Introduction
Bilibili has grown into one of the most popular platforms for anime, donghua (Chinese animation), gaming content, and community-driven video culture. What makes it stand out from other streaming platforms is its unique “danmu” (bullet comment) feature, which lets viewers see other users’ comments scrolling directly over the video in real time — creating a shared, interactive watching experience rather than a silent, isolated one.
If you’ve heard about Bilibili and want to download it for free, this guide covers everything: how to get the official app safely, what’s different about the new international version, how to install it on Android, iOS, and PC, and what to watch out for so you don’t end up with a fake or unsafe app.
This article covers:
- What Bilibili actually is and why people use it
- The official, safe ways to download it for free
- Step-by-step installation on Android, iOS, and PC
- How the new Bilibili International app is different
- Common issues and how to fix them
- Safety tips to avoid fake or modified apps
What Is Bilibili?
Bilibili is a Chinese video-sharing and streaming platform that has become especially popular worldwide among anime and donghua fans. Along with video streaming, it functions as a community hub where users can upload their own content, follow creators, join fan communities, and interact with other viewers through live comments that scroll across the screen as the video plays.
Historically, the main Bilibili app was mostly in Chinese, which made it harder for international users to navigate. That has changed significantly with the recent rollout of Bilibili International, a version built specifically for users outside mainland China, with English-language support and a more accessible interface.
Is Bilibili Free to Use?
Yes. The core Bilibili app is free to download and use. Most of its video library — including a large portion of anime, donghua, and user-generated content — is available without any payment. However, like many streaming platforms, it also offers an optional premium membership (often referred to as “Big Member” or VIP) that unlocks extras such as:
- Higher video resolutions for certain titles
- Early access to some episodes
- An ad-free viewing experience
- Additional in-app perks and discounts
You are never required to pay to use the app — the premium tier is entirely optional.
Official Ways to Download Bilibili for Free
To avoid fake apps, malware, or apps bundled with unwanted permissions, always download Bilibili through one of these official channels.
1. Download via Google Play Store (Android)
This is the safest and most recommended method for Android users.
Steps:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet.
- In the search bar, type “Bilibili”.
- Look for the official app — the international version is recognizable by its pink app icon with a small globe symbol in the top-left corner of the logo.
- Tap Install.
- Once installed, open the app and sign up using your email, phone number, or a supported social login.
If Bilibili doesn’t appear in your region’s Play Store, you can still get it safely through Bilibili’s own official website (covered below), without needing to rely on unofficial third-party APK sites.
2. Download via Apple App Store (iOS)
The original Bilibili app has long been available on the Apple App Store for iPhone and iPad users. The newer Bilibili International app is currently rolling out on Android first, with an iOS release expected to follow.
Steps:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for “Bilibili”.
- Tap Get to download and install it.
- Open the app and create an account or log in.
If the international version isn’t yet listed for your country on the App Store, keep an eye on Bilibili’s official announcements — the company has said wider availability and localization updates are coming soon.
3. Download from Bilibili’s Official Website
If the app isn’t available through your region’s app store, Bilibili also provides the app directly through its own official website. This is a safer alternative to random third-party “APK download” sites, many of which repackage the app with extra permissions, ads, or in some cases malicious code.
Steps:
- Visit Bilibili’s official website using your mobile browser.
- Look for the official app download section.
- Download the file directly from Bilibili’s own domain.
- On Android, you may need to allow installation from outside the Play Store in your phone’s settings before installing.
4. Use Bilibili on PC via the Official Website or Desktop Client
Bilibili can also be used on a computer, either through the browser directly or via an official desktop client, without needing to install anything on mobile at all.
Steps:
- Go to Bilibili’s official website on your browser.
- Create an account or log in.
- Browse and stream content directly, or download the official desktop client if one is offered for your operating system.
What’s New: The Bilibili International App
In 2026, Bilibili officially expanded its international presence with a dedicated global app. A few things are worth knowing about this rollout:
- The international version is visually identified by its pink logo with a small globe icon, distinguishing it from the original Chinese-focused app.
- It launched first on Android, with the iOS version confirmed to be coming soon.
- Bilibili has stated that more localization updates and features will continue to roll out in future updates, meaning language support and regional availability are expected to keep improving.
- Users are encouraged to join Bilibili’s official community channels (such as their Discord) to report bugs or issues encountered while using the new international app.
If you’re downloading Bilibili for the first time, it’s worth specifically looking for this international version, since it’s designed to be far more accessible for English-speaking and non-Chinese-speaking users compared to the original app.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Bilibili After Installing
Once you’ve installed the app, here’s how to get started:
- Open the app and choose to sign up or log in. You can typically register with an email address, phone number, or a linked social account.
- Verify your account if prompted, usually through a code sent to your email or phone.
- Set your language preference, if the option is available, especially on the international version.
- Browse categories such as anime, donghua, gaming, or user-uploaded content from the home screen.
- Follow creators or channels you like so their new uploads appear in your feed.
- Turn on or off the danmu (bullet comments) feature from the video player settings, depending on whether you want the scrolling comment overlay.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Problem: The app isn’t available in my country’s app store. Solution: Try downloading directly from Bilibili’s official website, since availability is still expanding region by region as the international rollout continues.
Problem: Some videos are region-locked. Solution: Certain content remains restricted in specific regions due to licensing agreements. This is a normal limitation on many international streaming platforms, not specific to how you installed the app.
Problem: The app is mostly in Chinese. Solution: Make sure you’ve downloaded the international version (pink icon with the globe symbol), not the original domestic Chinese app, which doesn’t have full English support.
Problem: I’m not sure if a download link is official. Solution: Only trust the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Bilibili’s own official website. Avoid random third-party “APK” sites that promise “unlocked” or “mod” versions — these often carry malware risks or unnecessary permissions.
Safety Tips Before You Download
Because Bilibili is a popular app, there are many unofficial websites offering “modded” or “premium unlocked” APK files claiming extra features for free. It’s important to be cautious here:
- Avoid modified APKs that claim to remove region restrictions or unlock premium features for free — these are not official and can carry security risks.
- Stick to official stores (Google Play, Apple App Store) whenever the app is available in your region.
- Check app permissions during installation — be cautious if an app asks for permissions unrelated to video streaming.
- Use antivirus scanning if you ever download an APK file directly, even from what appears to be a legitimate site.
- Never enter sensitive payment details on unofficial third-party apps claiming to offer “free VIP” access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Bilibili completely free to download and use? Yes, downloading and using the core app is free. An optional premium membership exists for extra perks, but it’s not required to use the platform.
Q2: Is the Bilibili International app different from the regular Bilibili app? Yes. The international version has a distinct pink icon with a small globe symbol and is built with English-language support for users outside mainland China, unlike the original app, which is mainly Chinese-language focused.
Q3: Can I use Bilibili on iPhone right now? The original Bilibili app is available on the Apple App Store. The newer international version has launched on Android first, with an iOS release expected to follow soon.
Q4: Is it safe to download Bilibili from third-party APK websites? It’s best to avoid this. Many third-party sites offer modified versions that can carry security risks. Stick to the official app stores or Bilibili’s own website.
Q5: Do I need a VPN to use Bilibili? Not necessarily. The international app is designed for global access, though some specific content may still be region-locked due to licensing restrictions, regardless of where you download the app from.
Conclusion
Downloading Bilibili for free is simple as long as you stick to official channels — the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Bilibili’s own official website. With the new Bilibili International app rolling out, non-Chinese-speaking users now have a far more accessible way to enjoy the platform’s massive anime, donghua, and community content library.
Avoid the temptation of third-party “modded” APK sites promising unlocked premium features for free — they’re unnecessary and risky when the official app already offers a rich, free experience. Just download it from a trusted source, set up your account, and you’ll be streaming within minutes.
