It’s been over a year since I uploaded my first Tachiyomi guide , and a lot has changed since then. diffrent things have been changed them ok Tachiyomi continues to be the best manga reader app out there — and today, I’m sharing a complete, up-to-date blog guide to help you get started and make the most out of it.
What is Tachiyomi?
Tachiyomi is a free, open-source manga reader app for Android. It’s highly customizable, supports tons of sources, and best of all — it’s completely free with no ads. If you love manga, manhwa, comics, or even adult content, Tachiyomi has it all in one place.
Why Choose Tachiyomi?
- 100% Free: You don’t have to pay anything to read thousands of manga.
- Huge Library: Access manga, manhwa, Korean and Chinese comics, western comics, doujins, hentai — literally everything.
- No Ads: Unlike many apps on Google Play that bombard you with ads, Tachiyomi is clean and ad-free.
- Customizable: Link your MyAnimeList or AniList account to track what you read automatically.
- Offline Reading: Download chapters to read anywhere without an internet connection.
Important: Android Only
Tachiyomi is only available on Android devices. There is no iOS version and no plans for one, so if you want to use it on an iPhone, unfortunately, that’s not possible. However, there is a desktop version available for PC users, which I will explain later.
How to Download and Install Tachiyomi
- Go to the official Tachiyomi website: tachiyomi.org
- Download the latest stable APK version (Note: Not available on Google Play Store).
- Open the APK file on your Android device and install the app.
- If prompted, allow installation from unknown sources in your settings.
Setting Up Tachiyomi
After installing:
- Open the app — you’ll see an empty library.
- Go to the Browse tab and switch to the Extensions tab.
- Extensions are your manga sources. There are over 8,000 to choose from.
- Install extensions like MangaDex, MangaLife, or any extension with “manga” in the name to start.
- For manhwa, install Webtoon extensions.
- For adult content, don’t forget to install the nHentai extension (for culture).
Organizing Your Library
- Go to More > Categories.
- Create categories like Currently Reading, Waiting, and Done.
- This helps keep your library clean and easy to navigate.
Adding Manga to Your Library
- Go back to Browse and pick a source (e.g., MangaDex).
- Search for your favorite manga (e.g., Chainsaw Man).
- Tap on the manga and choose Add to Library.
- Select the category where you want to place it, such as Currently Reading.
- Add more manga to your library to build your reading list.
Reading Manga Offline
- Long press a chapter, select multiple chapters, and tap the Download button.
- Manage downloads under More > Download Queue.
- Access downloaded chapters directly in your library for offline reading.
Keeping Up With Updates
- Tachiyomi automatically checks for new chapters of manga in your library.
- To update manually, go to Updates and tap the refresh button.
- You can also check your reading history or enable Incognito Mode to hide your history.
Customizing Your Reading Experience
- Go to Settings > Appearance: Choose between light, dark, or a cool turquoise theme.
- Adjust library view (e.g., 3×3 grid).
- Connect your MyAnimeList or AniList account to track progress.
- In Reader Settings, change background colors (automatic blending with page colors), reading direction (left-to-right or vertical scroll), and reading mode (continuous, webtoon style, etc.).
Migrating Manga Sources
Sometimes an extension might stop working. You can migrate manga from one source to another:
- Open the manga.
- Tap the overflow menu (three dots).
- Select Migrate.
- Choose a new source and confirm.
Note: Downloaded chapters do not transfer during migration.
Backing Up Your Library
Backing up your data ensures you don’t lose your reading progress:
- Go to More > Backup and Restore.
- Select Create Backup and include all checkboxes.
- Save the
.proto.gzbackup file safely. - To restore, reinstall Tachiyomi and use Restore Backup.
Alternative Versions of Tachiyomi (Forks)
If you want to try something different, there are 4 popular Tachiyomi forks:
- Neko: Focuses on manga recommendations.
- TachiyomiJ2K: Sleek design with dynamic categories.
- TachiyomiAZ: Hamburger menu and built-in hentai sources.
- TachiyomiSY: A mix of features from different forks with new options.
You can try any fork depending on your preference. Links are on the official site.
Tachiyomi for Desktop
If you don’t have an Android device, try Tachiyomi Desktop:
- Download the desktop version from the official site.
- Extract the files and launch the app via the browser launcher.
- Setup is the same as mobile.
Final Thoughts
Tachiyomi remains the gold standard for manga readers, especially if you want a free, powerful, and customizable app with no ads. Whether you’re reading Chainsaw Man, Solo Leveling, Berserk, or even some spicy doujins, Tachiyomi covers all your manga needs.
If you have questions, check the FAQ and Troubleshooting sections on the Tachiyomi website, join the official Discord community, or drop your questions in the comments — I’ll help out!
Happy reading, and may your manga backlog grow forever!