Change Your Android Language in Settings

To change the language on your Android phone, open Settings, tap System or System and device (the exact name varies by manufacturer), then select Languages and input or Language. Tap Languages and choose the language you want from the list. Android will explore the change when ready to your entire phone — menus, apps, and notifications will all switch to your selected language.

The process takes less than a minute. Your phone will not restart, and you will not lose any data or settings. If you change your mind, you can switch back the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to System (or System and device), then Languages and input, and select your preferred language from the list.
  • The language change applies to the entire phone when ready, including all built-in apps and system menus.
  • Some third-party apps may not change language and will continue showing in their default language or your device's previous language.
  • You can switch languages back at any time using the same Settings path without losing any personal data.
  • If you cannot find the language you want in the main list, check whether your phone offers regional variants (like English US versus English UK).

Where to Find Language Settings on Different Android Versions

The exact path depends on your Android version and phone manufacturer. On Android 13 and newer, go to Settings > System > Languages and input > Languages. On Android 12 and earlier, the path is usually Settings > System > Languages and input > Languages, though some phones use Settings > Display > Language instead.

If you have a Samsung phone, look for Settings > General management > Language and input > Language. On Google Pixel phones, use Settings > System > Languages and input > Languages. On other brands like OnePlus, Motorola, or Nokia, the path is usually the same as the standard Android route, though the wording may differ slightly.

What Happens When You Change Your Language

When you select a new language, your phone switches all system text when ready. This includes the Settings menu itself, notification labels, button text, and the names of built-in apps like Phone, Messages, and Calendar. The change is permanent until you switch languages again.

Third-party apps — those you downloaded from the Google Play Store — may or may not change language. Many popular apps like Gmail, YouTube, and WhatsApp will switch to match your phone's language setting. Others may stay in their default language or the language they were set to before. Some apps have their own language settings inside the app, separate from your phone's system language. If an app is not showing in your new language, check its own settings menu.

Choosing Between Regional Variants of the Same Language

Many languages have multiple regional versions. English, for example, may offer English (United States), English (United Kingdom), English (Canada), and English (Australia). Spanish might include Spanish (Spain) and Spanish (Mexico). When you tap on a language in your Settings, you will see all available variants listed below it.

The regional variant affects spelling, date formats, and some terminology. For example, English (United Kingdom) uses "colour" and "organise," while English (United States) uses "color" and "organize." Choose the variant that matches your location or preference. You can change to a different variant of the same language anytime without affecting your data.

Adding Multiple Languages to Your Keyboard

Changing your phone's system language is different from adding multiple languages to your keyboard. If you want to type in multiple languages but keep your phone's menus in one language, you can add keyboard languages separately. Go to Settings > System > Languages and input > On-screen keyboard (or Virtual keyboard), select your keyboard app, and choose Languages. Add as many languages as you need.

When you type, you can switch between keyboard languages by tapping the language key on your keyboard or swiping the spacebar, depending on your keyboard app. This lets you keep your phone's system language in one language while typing in others.

Troubleshooting Language Changes That Do Not Appear

If you changed your language but some menus are still showing in the old language, restart your phone. Power it off completely, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. This forces Android to reload all system text in your new language.

If the language you want is not in your list, your phone may not support it. Check the full list by scrolling to the bottom — some languages are grouped under regional categories. If you still cannot find it, your device may not have that language installed. Some older or budget phones ship with a limited set of languages. In that case, you can only choose from the languages your phone came with.

Changing Language for Google Account and Google Services

Your Android phone's system language is separate from your Google Account language. If you want Google services like Gmail, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store to display in a different language, you need to change your Google Account settings separately. Go to myaccount.google.com on any web browser, click Personal info, scroll to Language, and select your preferred language.

Your Google Account language will take effect the next time you open a Google service. This is useful if you want your phone menus in one language but your Google services in another. Most people keep them the same, but the option exists if you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my language delete my photos, messages, or other data?

No. Changing your phone's language only changes the text that appears on screen. All your personal data — photos, messages, contacts, apps, and settings — remains exactly as it was. You can switch languages back and forth as many times as you want without losing anything.

Can I have different languages for different users on the same phone?

If your phone supports multiple user accounts, yes. Each user account can have its own language setting. Go to Settings, find System > Multiple users or Users and accounts (varies by phone), and set up a second user. That user can then set their own language independently. Not all Android phones support multiple user accounts — this feature is more common on tablets and some Samsung devices.

What if I accidentally changed my language and cannot read the menus anymore?

You can still change it back even if you cannot read the text. Open Settings by tapping the gear icon, then look for the icon or option that looks like it might be for language (often near the top or bottom of the list). Tap through until you see a list of language names written in their own languages — you can recognize your original language by its name. Tap it and you are back to normal.

Do all apps change language when I change my phone's language?

System apps and most popular apps will change automatically. Smaller or older apps may not. If an app is not showing in your new language, open the app, go to its settings or preferences menu, and look for a language option inside the app itself. Some apps ignore your phone's language setting and use only their own built-in language choice.

Can I change the language of just one app without changing my whole phone?

Yes, if the app has its own language settings. Open the app, go to its settings or preferences (usually found by tapping a menu icon or your profile picture), and look for a language or localization option. Not all apps offer this, but many do. This lets you run one app in a different language while keeping your phone's menus in another language.