The quickest way to change your Android language

Open Settings, then tap System (or System and device on some phones). Scroll down and tap Languages and input, then Languages. Tap the plus sign or Add a language, find the language you want, and tap it. Android will move your new language to the top of the list and switch your phone when ready. If you change your mind, go back to that same menu and tap and hold the language you want, then select Delete.

The exact names of these menus vary slightly between phone makers — Samsung calls it Language and input, while Google Pixel uses Languages and input — but the path is the same on all Android phones. The change takes effect right away; you do not need to restart your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings, then System, then Languages and input, then Languages to see your current language and add a new one.
  • Tap the plus sign or Add a language button, choose your language from the list, and Android switches to it when ready.
  • Your keyboard language usually changes automatically, but you can set it separately in the same Languages and input menu if needed.
  • You can keep multiple languages on your phone and switch between them by going back to the Languages menu and tapping the one you want.

Where to find the language menu on different Android phones

The path depends on which company made your phone, but all of them put the language setting in the same general area. On a Google Pixel, open Settings, tap System, then Languages and input, then Languages. On a Samsung Galaxy, open Settings, tap General management, then Language and input, then Languages. On phones from OnePlus, Motorola, or Nothing, the path is Settings, System, Languages and input, then Languages.

If you cannot find the menu, use the search bar at the top of Settings. Type "language" and Android will show you the right page. This search works on every Android phone and saves time if your phone's menu layout is different from what you expected.

Adding a second language without removing the first

Android lets you keep as many languages as you want on your phone at once. When you add a new language, it becomes your primary language, but your old language stays in the list below it. You can switch back and forth by opening Languages and input, then Languages, and tapping the language you want to use.

This is useful if you speak two languages at home or work and want to switch without losing your settings. Your apps, contacts, and home screen all change to match whichever language is at the top of your list. Keyboard languages usually follow your system language automatically, but if you want to use a different keyboard language, you can set that separately in the same menu under Virtual keyboard or On-screen keyboard.

What changes when you switch languages

When you change your system language, Android translates the menus, buttons, and system messages on your phone. Your home screen, Settings, notifications, and built-in apps like Calendar and Messages all switch to the new language. The date and time format may also change to match the language's region — for example, switching to German might change your date from 12/25/2024 to 25.12.2024.

Your personal files, photos, and app data do not change. Third-party apps like social media or email may or may not translate, depending on whether the app developer has translated it into that language. Some apps stay in English even if your phone is set to another language. If an app is not translated, you can sometimes change its language inside the app itself by opening its settings.

Changing your keyboard language separately from your system language

Your keyboard usually switches to match your system language automatically, but you can set them independently if you need to. Open Settings, go to System, then Languages and input, then scroll down to Virtual keyboard or On-screen keyboard. Tap the keyboard you use (usually Gboard on most Android phones), then tap Languages. Tap the plus sign to add a new keyboard language, or tap and hold an existing one to remove it.

This is helpful if your system language is English but you want to type in Spanish, or vice versa. You can add multiple keyboard languages and switch between them by tapping the globe icon on your keyboard while you are typing. Some keyboards let you type in two languages at once without switching, which is useful if you mix languages in the same message.

Fixing a phone that is set to a language you do not understand

If someone else set your phone to a language you cannot read, you can still change it back using the visual menu. Open Settings (the gear icon), then look for the icon that looks like a globe or the word that appears first in the second row of options — this is usually System or General management. Tap it, then look for the icon or word that looks like "A" or has lines next to it (this is Languages). Tap the first item in the list, then tap the plus sign, and scroll to find your language. Tap it, and your phone switches back.

If you get stuck, you can also reset your phone to its factory language. Go to Settings, scroll all the way down to System, tap Reset options, then Reset all settings. This puts your phone back to the language it came with, but it does not erase your photos, messages, or apps — only your custom settings like wallpaper and notification preferences. After the reset, you can set your language again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my language affect my apps or data?

Your photos, messages, contacts, and app data stay exactly the same. The menus and buttons in your apps may translate if the app developer has translated it, but your personal files will not change. Some apps, especially older ones, may stay in English even if your phone is set to another language.

Can I use two languages at the same time?

You can keep multiple languages in your Languages list and switch between them whenever you want, but your phone can only display one system language at a time. Your keyboard can support multiple languages, and you can switch between them while typing by tapping the globe icon on your keyboard.

What if my language is not in the list?

Android supports most major languages and many regional dialects. If you cannot find your language, check whether a similar language or regional variant is available — for example, Portuguese (Brazil) and Portuguese (Portugal) are listed separately. If your language truly is not there, your phone may not have that language pack installed, and you would need to contact your phone maker's support.

Do I need to restart my phone after changing the language?

No. Android switches your language when ready, and you do not need to restart. You will see the change right away in your Settings menu and everywhere else on your phone.

How do I change the language for just one app?

Most apps follow your system language, but some let you change their language inside the app. Open the app, go to its Settings or Preferences (usually found in a menu icon or the app's own settings), and look for a Language option. Not all apps have this feature, so if you cannot find it, the app is set to use your system language.