Change your Chromebook's display language in Settings

Open the Settings app by clicking the time in the bottom right corner, then selecting the gear icon. Go to Advanced in the left menu, then select Languages and inputs. Click Languages to see the list of installed languages on your device.

Find the language you want to use and click the three dots next to it. Select Display Chromebook in this language. Your Chromebook will ask you to confirm — click Restart to explore the change when ready. The entire interface, menus, and system messages will switch to your chosen language after the restart.

If your language is not already installed, click Add languages at the top of the Languages list. Search for the language you need, select it, and click Add. Once installed, follow the same steps above to set it as your display language.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to Advanced, then Languages and inputs, then Languages to find your display language options.
  • Click the three dots next to any installed language and select Display Chromebook in this language to switch when ready.
  • If your language is not listed, click Add languages, search for it, and install it before setting it as your display language.
  • Your Chromebook will restart after you confirm the change, and all system text will appear in the new language.
  • You can change the language back at any time using the same Settings menu.

Add a new language before you can use it

Chromebooks come with a few languages pre-installed depending on your region, but you may need to add others. The Add languages button is at the top of the Languages list in Settings. A search box will open where you can type the name of the language you want — for example, "Spanish" or "Japanese" or "Arabic".

Select the language from the dropdown results and click Add. The read takes a few seconds to a minute depending on your internet speed. Once the language appears in your Languages list, you can set it as your display language using the three-dot menu.

Change the keyboard layout separately from the display language

Your keyboard language and your display language are two separate settings. You can have your Chromebook display in English but type in Spanish, or display in French while typing in German. This is useful if you work in multiple languages.

To change your keyboard layout, go to Settings, then Advanced, then Languages and inputs, then Input methods. Click Add input method, search for the keyboard layout you want, and select it. You can then switch between keyboard layouts using the keyboard icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, or by pressing Ctrl + Space.

Switch languages quickly without restarting

If you have already installed multiple languages, you can switch between them without restarting your Chromebook each time. Go back to Settings, Advanced, Languages and inputs, Languages, and click the three dots next to a different language. This time, select Display Chromebook in this language again — your Chromebook will restart, but you are now using a language you have already installed, so the process is faster.

Alternatively, if you only need to type in a different language occasionally, use the input method switcher instead. This lets you keep your display language the same while switching your keyboard to type in another language without any restart at all.

Troubleshoot if your language does not appear

If you cannot find your language in the Add languages list, your Chromebook may not support it. Chromebooks support most major languages and many regional dialects, but some less common languages may not be available. Check the full list by typing the first few letters of your language name — if nothing appears, that language is not currently supported on Chromebook.

If your language appears in the list but the read fails, check your internet connection and try again. If the problem continues, restart your Chromebook and return to the Languages menu to retry the installation.

Reset to your original language if needed

If you change your display language and then cannot navigate the Settings menu because you do not read the new language, you can still change it back. The Settings icon and menu structure remain the same regardless of language. Open Settings, go to Advanced (usually the last item in the left menu), select Languages and inputs, then Languages. Find your original language in the list, click its three dots, and select Display Chromebook in this language.

If you get stuck, you can also restart your Chromebook and press Ctrl + Alt + Z during startup to open the language selection screen, where you can choose your language before the system fully loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the language affect my files or accounts?

No. Changing your display language only changes how the Chromebook interface appears. Your files, documents, email, and accounts remain exactly the same. You can switch languages back and forth without losing anything.

Can I use multiple languages at the same time?

Your display language can only be one at a time, but you can install multiple keyboard layouts and switch between them while typing. You can also change your display language whenever you want — there is no limit to how many times you switch.

Do I need to restart my Chromebook every time I change the language?

Yes, changing your display language requires a restart. However, the restart is quick and your work will not be affected. If you only need to type in a different language, use the input method switcher instead, which does not require a restart.

What if I accidentally change the language to one I do not understand?

You can still change it back using the Settings menu. The layout stays the same even if the text is in a language you do not read. Open Settings, go to the last menu item (Advanced), then find Languages and inputs, then Languages, and select your original language.

Can I change the language for just one app instead of the whole system?

No. The display language setting changes your entire Chromebook interface. However, individual apps like Google Chrome, Gmail, or Google Docs have their own language settings that you can change separately within those apps without affecting your system language.