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Pleco

Pleco

Pleco

Google PlayApp Store

Pleco is the essential Chinese dictionary for travellers. Download the free offline dictionary before departure, then use live OCR to read menus and signs, handwriting input to look up unknown characters, and flash‑cards to learn the words you actually need.

Before you install — what you need

Pleco is the Chinese dictionary every traveller should have. Set it up on Wi-Fi before you fly.

A

Install on Wi-Fi

  • Download the free app from the App Store or Google Play (all regions — no China store needed).
B

Download the offline dictionary

  • Open Pleco → Settings → Add-ons → install the free dictionary pack. Once it's on your phone it works with no SIM, VPN or Wi-Fi.
C

Allow camera and photo access

  • The OCR feature reads menus and signs through your camera, so grant camera permission.

Step-by-step setup

1Install Pleco

- Search Pleco Chinese Dictionary in the App Store or Google Play. The developer is Pleco Software Inc.

2Add the offline dictionary

- Settings → Add-ons → download the free dictionary pack while on Wi-Fi. Do this before your trip.

3Try a lookup

- Type a character, draw it with your finger, or point the camera at a menu. English appears alongside.

Daily use — real scenarios

What you can do with itLook up any Chinese characterRead a menu by cameraDraw characters you don't knowHear the pronunciation

Reading a menu

  • Tap the camera icon and point at the menu. English overlays the Chinese in real time — not perfect, but enough to order.

Drawing a character

  • See a sign you don't know? Draw it on screen and Pleco suggests matches — faster than guessing radicals.

Offline everywhere

  • The dictionary works without internet. Open it on the metro, in a taxi, or anywhere signal is weak.

Troubleshooting — common problems and what to do

Common problems foreign visitors may run into

"The camera translation is wrong"
— Light and angle matter. Steady the phone, fill the frame, and re-scan. Cross-check with a typed lookup.
"It says the dictionary isn't installed"
— You skipped the Add-ons step. Reopen Settings → Add-ons and download the free pack on Wi-Fi.
"I can't draw the character"
— Type any known part, or use the radical search. Pleco also reads clipboard text you copy from another app.

Need to talk to a real person?

  • Pleco is a one-time purchase app with an email help desk (English). There's no live chat, but support replies by email.

Your backup plan

Keep a second translator (Apple Translate, Google Translate) for voice and conversation. Pleco stays your best tool for reading text.

Frequently asked questions about Pleco

Do I need a Chinese phone number?
No. Nothing in Pleco asks for one; the dictionary opens straight into a search field.
Do I need Alipay or a Chinese bank?
No. Add-ons are sold through the App Store, Google Play or the Pleco web store, all of which take ordinary international cards.
Do I have to create an account?
No account is needed to search. Purchases are tied to your store identity, and a Registration ID lets you move them between iOS and Android.
Does it work without internet?
Yes. It needs a connection for the initial download and activation, and after that all features work offline.
Is the camera lookup free?
No. Handwriting, search, clipboard lookup and basic audio are bundled; live camera recognition is a paid add-on.
What do the paid packs cost?
Pleco lists a Basic Bundle at USD 29.99 with camera recognition, flashcards, stroke order, document reader and the Oxford dictionary, and a Professional Bundle at USD 59.99 with more licensed titles. Google Play shows in-app items from USD 2.99 to USD 199.99.
Is my data collected?
Pleco states it runs no third-party analytics, advertising or tracking, and that its apps receive only store data, crash logs and a hashed device serial.
Can it read traditional characters?
Yes, traditional and simplified throughout, with Pinyin or Zhuyin readings and some Cantonese support.
Can it replace a translator app?
Not entirely. It explains words and characters; a camera translator is faster for whole paragraphs. Carry both.

Sources

  • Official Publisher identity and US registration · SRC-PL-001/SRC-PL-009
  • Official iOS listing, free, Reference and Education · SRC-PL-001
  • Official Android package plus direct installer · SRC-PL-002/SRC-PL-006
  • Official Bundled dictionaries and no advertising · SRC-PL-004/SRC-PL-006
  • Official Live camera recognition is a paid add-on · SRC-PL-003/SRC-PL-006
  • Official Bundle pricing published by the maker · SRC-PL-005
  • Official guide Everything works offline after activation · SRC-PL-007
  • Official guide No login to search; Registration ID transfer · SRC-PL-007
  • Official guide Cellular permission off by default in China · SRC-PL-007
  • Official English-only interface · SRC-PL-001/SRC-PL-007
  • Official Android floating Screen Reader · SRC-PL-002/SRC-PL-007
  • Official Finger handwriting input is bundled · SRC-PL-003/SRC-PL-006
  • Official Native-speaker audio coverage · SRC-PL-003
  • Official policy No third-party analytics or advertising · SRC-PL-009
  • Official guide Written support routes and reply window · SRC-PL-008
  • Traveler report Field use on menus and signs · SRC-PL-010/SRC-PL-011
  • Official Install count and in-app price range · SRC-PL-002
  • Official Current build, size and minimum system · SRC-PL-001
  • Official Traditional, simplified, Zhuyin, Cantonese · SRC-PL-001/SRC-PL-007
  • Field note No China SIM, wallet or bank dependency · SRC-PL-004/SRC-PL-007/SRC-PL-009

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