Change your Chromebook's language in Settings
Open the Settings app on your Chromebook by clicking the time in the bottom right corner, then selecting the gear icon. In the left menu, click Languages and input. Under "Languages," you'll see your current language listed. Click Add languages to see the full list of available languages.
Find the language you want and click it. A window will appear asking if you want to display Chromebook in that language. Click Display Chromebook in [language name]. Your Chromebook will restart automatically, and when it comes back on, the entire interface—menus, buttons, settings, everything—will be in your chosen language.
If you change your mind, you can always go back to Settings, click Languages and input, and repeat the process to switch to a different language. The change takes effect after restart.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings by clicking the time in the bottom right corner, then select the gear icon and go to Languages and input.
- Click Add languages, choose your language from the list, and select Display Chromebook in [language name].
- Your Chromebook will restart automatically and display everything in the new language.
- You can switch languages at any time by returning to the same Settings menu.
- Changing the system language does not affect your Google Account language—those are separate settings.
What happens to your files and accounts when you change the language
Changing your Chromebook's display language does not affect your files, documents, or any data stored in Google Drive. Your files remain exactly as they are. The change only affects the words and labels you see on your screen—buttons, menus, and system messages.
Your Google Account language is separate from your Chromebook language. If you want to change the language in Gmail, Google Drive, or other Google services, you need to change that setting inside each service. Go to your Google Account settings (myaccount.google.com), click "Language" in the left menu, and choose a new language. That change applies to all Google services you use, regardless of what language your Chromebook displays.
Adding multiple languages without switching the display
You can add extra languages to your Chromebook without making them your main display language. This is useful if you use multiple languages but want to keep your system interface in one language. In Settings, go to Languages and input, click Add languages, and select the languages you want. Do not click "Display Chromebook in [language name]"—just close the window after selecting the language.
Those languages will now appear in your input method list. When you're typing, you can switch between languages by clicking the language icon in the taskbar (bottom right of your screen) or by pressing Ctrl + Space. This lets you type in different languages without changing the entire system interface.
Changing the keyboard layout for a different language
When you add a new language, Chromebook often adds a keyboard layout for that language too. If you're typing in a language that uses a different alphabet or character set, you may need to switch your keyboard layout. Click the time in the bottom right corner, then look for the language or keyboard icon in the taskbar. Click it to see your available keyboard layouts.
Select the layout that matches the language you're typing in. For example, if you add Russian, you can switch to a Cyrillic keyboard layout. The layout change is temporary—when you switch back to English, your keyboard returns to the standard English layout. You can also set a default keyboard layout in Settings under Languages and input if you use one language much more than others.
Troubleshooting when a language won't install or display correctly
If a language appears in the list but won't install, or if it installs but displays as boxes or question marks instead of actual characters, your Chromebook may not have the font files for that language. Restart your Chromebook first—sometimes the installation completes during restart. If that doesn't work, remove the language and add it again.
Go to Settings, Languages and input, find the language you're having trouble with, click the three dots next to it, and select Remove. Then add it again from the Add languages menu. If the problem continues, check that your Chromebook is fully updated. Click the time, click Settings, then click About Chrome OS in the left menu. If an update is available, install it and restart. Some languages require the latest system files to display properly.
Using language packs for offline access
By default, Chromebook downloads language files when you add a new language, but some features may require an internet connection to work fully. If you use your Chromebook offline often, you can read a complete language pack. In Settings, go to Languages and input, find your language, click the three dots, and select read if that option appears.
This downloads all the fonts, spell-check dictionaries, and other files for that language so they work even when you're not connected to the internet. Not all languages offer this option—it depends on which languages Google has packaged as offline packs. If the read option doesn't appear, the language is already fully downloaded or doesn't need additional files.
Switching back to English or your original language
If you change your Chromebook to a language you don't understand and need to switch back, the process is the same but may be harder to navigate. Open Settings (the gear icon is usually in the same place regardless of language). Look for the option that says something like "Languages" or "Language and input"—it's typically the third or fourth option in the left menu. Click it, find your original language in the list, and select the option to display the system in that language.
If you're completely lost, you can also sign out and sign back in. When you sign in with your Google Account, Chromebook will use the language setting from your Google Account (if you've set one) rather than the system language. This gives you a chance to get back to a language you understand and then fix the system language properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my Chromebook language affect my passwords or sign-in?
No. Your password and sign-in process remain the same regardless of what language your Chromebook displays. You can sign in with the same password you've always used, and the language change will take effect after you're logged in.
Can I use two languages at the same time on my Chromebook?
You can type in multiple languages by switching between keyboard layouts, but your system interface (menus, buttons, settings) will display in only one language at a time. Add multiple languages to your input method list, then switch between them while typing. To change the system interface language, you'll need to restart and switch the display language.
What if my language isn't in the list?
Chromebook supports over 100 languages, but not every language in the world is available. If your language isn't listed, check the full list by scrolling through the Add languages menu—sometimes less common languages are grouped under regional categories. If it's truly not available, you may need to use a language that's similar or that you understand as a second choice.
Do I need to restart my Chromebook every time I change the language?
Yes, Chromebook automatically restarts when you change the system display language. The restart is quick and necessary for the new language to take effect across all system menus and features. You don't need to manually restart—just click the button to confirm the language change and let Chromebook handle the rest.
Can I change the language for just one app instead of the whole system?
Most apps follow your system language automatically. Some apps like Chrome, Gmail, and Google Drive have their own language settings inside the app, which you can change separately from your Chromebook language. To change an app's language, open the app, go to its settings or preferences, and look for a language option. The system interface will stay in your chosen Chromebook language.