Nintendo’s Miitomo social app was launched in Japan on March 17 but fans everywhere else will have to wait a little longer for the chance to download the app/game.
While details and features of the social app have been revealed following the Japanese release, the most intriguing part of Miitomo is that there is already an English localization of the app. That means savvy iOS and Android users can download the app and use it without needing a Japanese to English dictionary.
But how exactly can you download Miitomo without it appearing in the App and Google Play stores? There is a workaround for each platform, but to say the method is risky can’t be understated, especially for Android devices.
Below is the way to download and install Miitomo for iOS and Android devices but, again, proceed at your own risk.
Android
- The first step is to change some security features so you can download and run APK files. Go to Settings -> Security -> Check “Unknown Sources” box (this can be found in the General Tab or the Personal section tab depending on your phone).
You'll need to uncheck the "Unknown Sources" box to download APK files iDigitalTimes Search “Miitomo APK” with Google and the file will appear. Open up the download after it’s finished and install (the app should be about 32MB).
You can also download Miitomo legitimately using the Japanese Google Play Store. However, you’ll need to have a way to access it and you won’t be able to link it to a western Nintendo ID, but this is a great way to preview the app.
Check this nifty video on how to access the Japanese Google Play Store below from Slurpeefreak9.
iOS
Getting Miitomo early for iOS devices is a bit more complicated. It all hinges on getting access to the Japanese App Store.
You’ll need to register for a Japanese Apple ID, which involves navigating through some menus that, frankly, you won’t be able to comprehend unless you can read Japanese. However, Nihongo Pera Pera -- Via TechnoBuffalo -- has great visuals to help get you through the signup process.
There’s also a video on how to access the Japanese App Store, which you can see below.
Once the ID is created, go back into the App Store, log in and download Miitomo .
And that’s all you need to know to download Miitomo early for iOS and Android. Of course, be cautious about what you do with the app and remember that you’ll want to delete the app once it launches worldwide, so you can link it to your Nintendo ID and social accounts.
You’ll also not want to purchase anything while using the Japanese version, since you’ll just lose it once you delete the app.
Did you try to download Miitomo early? Were there any easier steps to downloading the app? Sound off in the comments section below.
