Taobao in English: Guide to Using and Managing Accounts

Taobao, China’s largest online shopping platform, can seem daunting to non-Chinese speakers. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can easily navigate the platform in English and unlock a world of unique products and competitive prices. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about shopping and potentially selling on Taobao in English.

Does Taobao have an English version?

No, Taobao does not offer a full English version of its website.

The main site, taobao.com, is entirely in Chinese and doesn’t have an official language switcher for English. However, there are workarounds:

• On desktop: You can browse Taobao in English using Google Chrome’s built-in translation feature. It automatically translates page content, though the results may not be perfect.
  
• On mobile: The Taobao app offers partial English support. By setting your country or region to outside of China, you can access English interface elements like navigation and settings. Product listings, descriptions, and seller chats, however, often remain in Chinese.
  

For international users, these tools make it possible to shop on Taobao without knowing Chinese—but some trial and error is still involved.

How to change Taobao language settings to English

Changing the language settings on Taobao is exclusively done through the mobile app. Even if you inquire with desktop customer service, they will direct you to make these changes on your phone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to switch your Taobao app to English:

1. Open the Taobao app on your mobile device.
2. Tap the gear icon in the top right corner to access Settings.
3. Select “Country & Region” (国家与地区) and choose your current country, then tap Confirm (确认).
4. Refresh the app or return to the main settings menu.
5. Upon reloading, you will find a new menu: “Country/Region, Language & Currency” (国家与地区/语言/货币).
6. Tap this new menu, then select “Language” (语言).
7. Choose English, tap Confirm, and you’re all set!

After these steps, the app’s interface elements and shopping categories will be displayed in English, significantly easing the browsing and ordering process for international users.

How to shop on Taobao in English: A complete step-by-step guide for international users

Taobao is one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, but for international shoppers, the Chinese interface can feel overwhelming. The good news? You can shop on Taobao without knowing Chinese. Here’s how to navigate the platform confidently and make successful purchases.

Step 1: Accessing Taobao in English

On Desktop:

1. Go to www.taobao.com.
2. Use Google Chrome and right-click anywhere on the page, then select “Translate to English.”

You can also enable auto-translate for Chinese websites in Chrome settings.

1. Keep in mind: not all content will translate perfectly, but it’s enough to get around.

On Mobile:

1. Download the Taobao app from your App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app – it will be in Chinese by default.
3. Tap “我的淘宝” (My Taobao) in the bottom right.
4. Then go to settings and change the language to English (not all elements will change, but key menus will).

If the setting isn’t visible, you can use Google Translate’s camera function to translate screen elements in real-time.

Step 2: Creating a Taobao Account

On Desktop:

1. Click “Sign in” in the top-right corner of the homepage.
2. Select “Sign Up for Free” on the login page.
3. Enter your mobile number (make sure the correct country code is selected).
4. Click “Get Code” to receive an SMS verification.
5. After entering the code, click “Agree and Register.”

Your Taobao account is now ready!

On Mobile:

1. Tap “我的淘宝” → then “立即注册” (Register Now).
2. Enter your international mobile number.
3. Follow the SMS verification process.
4. Once completed, you’re automatically logged in.

Step 3: Searching for Products

You can search Taobao using:

• English Keywords: Works for common items (e.g., “wallet,” “headphones”), but results may be limited.
• Chinese Translations: Use Google Translate to convert your search terms to Chinese for better accuracy.
  • Example: “handbag” = 手提包
• Image Search:
  • Click the camera icon in the search bar.
  • Upload a product photo or screenshot — Taobao will show visually similar items.

Bonus Tip: Explore product categories manually to discover trending or recommended items.

Step 4: Evaluating Products and Sellers

Before purchasing, check:

• Product Images & Descriptions: Scroll through photos and details. Look for material, sizing, and what’s included.
• Price Breakdown: Check for shipping costs and promotional discounts.
• Customer Reviews: Look for reviews with photos. These often provide insights into quality and sizing.
• Seller Rating: A percentage score shows how trustworthy a seller is based on past sales and feedback.

Step 5: Messaging the seller 

If you need customizations, clarifications on sizing, or want to ask about stock:

1. Click the Chat icon (usually labeled “联系卖家” or “Contact Seller”).
2. Use Google Translate to write simple Chinese messages or ask in English — many sellers use translation tools too.

Step 6: Placing an order

1. Click “Buy Now” for a single item or “Add to Cart” for multiple.
2. Go to your cart and review the items.
3. Fill in your shipping address carefully:
   • Include your full name, address (in English), postal code, and phone number.
4. Click “Checkout” and then “Pay Now”.

Step 7: Choosing a payment method

For international users, the best options are:

• Credit or Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
• Alipay (linked to your card): If you plan to shop often, setting up Alipay gives more flexibility.

Note: Taobao does not accept PayPal.

Step 8: Tracking your orders

After payment:

1. Go to “My Orders” or “我的订单” in your profile.
2. You’ll see your order status:

• Pending Shipment

• Shipped

• In Transit

• Delivered

Most international packages first go to a consolidation warehouse, where they’re repackaged and sent overseas. You’ll receive tracking updates at each stage.

📦 Final tips for a smooth Taobao experience

1. Start small: Try ordering a low-cost item first to test the process.
2. Use a package forwarding service if Taobao doesn’t ship directly to your country.
3. Install Aliwangwang (阿里旺旺): It’s Taobao’s official messaging app, useful for more direct contact with sellers.
4. Avoid scams: Stick with sellers with good ratings and lots of reviews.

How to manage and scale multiple Taobao accounts

If you’re a serious shopper, reseller, or dropshipper, juggling multiple Taobao accounts can help you access regional deals, separate personal and business purchases, or run multiple ventures. But switching between accounts manually is time-consuming—and risky. Taobao may flag or suspend accounts due to suspicious activity.

Multilogin solves this by letting you manage multiple isolated browser profiles, each with a unique digital fingerprint. This way, you can run several accounts at once—securely and without getting flagged.

Why use Multilogin for Taobao?

• Avoid bans: Each profile appears as a separate user, protecting your accounts.
• Scale easily: Manage dozens or even hundreds of accounts from one dashboard.
• Collaborate securely: Share access with your team—no password sharing required.
• Stay organized: Keep business and personal activity neatly separated.

With Multilogin, you can grow your Taobao operations confidently and securely.