login — leave it there.
  3. Open the Taobao app on your phone.
  4. Tap the QR scan icon and scan the code on your computer screen.

This method is much safer, as it avoids triggering the login attempt from a foreign browser IP.

Step-by-Step: How to Create a Taobao Account (2025 Updated Version)

If you’re creating a new account, follow these steps carefully:

🔹 Step 1: Install the Taobao App

  • Download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  • Before opening the app, make sure Wi-Fi is turned off and you’re on LTE/5G.

🔹 Step 2: Register Your Phone Number

  • When the app launches, tap the red “Sign Up” button.
  • Set your country code to +82 (for Korea, or whichever country you’re in).
  • Enter your mobile number without the leading zero.
  • Agree to the terms and conditions.
  • Complete the SMS verification.

Now your account is created!

🔹 Step 3: Secure Your Account Immediately

A new account is still vulnerable. Take these steps right away:

→ Set a Login Password

  • Tap the settings icon in the top-right corner of the app.
  • Go to Account & Security.
  • Select Set Login Password and complete SMS verification again.
  • Enter your new password and save.

→ Change Your Nickname

  • In the same Account & Security menu, tap your current nickname.
  • Tap the “Change nickname” button and enter a new name (5–25 characters).

→ Upload a Profile Photo

  • Tap your profile image on the top-left corner of the home screen.
  • Tap the photo again to edit.
  • Upload a photo from your gallery or take a new one.

What If Your Taobao Account Is Already Frozen?

If your account has already been locked, try the following:

  1. Log in via QR code instead of using ID/password. Sometimes, that alone works.
  2. Attempt SMS re-verification if prompted.
  3. Contact Taobao customer service (in Chinese, or via a sourcing agent who can help).
  4. In worst cases, you may need to create a new account with fresh credentials and a new phone number.

Final Thoughts

While it may seem like a lot of work just to create and maintain a Taobao account, these extra steps are absolutely worth it — especially if Taobao is your main source for inventory.

By taking these precautions, you’ll avoid the stress of sudden account freezing and keep your business running smoothly.

And if you’re looking to further increase your margins, Refundy offers cashback and discount refund services tailored specifically for Taobao and AliExpress sellers.

Interested in learning more?
Follow us on Medium for more actionable guides for global dropshippers.

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