How to Change the Language on Your iPhone

Change Your iPhone's System Language in Settings

Open the Settings app on your home screen, then tap General. Scroll down and tap Language & Region. At the top, you'll see iPhone Language — tap it to see a list of all available languages. Select the language you want, and your iPhone will ask you to confirm. Tap Change to [Language], and the system will restart in that language within a few seconds.

The entire interface — menus, buttons, notifications, and system messages — will switch to your chosen language. This change affects every built-in app and most third-party apps that support that language. If you change your mind, you can return to Language & Region and pick a different language the same way.

Key Takeaways

Go to Settings > General > Language & Region > iPhone Language to see all available languages on your device.
Select your preferred language and confirm the change — your iPhone will restart automatically in that language within seconds.
The system language change affects all built-in apps and most third-party apps that support that language.
You can switch back to a different language at any time using the same Settings path.
Some apps may need to be restarted or updated separately if they don't automatically display in your new language.

What Happens to Your Apps When You Change Languages

Most apps follow your system language automatically. Built-in apps like Mail, Messages, Calendar, and Photos will switch when ready. Many popular third-party apps — social media, banking, productivity tools — also support multiple languages and will update to match your system setting.

Some apps, especially older ones or those with limited language support, may stay in their original language or revert to English. If this happens, close the app completely and reopen it. If the app still doesn't switch, check the App Store to see if an update is available — developers sometimes add language support in newer versions. You can also change the language for individual apps separately if needed.

Change Language for Individual Apps

Not all apps follow your system language. If a specific app is still showing in the wrong language, you can change it within that app's own settings. Open the app, look for a Settings or Preferences menu (usually a gear icon), and search for Language or Region. The exact location varies by app, but most follow this pattern.

Some apps store language settings in your account rather than on your device. If you sign into the same account on another iPhone, that app may remember your language choice. Check the app's help section or support page if you can't find the language setting — developers sometimes hide it in unexpected places.

Regional Settings vs. System Language

Your iPhone has two separate settings: iPhone Language (the language the system displays) and Region (which affects date formats, time zones, currency, and how numbers appear). You can set these independently. For example, you could use English as your system language but set your region to France, so dates display as day/month/year and prices show in euros.

Both settings live in Settings > General > Language & Region. Change iPhone Language to switch what you read on screen. Change Region below it to adjust how information like dates and currency are formatted. Neither change affects the other, so you can mix and match based on your needs.

Troubleshooting: Language Won't Change or Reverts

If your iPhone language won't change, or it reverts to the previous language after you restart, restart your device manually. Hold down the power button and volume down button together until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds, then hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears. This forces a clean restart and often fixes language-switching problems.

If the problem persists, go back to Settings > General > Language & Region and try selecting the language again. Make sure you tap Change to [Language] to confirm — don't just select it and leave the screen. If your iPhone still won't switch, a software update may be pending. Check Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates, then try changing the language again.

Using Multiple Languages on One Device

Your iPhone can display in only one system language at a time, but you can add a secondary language for keyboards and dictionaries. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and tap Add New Keyboard. Select the language you want to type in, and it will appear as an option when you're typing. Swipe the space bar or tap the globe icon to switch between keyboard languages without changing your system language.

This approach is useful if you speak multiple languages but want to keep your system interface in one language. You'll type in your secondary language, but menus and buttons stay in your primary language. Siri also respects your system language but can understand and respond in other languages if you've added them to your keyboard list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my iPhone language delete my data or apps?

No. Changing your system language only changes what language the interface displays in. All your photos, messages, contacts, and apps remain exactly as they were. Your data is not affected at all.

Can I set different languages for different users on the same iPhone?

No. iPhones do not support multiple user accounts. The system language applies to everyone who uses that device. If multiple people use your iPhone and prefer different languages, you would need to change the language each time someone switches to using it.

What if my language isn't in the list?

Apple supports over 40 languages on iPhone. If your language isn't listed, it may not be supported on your device model or iOS version. Check Settings > General > About to see your iOS version, then visit Apple's website to confirm which languages are supported. Updating to the latest iOS version sometimes adds new language options.

Do I need to change my Apple ID language separately?

Your Apple ID language is separate from your iPhone language. To change it, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Name, Phone Numbers, Email, scroll down to Language, and select a new one. This affects how Apple sends you emails and displays your account information, but it doesn't change your iPhone's system language.

Will apps I read after changing the language be in that language?

Yes. Apps you read after changing your system language will install in that language by default, as long as the app supports it. The App Store itself will also display in your chosen 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.