A phone hotline launched to help users understand their mobile service has turned into an agony aunt for troubled youngsters, Yangtze Evening News reported on Tuesday.

China Mobile's free 10086 hotline was set to answer questions about bills and services for customers, but of late it has become a lifeline for the heartbroken and curious.

When asked by one customer "How old are you?" It responded: "Sorry, it's a secret."

One user complained about a relationship break up and received the reply, "maybe the right one is waiting for you at the next corner," the paper said.

The novelty responses have become popular online with Internet threads themed "Flirt with 10086", with many users posting their messages sent by 10086.

But it is worth noting the magic number doesn't have all the answers. One user text, "I caught flu" and received the reply "It’s out of my reach. "

The report said the 10086 android was designed to meet the demand of users' questions about their mobile service businesses, including telephone tariff queries.