How to transfer the master account of a Chinese car

Key points

• The master account is the car's main account: drivers are linked to it and remote functions, updates and subscriptions live on it.
• When you sell a car the account does not move by itself: the previous owner unlinks the vehicle, the new owner accepts the account.
• Chinese apps send the confirmation code only to +86 numbers — codes do not go to numbers of other countries.
• If the +86 number is lost or was registered to the previous owner, you need a new one: KitSim issues it as an eSIM within a day.
• No Chinese passport required: the number is registered on a foreign passport, first and last name in Latin letters.

Why the account has to be transferred

The master account is bound to the car, not to a person. While it still belongs to the previous owner, the new owner cannot link a profile, enable remote functions, update the firmware or order subscriptions. Worse: the previous owner keeps access to the car and can see its location and control locks and climate remotely.

Transfer on sale — step by step

1. The previous owner opens the brand app and unlinks the car from their master account.
2. The new owner signs in to the app with their own account and adds the car by VIN.
3. The app sends a confirmation code to the Chinese +86 number linked to the account.
4. The new owner enters the code — the car moves to their profile and the features unlock.

If the previous owner is unavailable

This is common with used cars: the seller is gone, the +86 number is lost, the account was registered to a Chinese dealer or the first owner. In that case the transfer does not go through the old access but through a new +86 number: the account is restored to the new number, and the car is then linked to its owner inside it.

What is needed for a new +86 number

• A phone number and email for contact.
• First and last name in Latin letters, exactly as in the passport.
• The passport number. No document photos and no selfie.

What does not work

• Disposable and free online numbers: the code never arrives, the number lives for minutes and is useless for a car account.
• VPN and roaming: they do not affect SMS delivery from China.
• A friend's number in China: they must be available for every sign-in.

Afterwards the number is renewed once a year — we remind you in advance. Support in Russian, English and other languages.