How to Type Mandarin: Installing Input Methods

Angie Lin | April 23, 2022

It is much easier to type Chinese than to write Chinese. If you know pinyin, then it isn’t hard to type an entire passage. It is also good practice to further familiarize yourself with different vocabulary. In this blog, we will provide you with the resources you need to start typing Mandarin. 

The most basic thing you need is, of course, knowing pinyin. The good news is: you don’t need to know all the tones perfectly to use pinyin to type. If you are already studying Mandarin, it is safe to assume that those are the first things you would learn and you are already equipped with the basic knowledge. However, if you happen to jump onto this blog by accident and haven’t started the learning journey yet, now you know where to start. Inspirlang also has videos and other resources that teach pinyin basics. If you are interested in learning more deeply and accessing more conveniently, feel free to schedule a free consultation with us here.

The second thing you will need is to install or add the input method onto your laptop or desktop, as well as your phone (iphone or android). Scroll down to see a compilation of the step-by-step methods to install the input methods for pinyin on different devices.

Note: We also have a post about the input methods of Jyutping and how to type Cantonese here.

Mandarin

Windows 10

1.Click on the windows icon. Click on settings.

2.Click on Time & Language.

3.Go to Region and Language.

4.Under Languages, click Add Another Language to add another language input method to your keyboard.

5.Choose Chinese (Simplified) and pick the one for China.

From there you can access it conveniently on the bottom right corner of your screen.

Here is a link to a video that provides a step by step visual guide as well as some pinyin typing tips.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRVnRYoQlXk&t=57s 

(PS This video is not owned by us and all credits goes to the creator.)

MacOS

1.Click on the Apple Icon on the top left of your screen.

2.Click on System Preferences.

3.Go to Keyboard.

4.Click on the add “+” button and choose Chinese, simplified and click add.

You can access it on the top right of your screen.

Android

1.Go to Settings on your android phone.

2.Scroll down and click on Languages and Input.

3.Click on Languages, then Add A Language.

4.Scroll down to find Chinese, simplified (you can also search for it via the search bar.)

Here is a link to a full video tutorial along with tips (all credits to the creator): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnrjZnW5Ov0&t=51s

Iphone

1.Go to Settings. Click on General.

2.Scroll down to Language and Region.

3.Under Preferred Language Order, click Add Language.

4.Look for Chinese, Simplified and add the language.

Now you can access it on the keyboard.

Those are the ways to install the input methods for Mandarin. If you need additional help to start learning pinyin, check out all the resources we have available on our Inspirlang website. We have books, podcasts, and courses available for you to take advantage of in your learning journey. Click on the images below to check them out.