Installing Lianki on iOS: Complete Guide for iPhone and iPad

Posted February 23, 2025 by lianki.com

Lianki works on iPhone and iPad through userscript managers — apps that run userscripts in Safari or other browsers. This guide shows you the easiest way to get started.

Recommended for most users: The Userscripts app (free, open source, actively maintained).

Installation takes about 3-5 minutes. No jailbreak required.

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Quick Start (Recommended Method)

What You'll Need

• iPhone or iPad running iOS 15.1 or later
• Safari browser (built-in)
• The Userscripts app (free from App Store)

Why Userscripts App?

• Free and open source — No ads, no tracking
• Easiest to set up — Automatic configuration on first launch
• Actively maintained — Updated February 2026
• Works with Safari — No need to switch browsers
• Beginner-friendly — Three difficulty modes to match your experience

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Step 1: Install the Userscripts App

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad

2. Search for "Userscripts"

   • Look for "Userscripts" by Quoid
   • Icon: A gear/cog symbol
   • Verify it says "Free" (not a paid app)

3. Tap "Get" to download and install

4. Open the Userscripts app

   • The app will automatically set up its directory on first launch
   • You'll see a welcome screen or tutorial
   • Choose "Beginner" mode when prompted (you can change this later)

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Step 2: Enable the Userscripts Extension in Safari

Now you need to tell Safari to allow the Userscripts extension to run.

1. Open Settings (the Settings app on your iPhone/iPad, not Safari settings)

2. Scroll down and tap "Safari"

3. Tap "Extensions"

4. Find "Userscripts" in the list and tap it

5. Toggle "Userscripts" ON (the switch should turn green)

6. Tap "All Websites" under "Allow Userscripts On..."

7. Select "Allow"

   • This lets Userscripts run on every website you visit
   • Don't worry — the app is open source and doesn't track you

8. Return to the Home screen

The Userscripts extension is now active in Safari.

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Step 3: Install the Lianki Userscript

Now you'll install the actual Lianki script.

Method A: Install from Greasy Fork (Easiest)

1. Open Safari on your iPhone/iPad

2. Visit the Lianki script page: https://greasyfork.org/ja/scripts/567089-lianki

3. Tap the green "Install this script" button

4. Safari will detect the .user.js file

   • A popup should appear asking to open in "Userscripts"
   • If you don't see a popup, tap the share button (square with up arrow) and select "Userscripts"

5. The Userscripts app will open automatically

   • You'll see the script details and code
   • Tap "Save" or "Install" to add the script

6. Done! The Lianki script is now installed

Method B: Install Directly from Lianki.com

If Greasy Fork doesn't work or you prefer the direct method:

1. Open Safari

2. Visit: https://www.lianki.com/lianki.user.js

3. Tap the share button (square with up arrow)

4. Select "Userscripts" from the share sheet

5. Tap "Save" in the Userscripts app

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Step 4: Verify Installation

Let's make sure everything works.

1. Open Safari

2. Visit any HTTPS website (for example: https://en.wikipedia.org)

3. Look for the Lianki floating button

   • You should see a small circular button in the bottom-right corner
   • It may take a second to appear after the page loads

4. Try dragging the button

   • Touch and hold the button, then drag it around
   • This confirms the script is running

5. Press and hold the button (or try tapping it)

   • The Lianki dialog should open
   • If you're not logged in, you'll see a login prompt

If you see the floating button: ✅ Success! Lianki is installed and working.

If you don't see it: Skip to Troubleshooting below.

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Step 5: First Use

Now you're ready to start using Lianki on iOS.

Sign In

1. Tap the floating button on any webpage

2. If prompted, tap "Sign In"

3. Safari will open https://www.lianki.com

4. Log in with your account

   • Email, GitHub, or Google sign-in
   • If you don't have an account, create one (free)

5. Return to Safari and reload the page

6. Tap the floating button again — you should now be logged in

Adding Your First Card

1. Visit a webpage you want to remember

   • For example, an article, tutorial, or video

2. Tap the Lianki floating button

3. The title and URL are auto-filled

4. Tap "Add" to save the card

5. You'll see a success message

The card is now in your review queue!

Reviewing Cards

When a card is due for review:

1. The floating button will glow on that card's webpage

2. Tap the button to open the review dialog

3. Rate your memory using the buttons or keyboard:

   • Again (1) — You forgot it
   • Hard (2) — Barely remembered
   • Good (3) — Remembered well
   • Easy (4) — Too easy

4. The next review date is calculated automatically using the FSRS algorithm

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Alternative Methods

While we recommend the Userscripts app for most users, here are other options:

Option 2: Stay 2 (Free, Advanced Features)

Best for: Users who want ad blocking, bookmark sync, or advanced features

Pros:

• Free and open source
• Cross-device sync (iPhone, iPad, Mac)
• Built-in ad blocking
• Actively maintained

Cons:

• Slightly more complex setup
• More features = steeper learning curve

Installation:

1. Download "Stay 2 - Userscript Manager" from App Store
2. Enable in Settings > Safari > Extensions
3. Import the Lianki script from Greasy Fork or stayfork.app

Option 3: Gear Browser (Free, All-in-One)

Best for: Users who want a single browser with built-in userscript support (no Safari extension needed)

Pros:

• Built-in userscript engine (no extension setup)
• 2026 v7.0 update: Supports desktop browser extensions from Chrome/Edge/Firefox
• No need to manage Safari extensions
• Free

Cons:

• Must use Gear Browser instead of Safari
• Loses some iOS Safari integration

Installation:

1. Download "Gear Browser - Userscript" from App Store
2. Open Gear Browser
3. Install Lianki userscript from Greasy Fork
4. Use Gear Browser for your browsing

See the Appendix for more alternatives.

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Troubleshooting

I don't see the floating button

Check if the extension is enabled:

1. Open Settings > Safari > Extensions
2. Make sure "Userscripts" is toggled ON
3. Check that "All Websites" is set to "Allow"

Check if the script is installed:

1. Open the Userscripts app
2. Look for "Lianki" in your scripts list
3. Make sure it's enabled (toggle should be on)

Check if you're on an HTTPS page:

• The script only runs on https:// URLs
• It won't work on http:// pages or file:// local files
• Try visiting https://wikipedia.org to test

Reload the page:

1. Pull down to refresh in Safari
2. Or tap the reload button in the address bar

Restart Safari:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or double-click Home button)
2. Swipe up on Safari to close it
3. Open Safari again

The script is installed but not running

Clear Safari cache:

1. Settings > Safari
2. Scroll down and tap "Clear History and Website Data"
3. Tap "Clear History and Data" to confirm
4. Reload the page

Check Safari Content Blockers:

• If you have ad blockers or content blockers enabled, they might conflict
• Try disabling them temporarily in Settings > Safari > Content Blockers

Reinstall the script:

1. Open the Userscripts app
2. Find "Lianki" and delete it
3. Reinstall from Greasy Fork (see Step 3)

I get a "not authenticated" error

This means you're not logged in to Lianki.

Solution:

1. Tap "Sign In" in the error message (if available)
2. Or manually visit https://www.lianki.com in Safari
3. Log in with your account
4. Return to the page and tap the floating button again

Important: Make sure Safari allows cookies from lianki.com:

1. Settings > Safari
2. Scroll down to "Privacy & Security"
3. Make sure "Block All Cookies" is OFF
4. If using Private Browsing, note that cookies don't persist

The floating button appears but doesn't respond

Check if JavaScript is enabled:

1. Settings > Safari
2. Scroll down to "Advanced"
3. Make sure "JavaScript" is ON

Try in a different browser tab:

• Close the current tab
• Open a new tab and visit the same page
• Sometimes iOS Safari needs a fresh tab to reset script state

Updates aren't working

Manually check for updates:

1. Open the Userscripts app
2. Find the "Lianki" script
3. Look for an update option or refresh button
4. Or delete and reinstall from Greasy Fork

Enable automatic updates (if available in Userscripts app):

1. Open Userscripts app
2. Go to Settings
3. Enable automatic update checking

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iOS-Specific Tips

Battery and Performance

Userscripts can affect battery life and performance on older devices.

If you notice slowdowns:

1. Open the Userscripts app
2. Disable scripts you don't use
3. Keep only Lianki enabled

Battery optimization:

• Userscripts run only when Safari is active
• Closing Safari completely stops all scripts
• No background battery drain

iCloud Sync (Userscripts App)

The Userscripts app can sync your scripts across devices via iCloud.

To enable sync:

1. Make sure iCloud Drive is enabled (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud)
2. Open the Userscripts app
3. Go to Settings
4. Enable iCloud sync

iOS 18+ users: Set scripts to "Keep Downloaded" to avoid iCloud eviction issues:

1. Open Files app
2. Navigate to iCloud Drive > Userscripts
3. Long-press the folder
4. Select "Keep Downloaded"

Using Lianki on iPad

The setup is identical to iPhone. Some iPad-specific notes:

• Split View: The floating button works in Split View mode
• External Keyboard: Keyboard shortcuts work (if the userscript supports them on iOS)
• Larger Screen: You may want to reposition the floating button for easier reach

Private Browsing Mode

Lianki works in Safari Private Browsing, but:

• ⚠️ You'll need to log in again each time (cookies don't persist)
• ⚠️ Your review history won't carry over between private sessions
• ✅ Scripts still run normally

Not recommended for regular use — use normal Safari browsing for the best experience.

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Keyboard Shortcuts on iOS

If you have an external keyboard connected to your iPad (or using on-screen keyboard), some shortcuts may work:

• On-screen keyboard: Type numbers 1-4 during review to rate cards
• External keyboard: Full desktop shortcuts may work (varies by userscript implementation)

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Comparison: Safari Extension vs. Browser Apps

Still deciding between Userscripts (Safari extension) and Gear Browser (standalone)?

Feature	Userscripts (Safari Ext.)	Gear Browser
Price	Free	Free
Browser	Safari (default iOS browser)	Gear Browser
Setup Complexity	Moderate (enable extension)	Easy (built-in)
iOS Integration	Full (uses Safari)	Limited (separate browser)
Script Management	In Userscripts app	In browser settings
Works Offline	Yes	Yes
iCloud Sync	Yes (scripts sync)	No
Other Extensions	Safari content blockers work	Built-in ad blocking
Desktop Extensions	No	Yes (v7.0+: Chrome/Edge/Firefox)

Recommendation:

• Use Userscripts if you prefer Safari and want iOS integration
• Use Gear Browser if you want an all-in-one solution or desktop extension support

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Next Steps

Now that Lianki is installed on your iPhone/iPad:

• Check your review queue: Visit lianki.com/list in Safari
• Learn the algorithm: Read Understanding the FSRS Algorithm
• Install on desktop too: Follow the Desktop Browser Installation Guide

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Appendix: All iOS Userscript Options

Here's a complete list of all available userscript managers for iOS as of 2026.

Safari Extension-Based Managers

1. Userscripts (by Quoid) ⭐ RECOMMENDED

• Price: Free
• App Store: "Userscripts"
• Latest Update: February 13, 2026 (v1.8.6)
• Requirements: iOS 15.1+

Pros:

• Free and open source
• Automatic setup on first launch
• Three difficulty modes (Novice, Beginner, Advanced)
• iCloud sync between iOS and macOS
• Actively maintained
• No tracking or ads

Cons:

• No built-in script editor on iOS (editing requires macOS or manual file editing)
• iCloud sync can be finicky on iOS 18+ (requires "keep downloaded" setting)

Best for: Beginners, users who want a free and simple solution

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2. Stay 2 - Userscript Manager

• Price: Free (one-time payment covers iPhone, iPad, Mac)
• App Store: "Stay 2 - Userscript Manager"
• Latest Update: 2026 (optimized for iOS 26)
• Requirements: iOS 15.0+

Pros:

• Free and open source
• Cross-device bookmark sync
• Ad blocking support (AdGuard, uBlock Origin compatible)
• Enhanced file download management
• Script hosting platform (stayfork.app)
• Modern "Liquid Glass style" UI

Cons:

• More features = more complex
• Steeper learning curve than Userscripts

Best for: Advanced users who want ad blocking and sync features

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3. Tampermonkey

• Price: $2.99 USD
• App Store: "Tampermonkey"
• Launch Date: November 19, 2024
• Requirements: iOS 15.0+

Pros:

• Most famous userscript manager (desktop version widely used)
• Excellent script compatibility
• Built-in sync across devices
• Large community and documentation
• Compatible with Apple Vision Pro

Cons:

• Paid app ($2.99)
• Relatively new on iOS (launched late 2024)

Best for: Users already familiar with Tampermonkey on desktop, willing to pay for premium experience

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4. Macaque - UserScript Manager

• Price: Paid (exact price varies)
• App Store: "Macaque - UserScript Manager"
• Requirements: iOS, iPadOS, macOS

Pros:

• Works across Apple platforms
• Safari-focused

Cons:

• Less popular than Userscripts or Stay
• Fewer features than competitors
• Paid

Best for: Users wanting a simple paid alternative

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Browser-Based Solutions

5. Gear Browser - Userscript ⭐ RECOMMENDED FOR ALL-IN-ONE

• Price: Free
• App Store: "Gear Browser - Userscript" (also called "Gear: AI Web Extension Browser")
• Latest Update: 2026 (v7.0 major update)
• Requirements: iOS

Pros:

• Built-in userscript engine (no Safari extension needed)
• NEW in v7.0: Supports desktop browser extensions (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
• High-performance extension engine
• Compatible with Tampermonkey, Greasemonkey, Violentmonkey scripts
• Officially featured by GreasyFork
• Modern "Liquid Glass style" UI (2026 redesign)
• Free

Cons:

• Must use Gear Browser instead of Safari
• Loses Safari-specific iOS integrations
• May have different script compatibility than Safari-based managers

Best for: Users who want desktop browser extension support, or prefer an all-in-one browser solution

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6. Alook Browser - 8x Speed

• Price: $0.99 USD
• App Store: "Alook Browser - 8x Speed"
• Developer: Baoding Lehuo Network Technology Co., Ltd.
• Rating: 4.6/5

Pros:

• Built-in Tampermonkey script support
• Fast browsing (marketed as "8x speed")
• Cheap ($0.99)

Cons:

• Paid (though inexpensive)
• Must use Alook instead of Safari
• Less popular than other options
• Fewer features than Gear Browser

Best for: Users wanting a cheap, fast browser with userscript support

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Comparison Table

App	Type	Price	Update	Ease	Features
Userscripts	Safari ext.	Free	Feb 2026	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Basic
Stay 2	Safari ext.	Free	2026	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Advanced
Tampermonkey	Safari ext.	$2.99	2024+	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Premium
Macaque	Safari ext.	Paid	N/A	⭐⭐⭐	Basic
Gear Browser	Browser	Free	v7.0 2026	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Advanced
Alook Browser	Browser	$0.99	N/A	⭐⭐⭐	Basic

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Our Top 3 Recommendations

1. Userscripts (easiest, free, great for beginners)
2. Gear Browser v7.0 (all-in-one with desktop extension support)
3. Stay 2 (advanced features, ad blocking, free)

Choose based on your needs:

• Just want Lianki to work on Safari? → Userscripts
• Want desktop browser extensions on iOS? → Gear Browser
• Want ad blocking + advanced features? → Stay 2
• Already use Tampermonkey on desktop? → Tampermonkey (if willing to pay)

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Summary

Quickest path to get Lianki working on iPhone/iPad:

1. Install "Userscripts" app (free) from App Store
2. Enable it in Settings > Safari > Extensions
3. Visit https://greasyfork.org/ja/scripts/567089-lianki in Safari
4. Tap "Install this script"
5. Look for the floating button on any HTTPS webpage

Total time: 3-5 minutes

Alternative: Download Gear Browser for a one-step all-in-one solution (no extension setup needed).

You're now ready to use Lianki for spaced repetition learning on iOS!

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License: This work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. You are free to share and adapt this content with attribution.