Step-by-Step Guide to Registering, Subscribing, and Passing KYC for Claude

The power and cost-effectiveness of Opus5.5 made me determined to use the official Claude Code at all costs.

Under the guidance of @gkxspace and many predecessors' tutorials, I finally figured out a stable registration process. I have used the Claude Code desktop version and the mobile Claude App for over two weeks, subscribed to Max membership, and passed KYC verification.

This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step explanation of my entire process. It involves many minor details, so I recommend saving this post and following along carefully when you have time.

Due to the diversity and randomness of Anthropic's account bans, this article only shares my actual activation process and does not guarantee any anti-ban measures!

Hard requirements:

• Passport (for payment and KYC)
• A local Agent (Codex)
• A Mac (Windows settings differ from Mac, effectiveness not guaranteed)
• An iPhone (optional, if you need to use the Claude App on mobile)
• Shadowrocket (to ensure consistent network routing rules between computer and phone)

Alright, let's get started 👇

1. Register a New Gmail Account on iPhone

Download Chrome browser on your iPhone and register a new Gmail account — top right avatar → Add account → Create account. I did not encounter phone number verification during registration.

However, registering on a computer might require phone number verification. Although mainland +86 numbers can pass this verification, if Claude later requires phone verification, I personally think it might have some impact if both sides don't simultaneously use US (or other supported region) phone numbers. Therefore, I also prepared a tutorial below for activating a US eSIM phone number on a domestic Chinese iPhone.

2. Register a New US Apple ID, Top Up Gift Cards to Purchase Shadowrocket

Shadowrocket, commonly known as "Little Rocket," costs $2.99 and is mainly used to configure the clean network and routing rules later.

At the same time, you need a US Apple ID to search for Shadowrocket in the App Store. So, first, let's register a free Apple ID.

Go to: https://account.apple.com/account, where you can register a US Apple ID using a Chinese phone number.

Then log in to the App Store on both Mac and iPhone with this newly registered free US Apple ID to purchase Shadowrocket. However, there's a hassle here: without a US bank card, you can't directly top up, so you need to buy a gift card via Alipay first.

Alipay [Nidiya Gift Card], then go to this interface, select the first Apple Gift Card US, top up $3 to the Google email bound to the above US Apple ID, and then download Shadowrocket from the App Store.

3. Set Up a Clean Network Exit IP

Because most Claude bans are due to messy, garbage IPs, network configuration is absolutely critical in the entire Claude registration process!

Two choices: self-built VPS or IPEqual packaged service, both offering static dedicated US IPs with direct connection latency around 150-190ms.

The former has more traffic, optimized routes back to China, but is often out of stock and uses data center IPs. Any network issues must be maintained by yourself. If you want residential IPs, you have to layer another one yourself (often large IP pools). Considering price and hassle, the latter is preferred.

The latter offers quick technical fixes for issues, no need to worry yourself, uses static residential IPs (preferred IP segments), has optimized routes back to China, no complex chain configurations needed, and has 1v1 dedicated customer service. Only recommended for Max and above plans (because they are dedicated).

I use self-built VPS services myself; interested readers can check that post, not expanded here.

https://x.com/gengdaJ/status/2029570219354845577

IPEqual was shared by YouTube experts I watched before, and I recently recommended it to friends who reported good speed and similar latency to the former. If you don't want to bother configuring and just want to quickly use Claude, you can buy this directly: https://www.equaldcdn.com

After purchasing/building related services, import the obtained link into Shadowrocket. Click the + in the top right corner, then click Import. If you really don't know how, ask Codex to help import. Then you'll get a stable exit IP.

4. Clean Up Old Claude Login and Forwarding Configurations

I think my previous Claude ban was due to messy configurations not being cleaned, so this time I did a big cleanup — thoroughly cleaning Claude Code, CC Switch, and Claude Desktop.

I used the claude-cleanup Skill, preserving Claude Code historical sessions, Skills, plugins, and custom configurations during cleanup. Third-party forwarding configurations and Little Rocket routing were handled separately.

Just hand this step over to Codex; we non-CS majors can't figure out code changes...

1. First Log Out of Claude, Copy This Prompt to Codex

Exit the Claude desktop app and running Claude Code sessions, keep Codex open (might use Computer Use to operate CC Switch). Then send:

I'm preparing to use an official Claude account. Please check the old Claude Code and Claude Desktop configurations on this Mac.

First fetch and review this claude-cleanup Skill, refer to its whitelist and protection scope for read-only audit, do not execute cleanup scripts yet:

https://github.com/suyuan2022/suyuan-skill/blob/423473db6b618c7e040f1a5a6879bc83e69e8b3b/claude-cleanup/SKILL.md Please list a brief cleanup plan first: 1. Check old login credentials, account cache, and Claude cache/logs. 2. Check userID, machineID in main identity files, explain impact and scope of resetting these local identifiers. 3. Check Claude Code third-party API addresses, auth overrides, and model mappings. If using CC Switch, prepare to switch back to Claude Official and disable Claude takeover. 4. Preserve historical sessions, Skills, plugins, Hooks, custom rules, desktop persistent data, and configs dependent on Feishu etc. Do not clear entire .claude or CC Switch database, do not uninstall apps.

Do not output passwords or tokens. Tell me what to handle, what to preserve, and impacts first, wait for my confirmation before executing.

2. Execute Cleanup Operations

Send this to Codex:

Execute according to the list just outlined. First fully backup relevant configs locally, normally exit required Claude processes, then clean confirmed old logins, account caches, and cache logs, reset confirmed local identifiers, remove old third-party forwarding configs from Claude Code.

Files only moved to trash; Keychain only deletes explicitly listed Claude records. Preserve remaining data and configs, verify item by item after modification. If accidentally cleared other settings during provider switch, precisely restore from backup.

After completion, tell me: processing results, backup location, and which apps need reopening.

If script requires CONFIRM input in terminal, follow Codex prompts to input yourself. After verification, reopen apps as prompted.

I did two rounds: first cleared old logins/caches, reset some local IDs, then used this Skill to move Claude desktop app and 5 desktop data items to trash. Claude Code history, Skills, shared CC Switch config, and one old identity copy preserved.

Above prompt defaults to preserving desktop data and apps. If you want to clean desktop too, explicitly state when Codex lists plan, safely restart.

5. Configure Shadowrocket Routing

Goal of this step is simple: Computer and phone accessing Claude both go through the same fixed node prepared earlier, minimizing IP changes.

Three screenshots below for setting verification. You can directly give subsequent prompts to Codex to operate.

Set Little Rocket TUN mode: Settings → Proxy → Proxy Type → None (TUN Mode).

"Global Route → Config" handles rule-based routing, also enable this, Codex will modify rules in subsequent tutorial.

Also enable "Settings → Tunnel → Include All Networks", turn on for both Mac and iPhone. This switch lets normal app network traffic be taken over by Little Rocket, then decide which node or direct connect based on routing rules. After enabling, still need to verify Claude requests go through specified node.

1. Select Node, Copy Prompt to Codex

First select your fixed node on Mac Little Rocket homepage, choose "Config" for "Global Route".

If previously used Clash or other proxy tools, some programs may retain old proxy addresses, causing browser works but Claude Code doesn't connect. Don't find files yourself, give check requirements to Codex together.

Pick any node name, replace [Node Name] below with name shown in Little Rocket, send to Codex:

Help me configure Shadowrocket on Mac, fixedly use node [Node Name].

Check and set "Settings → Proxy → Proxy Type" to None (TUN Mode), "Global Route" uses "Config".

Enable "Settings → Tunnel → Include All Networks", confirm switch effective, then verify Claude requests hit specified node.

Add DOMAIN-SUFFIX rules for these 4 domains, covering domain itself and subdomains, using specified node:

anthropic.com claude.ai claude.com claudeusercontent.com Backup config before modifying, preserve other routing rules. Claude-related rules don't use direct connect fallback or auto-switch nodes. Check currently loaded rules actually, verify real exit during normal connection.

Also check if old proxy configs conflict with current Shadowrocket, including system proxy, env vars, shell startup files, npm, Git, Homebrew, Claude settings.

Judge purpose item by item, only handle invalid/conflicting items, preserve normally used configs. When modifications needed, list specific changes and impacts first; backup before modify, verify actual Claude client networking after modify. Don't output passwords/tokens, don't directly apply old Clash proxy ports/group names.

Prepare same Claude routing config usable on iPhone. Next step I'll open iPhone Mirroring, let you continue configuring phone. Finally state what verified, what needs operation.

2. Use iPhone Mirroring + Codex to Configure Phone

Open "iPhone Mirroring" on Mac, complete first connection per prompts. iPhone and Mac both logged into same system Apple account (not App Store purchase account), enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, phone next to Mac locked screen, enable connection.

After seeing phone screen on Mac, send in previous Codex conversation:

I've opened iPhone Mirroring, please use Computer Use to operate mirror window, complete Shadowrocket config on phone:

1. First backup existing phone config, preserve other routing rules, add 4 Claude domain suffix rules prepared earlier. Confirm these domains and subdomains go through same fixed node, select "Config" route and connect. 2. Set "Settings → Proxy → Proxy Type" to None (TUN Mode), enable "Settings → Tunnel → Include All Networks", enable "Always On", identify corresponding entry per current version and verify. 3. Separately verify Mac and iPhone Claude requests hit specified node, and actual exit IP of that node. Don't judge routing correctness solely by normal IP query webpages.

When encountering passwords, Face ID, or system authorization, tell me to take over. Don't open WeChat or change unrelated settings. If unable to operate mirror, or mirror disconnects after VPN modification, state where stopped, give shortest takeover steps; continue verifying after recovery. Don't write incomplete items as completed.

6. Change Mac and iPhone Time Zones

Since mainland time matches Taipei time, and Taipei can use Claude, changing timezone to Taipei is quite good.

Change Mac like this:

• System Settings → Search "Time Zone" → Change to "Taipei City - Taiwan"
• Turn off "Automatically Set Time Zone"

• Search "Location Services" → Turn off "Location Services"

Change iPhone like this:

• Settings → Search "Date & Time", timezone select "Taipei Standard Time", timezone city select "Taipei"
• Turn off "Set Automatically"

• Settings → Search "System Services", turn off "Set Time Zone"

7. Register Brand New Free Claude Account

Preparation phase, everything ready except east wind, officially entering Claude registration phase!

Log into Chrome browser with new Gmail email, open claude.ai, click "Continue with Google".

Next just follow instructions. Then at phone number step, optional to fill.

8. Bind US Phone Number

When Claude requires phone verification, follow this section; if not required, skip directly to subscription chapter.

Regarding phone verification, some friends encountered it, some didn't. To be safe, I'll teach everyone the method anyway.

I chose RedPocket US phone number + BeeSIM conversion card. (Because domestic Chinese iPhones don't support directly installing RedPocket eSIM, used BeeSIM physical conversion card)

RedPocket is $30/year, BeeSIM is $19.9 permanent. (Follow tutorial guide to purchase, use my link for discount prices)

This is physical card (needs insertion into slot, so reserve a slot position), shipping takes at least 1-2 days fastest, so recommend buying in advance.

1. Purchase RedPocket Plan

• Directly open eBay RedPocket product page

Because RedPocket official site needs US bank card, eBay allows direct Chinese PayPal payment, and cheaper price.

Product page link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/136840233242

Chinese PayPal easy to register, won't expand here.

• Purchase plan

Login or not okay, guest purchase if not logged in, select this $2.5/month, $30/year plan, dropdown select eSIM Phone Kit (Most popular), then click "Buy it now" (blocked by dropdown in screenshot).

• Fill relevant info, pay with Chinese PayPal.

Use ChatGPT or Google Maps to find a US tax-free state address.

Phone number fill Chinese mobile number.

2. Activate and Enable Roaming

After successful payment, quietly wait ten-plus minutes, then find RedPocket email in above filled email.

Open redpocket.com/activate URL, input Confirmation Code.

Then Device MEID/IMEI below, find in iPhone Settings → General → About → IMEI.

Continue in "Roaming" interface (find inside App. Because I don't know why recently can't log into RedPocket official site on computer, only phone, Roaming entry slightly different on phone vs computer, everyone carefully find definitely can find), enable Roaming, then dropdown select "CHINA", if "It's Enabled." appears, means activation roaming success.

Note: Possibly bottom Roaming Balances shows balance 0 (I encountered), two solutions then:

• Method 1: Consult customer service bottom right, ask them to add back plan quota (some succeeded).
• Method 2: Contact eBay customer service explaining plan quota issue, refund directly to PayPal, wait one day then repurchase plan.

3. Import eSIM to BeeSIM

If above operations all normal, start writing number to BeeSIM.

First, purchase BeeSIM card, enjoy discount through this link:

https://shop.beeesim.com

Then QR code on received envelope, scan with WeChat jumps to BeeSIM mini-program, or directly search BeeSIM in WeChat finds mini-program.

Then enable Bluetooth, connect BeeSIM.

When importing eSIM, need find email from mailbox sent by RedPocket containing US phone number and QR code.

Scan QR code with BeeSIM to record relevant info, bind. Other operations follow image instructions.

To this step, US phone number should receive/send SMS and make/receive calls.

This RedPocket US phone number besides binding Claude, has general overseas phone binding uses, hoarding not loss. Should be final scheme after estimating seven-eight vendors, max value-for-money.

9. Subscribe Pro and Max

• Click "Upgrade Plan" (oh right, Claude no Chinese interface, so English must learn well).

• Upgrade Pro first, otherwise directly upgrade Max easily banned (especially 20×).
• Full name casually fill English name.
• Country or region select United States.
• Address casually find tax-free state address in ChatGPT or Google Maps (use previous one).
• Use a different name on invoices leave blank.
• Payment, I used StarryBlu, Singapore card, successfully passed Claude subscription.

About how to open card, see my tutorial:

https://x.com/gengdaJ/status/2095746248208994671

Slight threshold: passport; HK card (if using domestic bank card need pay not low fees) $9.9 buy card, only usable after bought, fill ID in questionnaire, I help accelerate review:

https://bcn5ot9wwnew.feishu.cn/wiki/RpkuwzpHMiCoHak2gMjcuJeInFd?from=from_copylink

After Pro used full first five hours, I directly upgraded Max5×, total less than one day from registration to Max activation. But upgrading 20× probably no problem either, as long as weekly limit not maxed (leave 10%-20%, ban probability reduces considerably).

10. Pass KYC Verification with Chinese Passport

When upgrading Max5× encountered problem — KYC verification.

Was anxious then, just charged Pro unusable???

So directly Google searched, found others' passing method — directly use Chinese passport.

Principle is company conducting KYC verification is Persona, their policy allows Chinese passports.

Because already many people working/studying in US, Anthropic impossible blanket ban Chinese.

Ban more important reason maybe previous exit IP and various environment settings.

Reference description I followed then (reference material screenshot):

After passing KYC verification, claimed recent Claude official gifted $250 cloud Claude Code quota, no problems appeared.

Mobile always using Claude App, no problems appeared.

But never used Claude Code CLI, so uncertain if affects account... (everyone test cautiously)

Here ends this tutorial, everyone go play freely with Claude Opus5.5, whether coding, chatting, design all top-tier, reportedly Fable5.5 not far away, early possession, early enjoyment!!!

I am Yichen, see you next time!

References:

Yuwen Claude Anti-Ban Tutorial: