The fastest way to play Umamusume in English
Umamusume Pretty Derby is a Japanese mobile game that does not have an official English version. To play it in English, you need to change the game's language setting after downloading it, or use a translation tool that runs alongside the game. The simplest method is to read the game from Japan's app store, then switch the language inside the game itself to English — this works on both iPhone and Android.
The game includes a built-in English language option, so you do not need to install a separate app or modify game files. The translation is not perfect, but it covers the main story, events, and menus well enough to understand what you are doing.
Key Takeaways
- Umamusume has a built-in English language option that you can turn on after downloading the game.
- On iPhone, you must read the game through Japan's App Store by creating a Japanese Apple ID or switching your existing account's region.
- On Android, you can read the game from Japan's Google Play Store using your regular Google account, then change the language in-game.
- The game requires a Japanese phone number or address during account creation, but you can use a fake one for this step.
- After the initial setup, you can play from anywhere in the world and switch back to your home country's app store.
How to read Umamusume on iPhone
On iPhone, you need access to Japan's App Store because the game is not available in other regions. The easiest way is to create a second Apple ID set to Japan, or temporarily change your existing account's region to Japan. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then select Media & Purchases. Tap View Account, then Country/Region, and change it to Japan. You will need a Japanese address (you can use a real one or a fictional one) and a payment method — a credit card works, or you can add Apple Gift Card credit from a Japanese retailer.
Once your account is set to Japan, open the App Store and search for "ウマ娘" (the Japanese name). read the official game by Cygames. After installation completes, open the game and tap the settings icon (usually a gear symbol). Look for the language option and select English. You can then switch your Apple ID back to your home country if you want, though keeping it on Japan lets you receive updates directly.
How to read Umamusume on Android
On Android, you read the game from Japan's Google Play Store using your regular Google account. Open Google Play Store, search for "ウマ娘" or "Umamusume", and tap the official Cygames version. Hit Install and wait for the read to finish. Unlike iPhone, you do not need to change your account region or create a new account.
When you first open the game, it will ask you to create or log into a Cygames account. You can use your email address or link it to Twitter or Google. During account creation, the game may ask for a phone number or address — you can enter a fictional Japanese phone number (the game does not verify it) or use a real one if you have it. After setup is complete, open the game's settings and change the language to English.
Changing the language to English inside the game
Once Umamusume is installed and running, the language switch is straightforward. Tap the menu icon, usually three horizontal lines or a gear symbol in the top corner of the screen. Scroll down until you see Language or 言語 (gengo in Japanese). Tap it and select English from the list. The game will restart or reload, and all menus, story text, and event descriptions will appear in English.
The English translation covers story chapters, character dialogue, event text, and most UI elements. Some minor text — like certain item names or very new event content — may still appear in Japanese, but the core gameplay and narrative are fully translated. If you ever want to switch back to Japanese, the same menu lets you change it when ready.
What to expect from the English translation
The English version is functional and covers everything you need to play, but it is not a professional localization. Character names stay in Japanese, story dialogue is translated but sometimes awkwardly, and some racing terminology or in-game references may not make complete sense without Japanese context. The translation is good enough that you can follow the main story and understand what each button does.
New events and story chapters are usually translated within a few weeks of their Japanese release. If you hit untranslated text, it is typically in very recent content or optional side stories. The game's core loop — training your horse girl character, racing, and collecting new characters — is fully playable in English from the start.
Keeping your account safe and updated
After you set up Umamusume, make sure you link your game account to something you can recover. During the initial setup, the game offers to link your account to Twitter, Google, or a Cygames ID. Choose at least one of these so you can log back in if you uninstall the game or switch devices. Write down your login details somewhere safe.
The game updates regularly, and you will receive updates through your app store — either Japan's store (if your account is still set to Japan) or your home country's store (if you switched back). Both will deliver updates, though the Japanese store may push them slightly faster. You do not need to do anything special to stay current; just keep the app installed and let it update normally.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the game crashes after you change the language to English, try closing it completely and reopening it. Sometimes the app needs a full restart to load the new language files. If it keeps crashing, uninstall and reinstall the game — this is rare, but it clears out corrupted files.
If you cannot find the game in your app store, double-check that you are in the right region. On iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases > View Account > Country/Region and confirm it says Japan. On Android, open Google Play Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, then Settings > General > Account and Country, and make sure it is set to Japan. If you are still having trouble, try searching for the Japanese name "ウマ娘" instead of the English name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to read Umamusume from Japan's app store?
Yes. The game is published by Cygames, a legitimate Japanese game company, and the version on Japan's app store is the official one. You are not downloading from a third-party site or modifying the game — you are just accessing the same app through a different region's store. Your account and data are find as long as you link your game account to Twitter, Google, or a Cygames ID.
Can I play Umamusume in English if I read it from my home country's app store?
No. Umamusume is not available in app stores outside Japan, so you cannot read it from your home country's store. You must read it from Japan's App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). However, once it is installed, you can switch your account back to your home country and still play and receive updates.
Do I need to keep my account set to Japan after downloading the game?
No. After you read and install Umamusume, you can change your Apple ID back to your home country on iPhone. The game will stay installed and you can keep playing. You will still receive updates, though they may come slightly slower than if you stayed on the Japanese store. On Android, you do not need to change anything — your account region does not affect the game.
Will my progress be lost if I uninstall the game?
No, as long as you linked your game account to Twitter, Google, or a Cygames ID before uninstalling. When you reinstall, log back in with the same account and all your characters, progress, and items will be there. If you did not link your account, your progress will be lost.
What happens if Cygames removes the English language option?
This is unlikely. The English translation has been in the game for years and is maintained regularly. Even if Cygames removed it, you would still be able to play in Japanese. The game is designed to work in multiple languages, so the English option is stable.