Switch Android's system language from Chinese to English in Settings

Open Settings on your Android phone. Scroll down and tap System (on some phones this appears as About phone or directly as Language and input). Look for Languages and input or Language—the exact name varies by manufacturer and Android version.

Tap Languages or Language and region. You will see a list of languages currently on your phone, with Chinese at the top. Tap the plus icon or Add language to bring up all available languages. Find and tap English. If you see multiple English options (English US, English UK, English Australia), choose the one you prefer.

Once English is added, it will appear in your language list. Tap and hold English, then drag it to the top of the list, or tap it once and select Set as default. Your phone's system language will change to English when ready. Chinese will remain installed if you need it later.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings, then System or Language and input, then Languages to find your language list.
  • Add English from the full language menu, then move it to the top of your list or set it as default.
  • The exact menu names differ between Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, and other brands, but the process is the same.
  • Chinese remains on your phone after the switch and can be set back as default at any time.
  • If menus are still in Chinese after the change, restart your phone to complete the switch.

Finding the language menu on different Android phones

Samsung phones label the menu Settings > General management > Language and input > Languages. Google Pixel phones use Settings > System > Languages and input > Languages. Xiaomi phones often show Settings > Additional settings > Language and region. OnePlus phones typically have Settings > System > Languages and input.

If you cannot find the language menu, use your phone's search function. Open Settings and look for a search icon or search bar at the top. Type "language" and tap the result that appears. This works on most Android phones regardless of brand.

What to do if your phone is still showing Chinese after the change

Restart your phone completely. Power it off, wait 10 seconds, then power it back on. The system language change takes effect during the restart, and most menus will now display in English.

If some apps still show Chinese text after the restart, those apps have their own language settings separate from the system language. Open each app, go to its settings or preferences menu, and look for a language option within that app. Change it to English there. This is common with apps made by Chinese developers or apps that do not automatically follow the system language.

Changing the keyboard language from Chinese to English

If your keyboard is still typing in Chinese characters even after changing the system language, you need to change the input method. Open Settings > System > Languages and input > On-screen keyboard or Virtual keyboard. You will see a list of keyboards installed on your phone, likely including a Chinese input method.

Tap the Chinese keyboard (often labeled Pinyin, Sogou, or similar) and select Uninstall or Disable. If you want to keep it for later use, choose Disable instead. Make sure an English keyboard like Gboard or Samsung Keyboard is enabled. When you tap a text field, your phone will now default to the English keyboard.

Removing Chinese language packs to free up storage

After switching to English, you can remove the Chinese language pack if you do not plan to use it again. Go to Settings > System > Languages and input > Languages, find Chinese in the list, and tap and hold it. Select Remove or Delete. This frees up a small amount of storage space, though the savings are usually less than 50 MB.

You can always add Chinese back later by returning to the same menu and tapping Add language. There is no penalty for removing and reinstalling languages on Android.

Switching between Chinese and English without removing either language

If you use both Chinese and English regularly, keep both languages installed and switch between them as needed. Open Settings > System > Languages and input > Languages and arrange them in your preferred order. The top language is your default, but you can change it anytime by dragging a different language to the top.

Some Android phones also let you set a language per app. Open Settings > Apps, select an individual app, tap Language, and choose which language that app should use. This is helpful if you have apps that work better in one language or the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the system language delete my data or apps?

No. Changing the language only changes how menus and text appear on your screen. All your photos, messages, contacts, and installed apps remain exactly as they were. The change is completely reversible.

Why do some apps still show Chinese after I changed the system language?

Apps do not always follow the system language automatically. Open each app's settings menu (usually found by tapping the three-line menu icon or the gear icon within the app) and look for a language or localization option. Change it to English there.

Can I set different languages for different apps?

Yes, on most Android phones. Go to Settings > Apps, select an app, and look for a Language option. Not all apps support this, but many do. If the option does not appear in the app's settings, the app follows your system language.

What if I cannot find English in the language list?

English is included on all Android phones sold internationally. If it is not visible, scroll down in the language list—it may be below Chinese. If it truly does not appear, your phone may have a very old or heavily customized version of Android. Restart your phone and try again, or contact your phone's manufacturer for support.

How do I change the keyboard back to Chinese if I need it later?

Go to Settings > System > Languages and input > On-screen keyboard, find the Chinese keyboard in the list, and tap Enable. It will reappear as an option when you tap a text field. You can then switch between keyboards by tapping the keyboard icon in the bottom right of your keyboard.