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Getting Started with Anki
A quick guide to installing Anki, importing flashcard decks, and studying effectively.
What is Anki?
Anki is a free flashcard app that uses spaced repetition — it shows you cards just before you're likely to forget them. This is one of the most effective revision techniques backed by research.
You can use it on your computer, phone, or both. Your progress syncs across devices.
Step 1: Install Anki
It's easiest to import decks on a computer first, then sync to your phone.
Step 2: Import a Deck
Download any .apkg file from the decks page, then import it into Anki.
On a computer
- Open Anki
- Click File → Import (or double-click the .apkg file)
- Select the downloaded .apkg file and click Open
- The deck will appear on your main screen
On Android (AnkiDroid)
- Transfer the .apkg file to your phone (email, Google Drive, direct download)
- Open AnkiDroid, tap the three dots menu, then Import
- Select the file — the deck is added automatically
On iPhone / iPad (AnkiMobile)
- Download or receive the .apkg file on your device
- Tap the file and choose "Open in AnkiMobile"
- The deck imports automatically
You can import as many decks as you like. Each one appears as a separate deck in Anki.
Step 3: Sync Across Devices (Optional)
To study on both your computer and phone with progress kept in sync:
- Create a free account at ankiweb.net
- In Anki on your computer, click the Sync button (circular arrow icon) and sign in
- On your phone, open the app settings and sign in with the same account
- Tap Sync on each device to keep everything up to date
Step 4: Study
- Open Anki and tap on a deck
- Tap Study Now
- Read the question and try to answer in your head
- Tap Show Answer to check
- Rate how well you knew it:
| Button | When to use it |
|---|
| Again | You didn't know it — you'll see it again soon |
| Hard | You struggled but got there eventually |
| Good | You knew it with some effort |
| Easy | You knew it instantly |
Anki schedules cards based on your ratings. Difficult cards appear more often; easy ones are spaced further apart.
Tips for Effective Studying
- Study every day — even 10 minutes is effective. Consistency beats long sessions.
- Don't skip days — reviews pile up quickly and become overwhelming.
- Be honest — pressing "Again" isn't failure; it's how the system learns what you need.
- Adjust new cards per day — click the gear icon next to a deck name to change how many new cards you see each day. Start with 10-15 if 20 feels too many.
- Review before bed — research shows sleep helps consolidate what you've just studied.
Troubleshooting
- "I can't open the .apkg file" — Make sure Anki is installed first, then try double-clicking the file or use File → Import from within Anki.
- "The file won't download" — Try a different browser, or right-click the download link and choose "Save link as..."
- "I only want to use my phone" — That works fine. Download the .apkg file directly on your phone and import it in the app.
- "Cards aren't syncing" — Make sure you tap Sync on both devices and are signed in with the same AnkiWeb account.