How to Use Pleco on Your Computer (PC, Mac, Linux)
If you're studying Chinese, you've likely heard of Pleco, a powerful mobile dictionary app that's widely used by Chinese learners. Although it's mainly designed for smartphones, you might be wondering how to run it on your computer.
While Pleco doesn't officially support Windows, macOS, or Linux, you can technically run it using an Android emulator.
If you'd rather use a Chinese dictionary right in your browser, check out Can you use Pleco online?
Let me walk you through the steps, and then I'll introduce you to a much easier alternative.
Using Pleco with an Android Emulator
The only way to get Pleco on your computer is to use an Android emulator.
An emulator is software that simulates an Android phone or tablet right on your desktop. This way, you can download Pleco as if you were using an Android device.
Recommended Emulators
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Windows/Mac: BlueStacks (most user-friendly)
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Linux: Genymotion or Android Studio Emulator (for tech-savvy users)
Installation Steps
- Download and install your emulator.
- Log in with your Google account.
- Search and install Pleco from the Play Store or manually download the Pleco APK.
Or... just use Chill Chinese
I've built the Chill Chinese app exactly to solve this hassle. It runs seamlessly in your browser, has an intuitive interface, and syncs your flashcards across web, Android, and iOS — no complicated setup needed!
If you're interested in other web dictionaries besides Chill Chinese, check out my detailed post on Online Alternatives to Pleco.
