One-time setup: connect to Anki (about 2 minutes)
The clicker drives Anki desktop on this computer through the free AnkiConnect add-on. Install it once; the clicker remembers the connection.
Desktop only. AnkiConnect is an add-on for the Anki desktop app (Windows, Mac, Linux). The Anki phone apps and AnkiWeb do not run add-ons, so the clicker cannot drive them. Say it plainly: if you review on your phone, this tool is not for that.
Step 1: install AnkiConnect
- Open Anki desktop, then Tools → Add-ons → Get Add-ons…
- Paste the code
2055492159and press OK. (That is the official AnkiConnect listing on AnkiWeb.) - Restart Anki when it asks.
Step 2: allow this page, once
- Keep Anki open. In the clicker, switch to My Anki (AnkiConnect) and press Connect.
- Anki pops up asking whether to allow this page. Press Allow. AnkiConnect remembers your answer, so this happens exactly once.
- Pick a deck, press Start review, then start the camera or mic and review hands-free.
What the clicker is allowed to do
Through AnkiConnect the page can: see the current card, show the answer, rate it Again/Hard/Good/Easy, and undo. It cannot edit your cards, decks, or scheduling settings. It talks only to Anki on this computer (127.0.0.1); nothing is sent over the internet.
API key (optional)
AnkiConnect can require an API key (its settings: Tools → Add-ons → AnkiConnect → Config). If you set one, paste it into the clicker's password field before connecting. If you did not set one, leave it blank.
Troubleshooting
- "Can't reach Anki." Anki desktop must be open on this computer. Check that AnkiConnect is installed (Tools → Add-ons should list it).
- "Anki refused this page." You pressed Deny in Anki's popup. In AnkiConnect's config, remove this page's origin from the ignore list, or reinstall the add-on to be asked again.
- "No card on screen." Press Start review first; Anki needs to be showing a review session.
- Ratings land on the wrong card. Press Undo (or U) right away; the clicker ignores gestures for a third of a second after each action to avoid double-fires.
No Anki? Try the practice deck
The clicker's Practice deck mode works with no install at all: ten Spanish words to try every gesture, tap, and whistle before you commit to the setup.