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10 Tech How-To

RedNote App: How to Translate to English

Guide 10-30665 · Updated · Step by step

This guide shows you how to change the language of the RedNote app (also known as Xiaohongshu) from Chinese to English. You’ll learn the exact steps for both the mobile app and the web version, plus what to do if the translation option isn’t where you expect it. No special tools or technical skills are needed—just follow the steps below.

What You’ll Need

  • The RedNote app installed on your phone (iOS or Android) or access to the web version at xiaohongshu.com
  • Your account logged in (you can also change the language before logging in, but it’s easier after)
  • An internet connection

Step-by-Step

  1. Open the RedNote app on your phone. If you’re using a computer, go to xiaohongshu.com and log in.
  2. Go to your profile: Tap the profile icon (a person silhouette) at the bottom-right corner of the screen. On the web, click your avatar in the top-right corner.
  3. Open Settings: On mobile, tap the gear icon (⚙️) at the top-right of your profile page. On the web, look for a gear icon or the word “设置” (Settings) in the dropdown menu.
  4. Find the language option: In Settings, scroll down until you see “通用设置” (General Settings) or “语言” (Language). On some versions, it’s under “账号与安全” (Account & Security) or directly listed as “语言” (Language).
  5. Tap “Language”: This will open a list of available languages. You’ll see “简体中文” (Simplified Chinese) and “English” (English).
  6. Select “English”: Tap the radio button next to “English” and confirm your choice. The app may ask you to restart—tap “确定” (OK) or “Confirm” to proceed.
  7. Restart the app: Close the app completely and reopen it. The interface should now be in English. If not, force-close the app (swipe it away from recent apps) and relaunch.
  8. For the web version: After logging in, scroll to the bottom of any page and look for a language selector (often a globe icon or “语言” dropdown). Choose “English” from the list.

Common Mistakes

  • Looking for a language option that isn’t there: Some older versions of RedNote don’t have an in-app language setting. If you can’t find it, update the app to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
  • Changing the phone’s system language: RedNote does not automatically follow your phone’s language. You must change it inside the app settings, not in your phone’s settings.
  • Selecting the wrong language: The list may show “English (US)” and “English (UK)” separately—either works, but pick the one you prefer.
  • Not restarting the app: The change doesn’t take effect until you fully close and reopen the app. Simply switching tabs or pressing the home button won’t refresh the interface.

Tips

  • Use the web version for a quick look: If you’re on a computer, the web version often has a clear language dropdown at the bottom of the page—easier to find than on mobile.
  • Check for updates first: If the language option is missing, update the app. RedNote adds features like language support in updates, so an outdated version may not have it.
  • Consider using a translation browser extension: On desktop, if you can’t change the language, use a browser extension like Google Translate to auto-translate the page. It’s not perfect but works for reading.
  • Learn a few key Chinese terms: Even after switching to English, some user-generated content (posts, comments) will still be in Chinese. Knowing words like “搜索” (search), “关注” (follow), and “收藏” (favorite) can help.

Troubleshooting

If the language option is not visible:

  • Update the app to the latest version. Go to your app store, search for RedNote, and tap “Update” if available.
  • Clear the app cache: On Android, go to Settings > Apps > RedNote > Storage > Clear Cache. On iOS, you may need to delete and reinstall the app (make sure you know your login details).
  • Log out and log back in. Sometimes the language setting only appears after re-authentication.

If the app stays in Chinese after selecting English:

  • Force-close the app completely: On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom and swipe the RedNote card away. On Android, go to Recent Apps and swipe RedNote away.
  • Restart your phone. This clears any lingering app state.
  • Check if you’re actually on the latest version—some older builds have a bug where the language doesn’t switch until you update.

If the web version doesn’t have a language dropdown:

  • Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge). Some browsers handle the dropdown better.
  • Use the browser’s built-in translation feature (right-click > Translate to English).
  • Clear your browser cookies and reload the page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does RedNote have an official English version?

Yes, RedNote offers an English language option in its settings. However, the translation is not perfect—some menu items and user content may still appear in Chinese.

Can I change the language without an account?

Yes, you can change the language on the login screen before signing in. Look for a language selector at the bottom of the login page.

Will my posts and comments be translated to English?

No, the app’s interface (buttons, menus) will be in English, but user-generated content like posts and comments will remain in the original language unless you use a translation feature (which RedNote doesn’t have built-in).

Why is the language option missing on my Android phone?

This could be due to an outdated app version or a regional restriction. Update the app from the Google Play Store and try again. If it’s still missing, try reinstalling the app.

Can I switch back to Chinese later?

Yes, just go back to the same language settings and select “简体中文” (Simplified Chinese). The process is identical.

Is there a way to translate individual posts?

No, RedNote doesn’t have a built-in post translation feature. You can copy the text and paste it into a translation app, or use a browser extension on the web version.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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