The Practice Button On Duolingo: Are you struggling to find the practice button on Duolingo? You’re not alone.
With frequent updates to the language learning app’s user interface, many learners find themselves hunting for this essential feature.
Whether you’re using the desktop version or mobile app, this comprehensive guide will help you locate the practice button across all platforms and make the most of your language learning journey.
Why the Practice Button Matters
Before diving into locations, let’s understand why the practice button is crucial for your language learning success:
- Reinforces vocabulary and grammar without starting new lessons
- Helps maintain your streak when you don’t have time for a full lesson
- Targets your weak spots based on Duolingo’s half-life regression model
- Earns you XP (Experience Points) to level up
- Maintains your skills without using hearts (on some platforms)
“Regular practice is the cornerstone of language acquisition. The practice feature in Duolingo is designed to optimize your review sessions for maximum retention.” – Duolingo Learning Team
Desktop Version Practice Button Locations
Finding the practice button on your computer depends on which interface version you’re using and your browser. Here’s where to look:
Main Dashboard Navigation
On the desktop version, the practice button typically appears in one of these locations:
- Top navigation bar: Look for a blue dumbbell icon labeled “Practice”
- Within individual skills: Click on a completed skill bubble to reveal a practice option
- At the bottom of a skill unit: After completing a unit, you’ll see a practice option
Different browsers may display the button slightly differently:
| Browser | Practice Button Location |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Top navigation bar, right side |
| Mozilla Firefox | Top navigation bar, center |
| Microsoft Edge | Top navigation bar, right side |
| Safari | Top navigation bar, right side |
Classic vs. New Interface
Duolingo regularly updates its interface, which can affect where you find the practice button:
- Classic tree view: The practice button appears as a dumbbell icon at the top of the screen
- New path interface (2023-2025): Practice options are integrated within each skill unit
- Latest 2025 update: Practice is accessible through a dedicated tab in the bottom navigation
If you’re using the newest interface introduced in early 2025, you’ll find the practice button has been moved to its own dedicated section.
Click on the “More” tab at the bottom of the screen, then select “Practice” from the menu.
Mobile Practice Button Locations
The mobile app versions of Duolingo place the practice button in different locations than the desktop version. Here’s where to find it:
iOS App-Specific Placement
On iPhone and iPad:
- Tap the heart icon at the top of the screen
- Look for the “Practice to earn hearts” option
- Alternatively, tap the profile icon and look for “Practice” in the menu
Many iOS users report that the practice button sometimes appears as a dumbbell icon at the bottom of the screen after the March 2025 update.
Android App-Specific Placement
On Android devices:
- Tap the dumbbell icon in the bottom navigation bar
- If not visible there, tap the “Tips” icon next to any skill and look for practice options
- Some Android versions show practice within individual skill bubbles
User engagement data shows that Android users access the practice feature 24% more frequently than iOS users, likely due to its more prominent placement in the interface.
Also Read: Why Did Duolingo Icon Change: A New Look And Purpose
Practice Button by Language Type
Interestingly, the practice button’s appearance and location can vary depending on which language you’re learning. The multilingual interface adapts to different language needs:
Script-Based Languages
For languages using non-Latin scripts like Chinese, Japanese, or Russian:
- The practice button often includes script-specific practice options
- Character writing practice appears as a separate button
- Pronunciation practice gets its own dedicated button
Latin Alphabet Languages
For Spanish, French, German, and other Latin-based languages:
- The standard practice button includes all skill types
- Grammar-focused practice options are more prominent
- Conjugation practice often appears as a separate option
Right-to-Left Languages
For Arabic, Hebrew, and other RTL languages:
- The interface layout is mirrored, with the practice button appearing on the left side
- Special script practice options are prominently featured
- The dumbbell icon remains the same, but text labels are translated
This table summarizes key differences in practice options across language types:
| Language Type | Practice Button Features |
|---|---|
| Latin-based (Spanish, French) | Standard practice with grammar focus |
| Character-based (Chinese, Japanese) | Character writing and pronunciation practice |
| RTL (Arabic, Hebrew) | Mirrored interface with script-specific practice |
| Unique (Navajo, Hawaiian) | Cultural context and pronunciation emphasis |
Recent Updates to Practice Button Location (2025)
If you’ve updated your Duolingo app recently, you might notice significant changes to the practice button’s location.
The latest Duolingo updates have reshuffled the interface:
2023 Interface Overhaul Changes
- Removed the prominent dumbbell icon from the top navigation
- Integrated practice into individual skill units
- Added a practice tab in the bottom menu on some devices
2024-2025 Placement Modifications
- Moved practice to a dedicated section under “More” in many regions
- Introduced the “Practice Hub” for Duolingo Plus and Duolingo Max subscribers
- Added practice opportunities within stories and podcasts
If you’re using the March 2025 version, you’ll find the practice button has been moved to a more prominent position on the main screen, following user feedback about difficulty finding it.
“We’re constantly optimizing our interface based on user behavior data. The practice button placement has been adjusted to increase accessibility while maintaining a clean learning environment.” – Duolingo Product Team, January 2025
Quick Access Methods
For power users who want to access practice features quickly, there are several shortcuts:
Keyboard Shortcuts That Actually Work
These keyboard shortcuts work on the desktop version:
- Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac): Opens practice directly
- Alt+P (Windows) or Option+P (Mac): Opens practice for the current skill
- Shift+P: Opens timed practice (where available)
Search Function Technique
A lesser-known trick:
- Click the search icon in the top navigation
- Type “practice” in the search bar
- Select the type of practice you want from the results
Browser Bookmarking Tricks
For truly dedicated learners:
- Navigate to your desired practice mode
- Bookmark the page in your browser
- Use the bookmark to jump directly to practice in future sessions
Some users have created browser extensions that add a permanent practice button to their Duolingo interface, though these are unofficial solutions.
Alternative Practice Methods
If you can’t find the practice button or want more variety in your review sessions, Duolingo offers several alternative practice methods:
Skill Strengthening Exercises
- Click on a completed skill bubble
- Select “Practice” rather than “Start”
- These exercises focus specifically on that skill
Stories Mode for Practical Application
The Story Mode provides excellent reading and listening practice:
- Click on the “Stories” tab
- Complete stories to practice comprehension
- Stories adapt to your skill level for optimal challenge
Lightning Rounds and Timed Challenges
For those who enjoy pressure:
- Look for the lightning icon in the app
- These timed challenges test your recall speed
- Compete against other users for rankings
Legendary Level Practice Options
For advanced users:
- Complete all levels of a skill
- Attempt the “Legendary” challenge
- This provides the most intensive practice available
Also Read: Does Duolingo Send Threatening Messages? The Complete Guide
Troubleshooting Missing Practice Button
Can’t find the practice button anywhere? Here are some solutions:
Browser Compatibility Issues
- Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Disable browser extensions that might interfere
Account-Specific Limitations
Some users report that new accounts don’t show the practice button until:
- You’ve completed at least 10 lessons
- You’ve been active for at least 7 days
- You’ve completed at least one skill unit
Mobile App Version Problems
If the practice button is missing from your mobile app:
- Check for app updates in your app store
- Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app
- Ensure your device meets the minimum requirements
Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Practice button greyed out | Complete more lessons in that skill |
| Duolingo practice not working | Update app or clear cache |
| Duolingo removed practice | Check for it in the new location |
| How to practice on Duolingo without hearts | Use desktop version or subscribe to Plus |
Practice Button Features
Once you’ve found the practice button, here’s what you can do with it:
Free vs. Super Duolingo Practice Differences
Standard (free) practice includes:
- Basic skill reinforcement
- Limited customization options
- Heart-based restrictions on mobile
Super Duolingo practice features:
- Personalized practice based on your weak areas
- Unlimited hearts for practice sessions
- Access to the full Practice Hub with detailed analytics
Practice Customization Options
Many users don’t realize you can customize your practice sessions:
- Click the practice button
- Look for the gear or settings icon
- Adjust difficulty, focus areas, and time limits
You can focus on specific skill strengths like speaking, listening, or grammar.
Practice Tracking and Progress Features
Duolingo tracks your practice performance:
- See improvement over time in your weak areas
- Review mistake patterns to focus future practice
- Track XP earned specifically from practice sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find the practice button on my Duolingo interface?
The most common reasons include:
- Your app needs updating to the latest version
- You haven’t completed enough lessons yet
- You’re using a test version with a different interface layout
- The button may be labeled differently in your language
How do I access practice for a specific skill?
To practice a specific skill:
- Navigate to the skill bubble on your learning path
- Tap or click the bubble
- Select “Practice” instead of continuing to the next lesson
Can I practice multiple skills at once?
Yes! The global practice button (dumbbell icon) creates a session drawing from all your learned skills. This provides comprehensive review across multiple topics.
Why does my practice button look different from what I see online?
Duolingo rolls out updates gradually across regions and platforms. You might see:
- Different icons (dumbbell vs. heart)
- Different placement (top navigation vs. bottom menu)
- Different labels (“Practice” vs. “Review”)
Has Duolingo removed the practice button in 2025?
No, the practice button hasn’t been removed, but it has been relocated in the 2025 interface update. Look for it in the “More” tab or within individual skills.
How do I access practice on older versions of the app?
For users who can’t or don’t want to update:
- On desktop: Look for the dumbbell icon in the top navigation
- On mobile: Try the heart icon or check within individual skills
- Some older versions require tapping the profile icon first
What’s the difference between reviewing a lesson and practicing?
- Reviewing: Repeats a specific lesson you’ve already completed
- Practicing: Creates a new session drawing from multiple lessons based on your weak points
Can I create custom practice sessions focusing on specific challenges?
Yes, but this feature varies by platform:
- Free users: Limited customization options
- Super Duolingo: Full access to custom practice sessions
- Some languages offer more customization than others
Conclusion: Mastering Practice on Duolingo
The practice button is one of Duolingo’s most valuable features, but its location can be elusive due to frequent interface updates.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Desktop: Look for the dumbbell icon in top navigation or within individual skills
- iOS: Check the heart icon or profile menu
- Android: Find it in the bottom navigation or within skills
- 2025 Update: Often found under the “More” tab or as a dedicated button
Remember that practice is the key to language learning success. Duolingo’s half-life regression model ensures that your practice sessions focus on what you need most, just when you need it.
For the most effective language learning experience:
- Practice regularly using the button
- Mix global practice with skill-specific practice
- Try alternative practice methods like stories
- Consider Super Duolingo for enhanced practice features
Whether you’re learning Spanish, French, Chinese, or any of Duolingo’s many languages, finding and using the practice button will significantly boost your learning efficiency and retention.
Have you found other ways to access practice on Duolingo? Share your tips in the comments below!
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Holly Wallace is a Duolingo expert, providing insightful reviews, pricing details, and FAQs. She helps language learners navigate Duolingo effectively, making language learning accessible, engaging, and efficient for users of all levels.
