Downloading the Temu app takes about two minutes. Setting it up properly โ so you’re getting the right regional experience, not handing over unnecessary permissions, and positioned to claim your new-user coupons before the timer runs out โ takes a little more thought. This guide walks through the full process for South African Android and iPhone users, including what to do if the app isn’t available in your region and what to consider before you sign up.
Before You Download: Check Your Device Compatibility
Temu’s app is available on Android and iOS. The technical requirements are undemanding โ most South African smartphones in active use today will run it without issue. The current version as of March 2026 is 4.37.0 on Android (last updated 16 March 2026) and the equivalent on iOS. The app size is approximately 46 MB on Android, a modest footprint that won’t strain the storage on an entry-level device.
| Platform | Minimum Requirement | Where to Download | App Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher | Google Play Store โ search “Temu” | ~46 MB |
| iPhone / iPad | iOS โ check App Store listing for current minimum | Apple App Store (SA storefront) โ search “Temu” | ~100 MB |
| Desktop / laptop | No desktop app โ use temu.com in a browser | temu.com (SA version at temu.com/za) | N/A |
Android 5.0 was released in 2014. Any Android phone bought since approximately 2015 will meet the requirement. Temu does not publish an official iOS minimum version โ check the App Store listing for the current requirement at time of download.
How to Download on Android (Google Play Store)
Several websites offer downloadable APK files for Temu outside of the Google Play Store. Do not use them. Installing apps from unknown sources bypasses Google’s security scanning and exposes your device to modified versions of the app that could contain malware. Temu is available on the Google Play Store in South Africa โ there is no legitimate reason to sideload it.
If your Play Store account is set to a country where Temu is not available, the correct solution is to update your Google account country setting to South Africa โ not to download an APK.
How to Download on iPhone (iOS App Store)
Creating Your Temu Account: The Right Way
Once you’ve browsed, found items you want, and are ready to buy โ then create your account. Temu offers four registration methods: email address, phone number, Google account, or Facebook account. All four work for South African users.
Most private option. Consider using a dedicated email address for Temu rather than your primary address, to keep promotional emails separate.
SA numbers work. Required for OTP verification on card payments regardless of how you register, so Temu will have your number either way.
Fastest option on Android. Links your Google profile to Temu. Convenient but means Temu can see your Google account name and email address.
Quick sign-in using your Facebook credentials. Shares your Facebook profile name and email with Temu. Least recommended for privacy-conscious shoppers.
Temu’s new-user welcome coupon bundle โ a set of staggered discount codes โ activates the moment you register. The first coupon in the bundle typically has the shortest expiry window: sometimes as little as 24 to 48 hours. If you register and then spend two days deciding what to buy, you may lose the most valuable coupon before placing your first order.
The strategy: browse the app as a guest, add items to your wishlist or cart, decide what you actually want to buy โ then create your account. Register only when you’re ready to check out within the next hour. This ensures the welcome coupon is applied while it’s still active.
Setting Up the App Correctly for South Africa
If your device’s app store account is set to South Africa, Temu will automatically configure itself for the SA market โ Rand pricing, local shipping options, and SA-specific payment methods including Mobicred and PayPal. If you’re seeing US dollar prices, your store account may be set to a different country. Here’s how to check and fix it.
- Open the Google Play Store
- Tap your profile icon (top right)
- Go to Settings โ General โ Account and device preferences
- Tap Country and profiles and update to South Africa
- Reinstall Temu if already installed in the wrong region
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Tap your name โ Media & Purchases
- Tap View Account โ Country/Region
- Change to South Africa
- Reopen the App Store and reinstall Temu
App Permissions: What to Allow and What to Deny
When you first open Temu, it will request a series of permissions. Some are necessary for the app to function; others are optional and can be safely denied without affecting your shopping experience. This matters in the South African context because the National Consumer Commission opened a formal investigation into Temu and Shein in late 2025, specifically citing concerns about data-mining and algorithmic practices under the Consumer Protection Act.
It is worth noting that an independent July 2025 report by UK consumer watchdog Which? ranked Temu first among 20 major apps for requesting the fewest total permissions โ 12 in total, rated as the least intrusive in the group. That finding runs counter to much of the alarming commentary online and is worth keeping in context. Nevertheless, granting only what is necessary remains a sound practice for any app.
| Permission | Recommended | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Notifications | โ Allow | Required to receive order updates, import duty payment alerts, and delivery notifications. Without this, you may miss a customs payment notification and have your parcel held. |
| Location (while using) | Optional | Used to pre-fill your delivery address. Not required โ you can enter your address manually. Deny “always on” location access; “while using” is sufficient if you choose to allow it at all. |
| Camera | Optional | Used for visual search (photograph an item to find similar products) and for uploading return/refund photos. You can take photos separately and upload from your gallery instead if you prefer to deny this. |
| Photo library / storage | Optional | Needed only to upload photos for return requests or product reviews. Grant access only when prompted for a specific task, not as a standing permission. |
| Contacts | โ Deny | Temu uses contacts access to suggest people to invite to its referral programme. There is no functional shopping reason to grant this. Deny it. |
| Microphone | โ Deny | Temu has a voice search feature, but it is not essential for a standard shopping experience. Deny until you specifically want to use voice search, then grant temporarily. |
| App tracking (iOS โ ATT prompt) | โ Deny | iOS 14.5+ requires apps to ask permission before tracking you across other apps and websites. Tap “Ask App Not to Track.” This limits cross-app behavioural profiling without affecting your Temu shopping experience. |
First-Time Setup: Five Things to Do Immediately After Installing
๐๏ธ How To Use Temu Coupon Codes In South Africa
Want to save money on Temu orders in South Africa? Learn how to apply coupon codes correctly, stack discounts, and maximize savings on your purchases.
- โ Where To Find Valid Temu Coupons
- โ Step-By-Step Guide To Applying Codes
- โ Stack Promotions For Maximum Savings
- โ Tips To Avoid Invalid Or Expired Codes
Download Temu only from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store โ never from a third-party APK site. The app requires Android 5.0 or higher and is approximately 46 MB on Android, 100 MB on iOS. Make sure your app store account is set to South Africa before installing, or you’ll see US dollar prices and the wrong payment options. Browse as a guest before registering โ your welcome coupon bundle timer starts the moment you create an account, so register only when you’re ready to place your first order. Deny contacts, microphone, and always-on location access; allow notifications so you don’t miss import duty payment alerts. Add your delivery address and payment method to your profile before you start shopping to avoid delays at checkout.
Updated March 2026 ยท Sources: Google Play Store (ZA), Apple App Store (ZA), AppBrain, Wikipedia/Temu, TechPoint Africa, Which? UK (July 2025), NCC South Africa
