Change Your iPad's Display Language in Settings
To change the language your iPad displays, open Settings, tap General, then Language & Region. At the top of that screen, tap iPad Language, select the language you want, and tap Done. Your iPad will restart and display menus, buttons, and system text in that language.
The process takes less than a minute. Your iPad keeps all your apps, files, and personal data — changing the language affects only how the system speaks to you, not what you own or how your apps work.
If you cannot find Language & Region in General settings, scroll down — it sits near the bottom of the list. On some older iPad models running older versions of iPadOS, it may be labeled Language instead.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, tap General, then Language & Region, and select iPad Language to change what language your system displays.
- Your iPad restarts after you choose a new language, but all your apps, photos, and files stay exactly as they are.
- You can set a different language for Siri, keyboard, and region-specific formats (like date and time) separately from your main display language.
- If you change your mind, you can switch back to your original language the same way at any time.
Change the Language for Siri Separately
Siri can speak a different language than your iPad's display. To change Siri's language, go to Settings > Siri & Search > Language and pick a new one. This does not affect the language of your menus or buttons — only what language Siri understands and speaks.
This is useful if you want your iPad to display in English but want Siri to respond in Spanish, French, or another language. Siri's language choices are sometimes broader than the full display languages available, so you may find an option here that is not in the main Language & Region menu.
Set Region-Specific Formats Without Changing Display Language
If you want to keep your iPad's menus in English but change how dates, times, and numbers display, stay in Settings > General > Language & Region and tap Region instead of iPad Language. Choose your region, and your iPad will format dates as that region does — for example, DD/MM/YYYY instead of MM/DD/YYYY — without changing any text on screen.
This is helpful if you live in a country that uses a different date or number format than the language you read. Your calendar, clock, and financial apps will show numbers and dates the way people in that region expect them.
Change the Keyboard Language
Your keyboard language is separate from your display language. To add or change keyboard languages, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. Tap Add New Keyboard, find the language you want, and tap it. You can add as many keyboards as you need.
Once you have added a keyboard, you can switch between them while typing by tapping the globe icon on the keyboard. This lets you type in multiple languages without changing your entire iPad's display language. If you want to remove a keyboard you no longer use, tap Edit in the Keyboards list, tap the red minus button next to the keyboard, and tap Delete.
What Happens to Apps When You Change Language
Most apps follow your iPad's system language automatically. If you change your iPad to Spanish, apps like Mail, Calendar, and Notes will display in Spanish. However, some apps — especially games or niche tools — may stay in English or offer their own language settings inside the app.
If an app does not switch languages with your system, open the app, look for a Settings or Preferences option inside it, and check whether it has its own language menu. Large apps like Microsoft Office, Google apps, and social media platforms often let you set language independently from your iPad's system language.
Troubleshooting Language Changes That Do Not Stick
If you change your language and it reverts, or if the change does not take effect, restart your iPad. Press and hold the top button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears, drag it to turn off your iPad, wait 10 seconds, then press and hold the top button again until the Apple logo appears.
If the language still does not change after a restart, check that you are in the correct settings menu. Some older iPad models or iPadOS versions label the option differently — look for Language under General if Language & Region does not exist. If you are still stuck, your iPad may need a software update; go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple languages on my iPad at the same time?
Yes. Add multiple keyboards under Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, and you can switch between them while typing. Your display language stays one language, but you can type in others. Some users also add a second language to Siri while keeping their display in English.
Will changing my iPad's language affect my Apple ID or iCloud?
No. Your Apple ID, iCloud account, and all your synced data remain unchanged. Changing the language affects only how your iPad displays menus and text — your account, passwords, and cloud storage are unaffected.
What if I cannot read the language my iPad is currently in?
Go to Settings (the gear icon, usually in the bottom left or top left of the home screen), tap General, and look for the option that looks like it controls language — it may be labeled with a globe icon or the word "Language". Tap it and select a language you recognize. If you are completely lost, ask someone who reads that language to help you navigate to Settings first.
Can I change the language for just one app?
Most apps follow your iPad's system language, but some large apps have their own language settings. Open the app, look for Settings or Preferences, and search for a Language option. Not all apps offer this — smaller apps typically use whatever language your iPad is set to.
Do I need to restart my iPad after changing the language?
Your iPad restarts automatically after you select a new display language and tap Done. You do not need to do anything else. Changes to Siri language, keyboard language, or region format take effect when ready without a restart.