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How to Download and Install Anki: Step-by-Step Setup Guide (2026)

Complete setup guide for Anki on every platform — desktop, iPhone, and Android — including first-time settings and how to sync between devices.

Anki · Getting Started · Last updated March 2026

Cost Summary

Step 1: Download Anki Desktop

Start with Anki desktop — this is where you'll create cards, manage decks, and configure settings. The mobile apps are for reviewing on the go.

Windows

  1. 1. Go to apps.ankiweb.net
  2. 2. Click the Windows download button
  3. 3. Run the installer (.exe file) — accept defaults
  4. 4. Launch Anki from the Start menu

Mac

  1. 1. Go to apps.ankiweb.net
  2. 2. Click the Mac download button (choose Apple Silicon if you have an M1/M2/M3 Mac)
  3. 3. Open the .dmg file and drag Anki to Applications
  4. 4. On first launch, right-click → Open to bypass Gatekeeper

Linux

  1. 1. Download the Linux package from apps.ankiweb.net
  2. 2. Extract and run ./install.sh
  3. 3. Or install via package manager: flatpak install anki

Step 2: Create an AnkiWeb Account

AnkiWeb is Anki's free sync service. You need it to sync between desktop and mobile, and to access your collection from a browser.

  1. Go to ankiweb.net and click Sign Up
  2. Enter your email and create a password
  3. In Anki desktop: Tools → Preferences → Syncing → log in with your AnkiWeb account
  4. Click the sync button (cloud icon in the toolbar) to perform your first sync

Step 3: Install on Mobile

iPhone / iPad (AnkiMobile)

  1. 1. Open the App Store and search "AnkiMobile Flashcards"
  2. 2. Purchase for $24.99 (one-time, permanent)
  3. 3. Open the app and sign in with your AnkiWeb account
  4. 4. Tap the sync button — your decks appear automatically

The purchase price goes to Anki development. No subscription, no hidden fees.

Android (AnkiDroid)

  1. 1. Open Google Play Store and search "AnkiDroid"
  2. 2. Install — it's completely free
  3. 3. Open the app → hamburger menu → Settings → AnkiDroid → AnkiWeb Account
  4. 4. Log in and sync

AnkiDroid is a separate open-source project from Anki desktop but fully compatible.

Step 4: Import Your First Deck

You have two options: download a pre-made deck or import cards from an external source.

Option A: Download from AnkiWeb

In Anki desktop: Get Shared button at the bottom of the main window. This opens ankiweb.net/shared/decks/ in your browser. Search for your subject, download a .apkg file, then open it — Anki imports it automatically.

Option B: Import from AI generator

Generate a deck from your own notes using an AI flashcard tool, export as .apkg or .csv, then File → Import in Anki desktop. This is the fastest way to get cards for your specific course material. See how to export to Anki for detailed steps.

First-Time Settings to Change

Before you start reviewing, make two changes:

  1. Enable FSRS — Deck options → scroll to bottom → toggle FSRS on, set retention to 0.90. This is Anki's modern scheduling algorithm and significantly better than the default.
  2. Set new cards per day to 10 — Deck options → New cards → Daily limit. The default 20 creates an unsustainable review backlog within weeks. Start at 10 and increase once you've established the habit.

See the full Anki settings guide for everything else.

Now Fill Your Anki with Cards from Your Notes

Anki is set up — now you need cards. StudyCards AI converts your notes, PDFs, or any text into a ready-to-import Anki deck. No manual card creation needed.

Start Free — Create Your First Deck →

Generate Anki flashcards free

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