How to Change the Language on the Taobao App (iPhone and Android)
Quick answer
Open the Taobao app, go to My Taobao (我的淘宝), tap the gear for Settings (设置) and look for Country/Region and Language (国家/地区, 语言). English is offered only for some regions, so if the option is missing you will need a region that supports it or a translation tool on the web version.
Step by step
- 1
Update the app
Install the latest Taobao version from the official app store for your device.
- 2
Open settings
Tap 我的淘宝 (My Taobao) at the bottom, then the gear icon 设置 (Settings) in the top corner.
- 3
Check region and language
Look for 国家/地区 (Country/Region) and 语言 (Language). If your region supports English, choose English and confirm.
- 4
Restart the app
Fully close and reopen Taobao so the new interface language loads.
How to Change the Language on the Taobao App (iPhone and Android)
Many users install Taobao, open it and see only Chinese. The app can show other languages in some cases, but the setting is hidden behind region choices and may not be there at all for your account. This guide gives the menu path in both Chinese and English, explains why the option is often missing and lists reliable fallbacks.
The settings path
Menus change between versions, so treat these labels as a map and not a promise:
- Open the Taobao app.
- Tap 我的淘宝 (My Taobao) in the bottom bar.
- Tap the gear icon 设置 (Settings), usually in the top right.
- Look for 国家/地区 (Country/Region). Some versions group it as "country/region, language and currency" (国家与地区/语言/货币).
- Choose a supported region, return to settings, and open 语言 (Language).
- Select English, confirm and restart the app.
Regional guides most often mention Singapore and Hong Kong as regions that unlock English. Because Taobao does not publish a permanent list, you will have to look at what your own version offers.
Why the English option may not appear
- Region support. The option is tied to an account region that supports it.
- App version. Old versions lack newer language settings.
- Account type. Accounts created with a mainland Chinese number can behave differently from accounts registered abroad.
- Rollout differences. Features reach iOS and Android at different times.
Some users also report that parts of the catalog behave differently in English mode; some items shown on desktop may appear unavailable in a regional app view. Always compare on the web if something is missing.
What to do if English is not available
Use the web version on desktop with translation. Chrome translates pages and the Taobao Image Search extension translates text inside product images and screen areas. See how to change Taobao to English.
Use photo search instead of typing. On a phone, Taobao's own camera search (Pailitao) is in the search bar. On a computer you can search from any image with Taobao image search.
Keep a glossary at hand. Menu words such as 订单 (orders), 购物车 (cart), 物流 (shipping) and 退款 (refund) cover most of the interface. A longer list is in Taobao keywords.
iPhone and Android: what usually differs
The settings path is the same idea on both systems: My Taobao, Settings, then region and language. Differences you may notice are the position of the gear icon, the order of menu entries and the timing of new features. If the language entry is missing on one phone, check whether the app version matches the other device before assuming it is blocked for your account.
A tiny interface glossary
| Chinese | English | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| 首页 | Home | Bottom bar |
| 购物车 | Cart | Bottom bar |
| 消息 | Messages | Bottom bar |
| 我的淘宝 | My Taobao | Bottom bar |
| 全部订单 | All orders | Inside My Taobao |
| 待付款 | Awaiting payment | Orders |
| 待发货 | Awaiting shipment | Orders |
| 待收货 | Awaiting receipt | Orders |
| 设置 | Settings | Gear icon |
| 收货地址 | Delivery address | Settings or checkout |
With these ten words you can find your way around the app even if the interface stays in Chinese.
Region and currency are linked
Changing the region can also change currency display, available payment methods and which shops show shipping options. Switch only if you understand the effect: compare the price and shipping estimate before and after, and never rely on the displayed currency for a final decision. Prices are set in yuan by sellers.
Safety notes for the app
- Install only from your device's official app store. Random APK downloads are a security risk.
- Do not enter payment details into pages you cannot read; check the amount and shipping fee first.
- Be careful when sharing SMS verification codes. They are for you only.
If you are new to the platform, continue with how to create a Taobao account and how to buy from Taobao.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate English Taobao app?
No separate international app is documented in the sources we reviewed. English, where it exists, is a setting inside the standard Taobao app and depends on region.
Why can't I find an English option on my phone?
The option shows only for supported regions and app versions. Update the app, check the region list and note that availability changes. If it does not appear, use the web version with a translator.
Will a VPN or a different App Store region fix it?
Do not assume so. Language availability is tied to account and region settings. Switching store region can also prevent app updates or create payment issues.
Can I use the Taobao Image Search extension on my phone?
The extension is for desktop Chrome. On a phone you can use Taobao's own camera search, and on a computer you can use the extension for photo search and page translation.
Search Taobao by photo from any page
Upload a picture, right-click any image or select an area of the screen. The extension also translates Chinese pages and images.
Add to ChromeRelated guides
Taobao Image Search is an independent browser extension. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Taobao, Tmall, 1688 or Alibaba Group. Marketplace rules, fees and menus change, so check the official pages before you pay.