Getting Started with HTX: A 2026 Registration Guide for Crypto Newcomers

So you're looking to dip your toes into cryptocurrency trading but feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the exchange options out there? Let me walk you through one of the most established platforms in the space—HTX (formerly known as Huobi). This isn't going to be some technical manual that puts you to sleep. Think of this as your friend explaining how to get set up over coffee.

Why HTX Makes Sense for Beginners

Before we jump into the how-to, let's talk about why HTX stands out in a crowded market.

Global reach with serious liquidity. HTX handles massive daily trading volumes and supports over 100 major cryptocurrencies. What does this mean for you? When you want to buy or sell, there's always someone on the other side of that trade. No waiting around.

Security that actually works. They use a multi-layered approach with cold and hot wallet separation—basically, most funds stay offline where hackers can't touch them. Their risk management team monitors activity 24/7, which means your assets have some proper protection.

Multilingual support. If you're more comfortable in Chinese, Spanish, or several other languages, HTX's customer service and educational resources have you covered. New to crypto? Their tutorials break things down without assuming you already have a PhD in blockchain.

What You'll Need Before Starting

Keep these things handy:

• A working phone number or email address (your phone number is usually faster for verification codes)

• An email account you check regularly (you'll get important notifications here)

• Stable internet connection (avoid public WiFi during registration to prevent security issues)

The Registration Process

Here's where we get practical. Setting up your HTX account takes about 5-10 minutes if you have everything ready.

Step 1: Navigate to the registration page. Open your browser and head to HTX's official website. You'll see a "Register" or "Sign Up" button front and center.

Step 2: Choose your registration method. You can register with either your phone number or email. I'd recommend using your phone—it's generally faster for receiving verification codes and makes account recovery easier down the road.

For phone registration, select your country code first (like +1 for the US, +86 for mainland China, +852 for Hong Kong), then enter your number. If you're going the email route, just type in your address.

Step 3: Create a strong password. Don't use "password123" or your birthday. Mix uppercase and lowercase letters, throw in some numbers and special characters. Aim for 8-20 characters. Yes, it's a pain to remember, but future you will thank present you when your account stays secure.

Step 4: Get your verification code. Click the button to receive your code via SMS or email. It'll be a 6-digit number—enter it in the corresponding field. Can't find it? Check your spam folder if you used email, or make sure your phone isn't blocking unknown senders.

Step 5: Accept the terms. Check the boxes agreeing to HTX's User Agreement and Privacy Policy (yes, you should actually skim these), then hit that Register button.

If you're exploring cryptocurrency exchanges for the first time and want to compare different platforms, 👉 check out HTX's comprehensive trading features and competitive fee structure to see how it stacks up against other options.

Identity Verification—Why It Matters

Here's the thing about KYC (Know Your Customer) verification: it's not optional if you want to do anything meaningful on the platform. Completing this unlocks higher withdrawal limits and access to advanced features.

Getting verified:

Log into your new account and navigate to Security Center, then Identity Verification. Select "Personal Verification" and prepare to upload:

• Front photo of your ID document (passport, driver's license, or national ID card)

• Back photo of the same document

• A selfie holding your ID next to your face with the current date written on a piece of paper

Make sure the photos are clear and all information is readable. Blurry photos will get rejected, and you'll have to start over.

The review process typically takes 1-24 hours. Sometimes it's super quick (within an hour), other times it takes the full day. Just be patient.

Locking Down Your Account Security

Once you're verified, don't skip this part. I've seen too many people lose funds because they didn't bother with proper security settings.

Set up a transaction password. This is a separate 6-digit PIN you'll need for withdrawals and sensitive operations. Don't make it the same as your login password, and definitely don't use something obvious like 123456.

Enable Google Authenticator. Head to Security Center → Two-Factor Authentication → Google Authenticator. You'll scan a QR code with the Google Authenticator app on your phone. Super important: write down the backup key they provide. If you lose your phone, this key is your lifeline.

Turn on SMS and email verification. Even with Google Authenticator set up, having these backup methods means you won't get locked out if something goes wrong with your phone.

For those interested in diving deeper into cryptocurrency trading strategies, 👉 HTX offers advanced trading tools and market analysis features that can help you make more informed decisions as you grow your portfolio.

Making Your First Purchase

Now for the fun part—actually buying some crypto.

Depositing fiat currency: Go to Assets → Fiat Trading. HTX supports various payment methods depending on your region—bank transfers, credit cards, sometimes even payment apps. Choose your method, follow the prompts, and complete the deposit.

Buying USDT or Bitcoin: In the Fiat Trading section, select your trading pair (like USD to USDT or CNY to USDT). Enter how much you want to buy, review the current exchange rate, and confirm your order. USDT is stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, making it a popular starting point for beginners.

Spot trading: Ready to buy other cryptocurrencies? Navigate to Spot Trading and select a pair like BTC/USDT. You can place a "limit order" (you set the price) or a "market order" (buy at current market price). Enter the amount and submit.

Withdrawing to external wallets: When you want to move crypto off HTX, go to Withdraw, select your coin and network type (make sure these match your destination wallet exactly), paste the receiving address, add any required memo/tag, enter your Google Authenticator code and transaction password, then confirm.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Verification code not arriving? First, check that your phone isn't blocking the number. For email, look in spam/junk folders. If it's still not showing up after 5 minutes, try requesting a new code or contact support.

KYC taking forever? Most verifications complete within 24 hours. If you're past 48 hours with no update, reach out to customer support through the platform's help center.

Can't log in? Make sure you're using the correct login method (phone vs email). If you've forgotten your password, use the recovery option on the login page.

Final Thoughts

Setting up an HTX account is pretty straightforward once you know the steps. Take your time with security settings—seriously, don't rush through that part. Start small with your first trades to get comfortable with how everything works.

The crypto market never sleeps, so there's no pressure to dive in immediately. Learn the platform, watch how prices move, read up on projects before buying, and only invest what you can afford to lose.

Remember, every experienced trader was once a complete beginner staring at a registration page wondering where to start. You've got this.