Smartphone displaying the ZAO app with a face swap, Chinese flag in the background, and MobileSMS.io logo.

How to install and use Zao outside China?

November 14, 2025 / Guides / By / 11 minutes of reading

Table of Contents

Introduction

In today’s digital world, apps that allow users to swap faces with others have become extremely popular. One of the most exciting among these is ZAO, an app that lets you superimpose your face onto celebrities and famous scenes for a fun, often hilarious effect. However, ZAO is currently only available in China. This guide will show you how to access and use ZAO outside of China using a temporary Chinese phone number from MobileSMS.io. (Updated November 2025)

With the evolution of AI technology in 2025, face-swapping apps have become more sophisticated and accessible. ZAO remains one of the pioneers in this space, offering instant deepfake video creation that once required expensive software and hours of processing time. Let’s explore how you can join millions of users enjoying this innovative technology from anywhere in the world.

What is ZAO?

ZAO is a Chinese-developed smartphone app owned by Momo Inc. It allows users to swap their faces with those of celebrities or characters from movies and TV shows. Released in August 2019, ZAO uses advanced AI technology to create realistic face swaps, and it quickly became one of the most downloaded apps on the Chinese iOS App Store.

What sets ZAO apart from other face-swapping apps is its speed and quality. The app can create convincing deepfake videos in just 8 seconds using only a single selfie. As of 2025, ZAO has expanded its database to include thousands of movie clips, TV show scenes, and music videos from both Chinese and international media. The app’s AI algorithm has been continuously improved, now offering better facial recognition for diverse ethnicities and more natural-looking results with improved lighting and shadow matching.

Why Use ZAO?

ZAO provides a unique and entertaining way to create deepfake videos. Whether you want to have fun with friends, create unique social media content, or explore the capabilities of AI, ZAO offers an easy-to-use platform for these purposes.

In 2025, the app has become particularly popular for:

  • Social Media Content Creation: Generate viral-worthy videos for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts
  • Digital Entertainment: Star in your favorite movie scenes or music videos
  • Educational Purposes: Understand deepfake technology and its implications
  • Creative Projects: Use for art installations, presentations, or digital storytelling
  • Virtual Celebrations: Create personalized birthday messages or holiday greetings featuring celebrity appearances

Requirements Before You Start

Before diving into the installation process, ensure you have the following ready for a smooth experience:

  • A Compatible Device: Android 5.0+ or iOS 11+ with at least 2GB RAM
  • Stable Internet Connection: Required for downloading the app and verification process
  • Storage Space: At least 500MB free space for app installation and video creation
  • VPN Service (Optional): May improve connection stability in some regions
  • Translation App: Essential for navigating the Chinese-only interface
  • Virtual Chinese Phone Number: Available through MobileSMS.io’s reliable service

Register Without a Chinese Phone Number

Infographic showing steps to register for ZAO using MobileSMS.io: Visit website, purchase number, receive code.
Register for ZAO with a temporary Chinese number from MobileSMS.io.

While ZAO requires a Chinese phone number for registration, services like MobileSMS.io provide virtual Chinese numbers that make this possible. Here’s how you can get started:

  1. Visit MobileSMS.io: Navigate to MobileSMS.io and sign up. The platform offers instant access to Chinese numbers without lengthy verification processes.
  2. Purchase a Temporary Chinese Number: Select and purchase a temporary Chinese phone number. As of 2025, MobileSMS.io offers competitive rates starting at just a few dollars, with their “All Services” plan providing the best value for users who need numbers for multiple apps.
  3. Receive Verification Code: Use this number to receive the verification code needed to register on ZAO. Messages typically arrive within 30 seconds.
  4. Save Your Number Details: Keep a record of your temporary number in case you need to recover your ZAO account later.

Pro Tip: Consider MobileSMS.io’s “All Services” 30-day rental plan if you plan to explore multiple Chinese apps or need extended access to your ZAO account. This option provides better value and ensures continuous access without interruption.

Download ZAO on Android

Step-by-step guide for downloading and installing ZAO on an Android device, including downloading APK, adjusting security settings, and installation.
Download and install ZAO on your Android device outside of China.

To install ZAO on your Android device outside of China:

  1. Download the APK: Find a reliable website to download the ZAO APK. Ensure the site is trustworthy by scanning the APK with VirusTotal. Popular APK sources in 2025 include APKPure, APKMirror, and QooApp.
  2. Verify APK Authenticity: Check the file size (should be approximately 100-150MB) and compare the SHA-256 hash if available.
  3. Allow Installation from Unknown Sources: Go to your phone’s security settings and allow installation from unknown sources if you are using Android 8.0 or earlier. For newer versions (Android 9-14), authorize the installation directly when prompted.
  4. Install the APK: Proceed with the installation. The process typically takes 1-2 minutes depending on your device.
  5. Grant Necessary Permissions: Allow camera access for face scanning and storage access for saving videos.

Download ZAO on iOS

For iOS users wanting to use ZAO outside China in 2025, the process requires a different approach:

  1. Create a Chinese Apple ID: Register a new Apple ID with China as your region. You don’t need a Chinese payment method for free apps.
  2. Switch App Store Region: Sign out of your current Apple ID in the App Store and sign in with your Chinese Apple ID.
  3. Search and Download: Search for “ZAO” in the Chinese App Store and download directly.
  4. Alternative Method: Use third-party app installers like TutuApp or Panda Helper, though these methods are less secure.
  5. Return to Your Original Apple ID: After installation, you can switch back to your original Apple ID. ZAO will remain installed.

Important Note: iOS installation may be more restrictive due to Apple’s policies. Always backup your device before attempting alternative installation methods.

Translate ZAO Interface

ZAO does not offer language options other than Chinese, but you can translate the interface using third-party apps like Screen Text Translate or App Translator. These tools can help you navigate the app despite the language barrier.

In 2025, the best translation solutions include:

  • Google Lens: Point your camera at the screen for instant translation (works on a second device)
  • Microsoft Translator: Offers overlay translation for real-time navigation
  • Tap to Translate: Creates floating translation bubbles over the Chinese text
  • Hi Translate: Provides screen translation with one-tap functionality

Quick Navigation Guide: The main buttons you’ll encounter are: 制作 (Create), 我的 (My Profile), 发现 (Discover), and 设置 (Settings).

Register Your Account

  1. Enter Your Temporary Chinese Number: During registration, input the Chinese number you obtained from MobileSMS.io. Make sure to include the country code +86.
  2. Request Verification Code: Tap the button that says “获取验证码” (Get Verification Code).
  3. Verify Your Account: Enter the verification code sent to your temporary number to complete the registration. The code is usually 6 digits.
  4. Set Up Your Profile: Upload a clear selfie for the best face-swapping results. The app works best with front-facing photos in good lighting.
  5. Accept Terms and Conditions: You’ll need to agree to ZAO’s terms of service (in Chinese) to proceed.

Using ZAO: Key Features

Once you’ve successfully registered, explore these key features that make ZAO special in 2025:

  • AI Face Swap: Select from thousands of video clips and instantly swap your face with celebrities
  • Multi-Face Videos: Create videos with multiple friends in the same scene
  • Custom Expressions: The AI now captures and replicates your unique facial expressions more accurately
  • Video Quality Options: Choose between standard and HD quality outputs
  • Social Sharing: Direct sharing to WeChat, Weibo, or save to your device for sharing on international platforms
  • Face Library: Save multiple selfies for different moods and lighting conditions
  • Trending Templates: Access the latest movie trailers and viral video templates updated weekly

Deepfake Technology

Icons of a lock, shield, and warning signs emphasizing privacy and security considerations when using deepfake technology.
Ensure privacy and security when using deepfake apps like ZAO.

ZAO utilizes deepfake technology, which combines deep learning and AI to superimpose one face over another in video content. This technology maps and retargets facial features to create realistic face swaps from a single photo.

In 2025, ZAO’s deepfake technology has evolved significantly:

  • Enhanced Neural Networks: Uses GAN (Generative Adversarial Network) technology with improved training models
  • Real-time Processing: Creates videos in under 8 seconds compared to hours with traditional methods
  • Facial Landmark Detection: Identifies 106 facial points for more accurate mapping
  • Adaptive Skin Tone Matching: Better blends different skin tones and lighting conditions
  • Expression Transfer: Captures subtle expressions including eye movements and micro-expressions
  • Edge Computing: Processes some elements locally on your device for faster results

The Rise of Deepfake Apps

Deepfake apps like ZAO have grown in popularity due to their ability to create convincing digital content quickly. Unlike other deepfake services that require extensive processing time, ZAO offers instant face swaps, making it a favorite among users.

The deepfake app market in 2025 has expanded dramatically:

  • Market Growth: The global deepfake software market reached $1.5 billion in 2025, up from $500 million in 2023
  • User Demographics: 65% of users are between 18-34 years old, with equal gender distribution
  • Content Creation Boom: Over 10 million deepfake videos are created daily across all platforms
  • Entertainment Industry Adoption: Major studios now use similar technology for legitimate film production
  • Educational Applications: Universities use deepfake technology for historical recreations and language learning

Privacy and Security Considerations

Using deepfake technology comes with privacy and security concerns. Be mindful of the data you share and ensure that any third-party apps you use for translations or other purposes are secure.

Essential security practices for 2025:

  • Data Protection: ZAO stores facial data on Chinese servers. Consider using photos specifically taken for the app rather than personal photos
  • Content Awareness: Videos created may be stored on ZAO’s servers. Avoid creating content you wouldn’t want public
  • Identity Protection: Use MobileSMS.io’s temporary numbers to avoid linking your personal phone number
  • App Permissions: Only grant necessary permissions and revoke them when not using the app
  • Regular Updates: Keep the app updated for the latest security patches
  • Watermark Awareness: ZAO adds watermarks to free videos, which helps identify deepfake content
  • Legal Considerations: Be aware of your local laws regarding deepfake creation and distribution

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

  • Verification Issues: If you don’t receive a verification code, try using a different temporary number or ensure your VPN matches the country of the number. MobileSMS.io’s support can help troubleshoot delivery issues.
  • Installation Problems: Make sure your device allows installations from unknown sources and that the APK file is not corrupted. Try downloading from a different source if issues persist.
  • Face Recognition Failures: Ensure your selfie is well-lit, front-facing, and shows your full face clearly. Avoid wearing glasses or heavy makeup for initial setup.
  • App Crashes: Clear the app cache, ensure you have sufficient storage space (at least 1GB free), and restart your device.
  • Video Quality Issues: Check your internet connection speed. ZAO requires at least 10 Mbps for HD video creation.
  • Language Barrier Problems: If translation apps aren’t working, try taking screenshots and using Google Translate’s image feature.
  • Account Recovery: Keep your temporary number active through MobileSMS.io’s “All Services” plan to ensure you can always recover your account.

Alternatives to ZAO

While ZAO remains popular, several alternatives have emerged in 2025 for users who want similar features:

  • Reface: Available globally with multi-language support and similar face-swapping features
  • FaceApp: Offers face morphing and aging effects alongside basic face swapping
  • Wombo: Specializes in lip-sync videos with face animation
  • DeepFaceLab: Open-source option for advanced users who want more control
  • Avatarify: Real-time face swapping for video calls and streaming
  • MyHeritage Deep Nostalgia: Animates old photos with AI technology

However, ZAO’s extensive library of Asian media content and processing speed keeps it unique in the market.

FAQs

Q: Can I use ZAO on iOS?
A: Yes! As of 2025, you can use ZAO on iOS by creating a Chinese Apple ID or using third-party installers. See the iOS installation section above for detailed steps.

Q: Is using a temporary phone number safe?
A: Yes, using a temporary number from a reputable service like MobileSMS.io is safe and helps protect your personal information. They use encrypted connections and don’t store your personal data.

Q: Are there any costs associated with getting a temporary Chinese number?
A: Yes, services like MobileSMS.io charge a fee for providing temporary numbers. Check their website for current pricing. The “All Services” monthly plan offers the best value for regular users.

Q: Can I use ZAO videos commercially?
A: No, ZAO’s terms of service prohibit commercial use of created videos. They’re intended for personal entertainment only.

Q: How long do temporary numbers from MobileSMS.io last?
A: Duration varies by plan. Single-use numbers expire after receiving the verification code, while monthly rentals provide continuous access.

Q: Will my created videos be saved on ZAO’s servers?
A: Yes, ZAO stores created videos on their servers. Always create content you’re comfortable potentially being public.

Q: Can I delete my ZAO account and data?
A: Yes, you can request account deletion through the app’s settings, though the process is in Chinese. Use a translation app to navigate to 设置 (Settings) > 账号与安全 (Account & Security) > 注销账号 (Delete Account).

Conclusion

ZAO is a fun and innovative app that you can use even outside China with a temporary Chinese phone number. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the unique features of ZAO and explore the world of deepfake technology in 2025. The app continues to evolve with better AI capabilities, more content options, and improved user experience.

Remember to use the technology responsibly and be mindful of privacy considerations. Whether you’re creating content for social media, exploring AI capabilities, or simply having fun with friends, ZAO offers an accessible entry point into the fascinating world of deepfake technology.

Get your temporary Chinese phone number from MobileSMS.io today and start creating amazing face swaps! With their reliable service and competitive pricing, especially the “All Services” plan for extended access, you’ll be creating hilarious and impressive deepfake videos in minutes.

Get a Temporary Number Now!