Frequently asked questions
A character I drew is not recognised
Open Tools › Recognize handwritten Chinese and check the language in Handwriting Model. The first time, the app downloads the recognition model, so connect to the internet once; if it says the model could not be downloaded, tap Try again. Write the strokes in their usual order and fill the box: the six guesses update after every stroke.
How do I read Chinese text from a photo?
Tools › Image to Text, then Take photo or Photo library. Drag the frame over the text and tap Recognize (or Whole image), then tap a word in the result to look it up. The text is read on your iPhone.
It says I have no free lookups left
Watch a video to get more lookups, or buy Unlock Search or Lifetime in More › Your plan for unlimited lookups.
The stroke order animation does not play
Stroke order needs the stroke order pack, downloaded once. On a character’s Strokes page, tap Watch a video to download (Lifetime downloads it right away). Some rare characters have no animation.
A word is not found
Words that are not on your iPhone yet are looked up online, so check your connection and try again. Very rare words may not be in the dictionary: email us the word and we will look into it.
How do I practise writing a character?
Tap Practise writing on a character’s page, or open Tools › Writing practice. Trace first, then write from memory; How is it scored? on the practice screen explains the score. Free: 3 characters a day; Writing Practice or Lifetime removes the limit, and a video lifts it for an hour.
How do I print a writing worksheet?
On a character’s Calligraphy page tap Print a writing worksheet, or tap Worksheet above a list in the HSK tab (up to 60 characters). Choose the grid and rows and check the preview (always free), then print or save the PDF. With Writing Practice or Lifetime printing is unlimited; otherwise each worksheet takes one video, and printing the same one again is free.
Can I see meanings in another language?
Yes. More › Dictionary Language lists the dictionary languages you can download.
I bought something but my new phone still shows ads or limits
Open More › Your plan › Restore with the Apple ID you bought it with. Purchases are one-time and work on every device signed in to that Apple ID. Only Lifetime removes the ads; Unlock Search and Writing Practice keep them.
Can I turn off personalized ads?
Yes. More › Ad privacy settings changes your consent (shown where consent is required), and Settings › Privacy & Security › Tracking turns off the advertising identifier for this app.