How to Change the Language on Your Tablet

Where to Find Language Settings on Your Tablet

The language setting on most tablets lives in the main Settings app, not buried in a submenu. On an iPad, open Settings, tap General, then Language & Region. On an Android tablet, open Settings, scroll to System (or About tablet on older models), then Language and input or Languages and input.

The exact path varies slightly by manufacturer — Samsung tablets may label it Accessibility instead of System — but the Settings app is always your starting point. If you cannot find it by scrolling, use the search function at the top of Settings and type "language".

Key Takeaways

iPad language settings are in Settings > General > Language & Region; Android tablets are in Settings > System > Language and input.
Changing the system language affects menus, buttons, and built-in apps when ready, but does not change the language of apps you downloaded separately.
If you set a wrong language and cannot read the menu labels, use the search function in Settings or look for a gear icon to navigate back.
Some tablets let you add a second language for keyboard input without changing the entire system language.

Changing the System Language on iPad

Open Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap Language & Region. The first option, Preferred Language, shows your current language. Tap it to see the full list of available languages — typically 40 or more depending on your iPad model and iOS version.

Select the language you want. Your iPad will restart or refresh the interface within a few seconds. All system text — the Settings menu itself, notifications, Siri responses, and built-in apps like Mail and Calendar — will switch to that language when ready.

If you need a second language for keyboard input without changing the whole system, stay in Language & Region and tap Keyboards instead. You can add as many keyboard languages as you want and switch between them while typing.

Changing the System Language on Android Tablets

Open Settings and scroll down to System (or About tablet on older Android versions). Tap Languages and input or Language. You will see Preferred language or System language at the top. Tap it to open a list of available languages.

Select your new language. The system will explore the change within seconds. Like iPad, this affects menus, notifications, and built-in apps, but not third-party apps you installed from the Google Play Store.

If your tablet is made by Samsung, Lenovo, or another manufacturer, the path may be slightly different — look for Settings > General management > Language, or use the search bar in Settings to jump straight there.

What Changes and What Does Not

Changing your tablet's system language affects only the operating system and built-in apps. The Settings menu, notifications, system alerts, and apps like Calendar, Mail, and Notes will all switch languages. However, apps you downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store will not change unless you also change the language inside each app separately.

For example, if you switch your iPad to Spanish, the Settings menu and Safari will be in Spanish, but Netflix, Instagram, or Spotify will remain in whatever language you set them to individually. Most major apps have their own language menu inside the app — usually under Settings or Preferences within that app.

Fixing a Language You Cannot Read

If you accidentally set your tablet to a language you do not understand, you can still navigate back using the search function. Open Settings, tap the search icon at the top, and type the word for "language" in English. The system will highlight the language setting even if the menu labels are unreadable.

Alternatively, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the Settings app — it is the same in every language. Tap it, then look for the first or second option in the list, which is almost always the language setting. Tap the language option, find English (or your preferred language) in the list by scrolling, and select it.

Adding Multiple Languages and Keyboards

Both iPad and Android tablets let you add multiple keyboard languages without changing the system language. On iPad, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and tap Add New Keyboard. On Android, go to Settings > System > Languages and input > Virtual keyboard or On-screen keyboard and add a language there.

Once you add a second keyboard language, a language toggle button will appear on your keyboard when you type. Tap it to switch between languages mid-sentence. This is useful if you write in more than one language but want your system menus and notifications to stay in one language.

Checking Your Tablet's Current Language

To confirm what language your tablet is set to, open Settings and look at the very top of the screen — most tablets display the current system language in the header or status bar. On iPad, go to Settings > General > Language & Region and look at the Preferred Language field. On Android, go to Settings > System > Languages and input and check the Preferred language field.

If you are not sure which language is currently active because the menu labels are unfamiliar, the search function is your fastest route. Type "language" in the Settings search bar, and the system will take you directly to the language menu regardless of what language it is displayed in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the tablet language affect my apps from the App Store or Google Play?

No. The system language change affects only the operating system and built-in apps. Downloaded apps keep their own language settings. If you want an app in a different language, open that app, find its Settings or Preferences menu, and change the language there.

Can I use two languages at the same time on my tablet?

You can add multiple keyboard languages so you can type in different languages by switching a toggle on your keyboard. However, the system menus and notifications will stay in one language. To change the system language itself, you have to pick one as the primary language.

What if I set the language wrong and cannot read anything?

Use the search function in Settings — it works in any language. Open Settings, tap the search icon, and type "language" in English. The system will highlight the language setting. Tap it and select your preferred language from the list by scrolling.

Does changing the language affect my data or files?

No. Changing the language is purely a display setting. Your files, photos, messages, and all stored data remain unchanged. The only thing that changes is how the menus and system text appear on your screen.

Can I set different languages for different user accounts on a tablet?

On iPad, there is only one system language per device, not per user account. On Android tablets with multiple user profiles, each profile can have its own language setting. Set up a new profile in Settings > System > Multiple users, and each profile can have a different system language.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.