How to type Chinese on any device
You do not need a Chinese keyboard. You turn on a Chinese input method, type the pinyin with your ordinary keys (nihao), and pick the characters (你好) from the list that appears. No tone marks are typed.
| Device | The short version | Full guide |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 and 10 | Add Chinese (Simplified, China) in Settings, then press Win+Space to switch. | Step by step |
| Mac | Add Pinyin - Simplified in Keyboard settings, then switch with the input menu or Ctrl+Space. | Step by step |
| iPhone and iPad | Add the Pinyin keyboard in Settings, then tap the globe key. | Step by step |
| Android | Add Chinese in Gboard, then tap the globe key. | Step by step |
| Chromebook | Add a Chinese input method in Settings, then switch from the shelf. | Step by step |
Related jobs people mix up
- Typing tone marks such as ā: type pinyin with tone marks.
- Putting pinyin above existing characters: add pinyin to Chinese characters.
- Turning numbered pinyin into tone marks: the pinyin tone converter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Chinese keyboard to type Chinese?
No. You use your normal keyboard with a Chinese input method switched on. You type the pinyin, for example nihao, and pick the characters from a list. No tone marks are typed.
How do you type Chinese characters on a laptop?
Add a Chinese input method in your system settings, switch to it with the shortcut for your system, type pinyin, and press Space or a number to choose the character.
How do I type the tone marks, like ā or ǎ?
That is a different job from typing characters. See the guide to typing pinyin with tone marks.
Which is the best Chinese input method?
The one built into your system is enough for learning: Microsoft Pinyin on Windows, Pinyin - Simplified on Mac and iPhone, Gboard on Android.
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