Change your Chromebook's language in Settings

Open the Settings app on your Chromebook by clicking the clock 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, find the language you want, and click it to add it to your Chromebook.

Once you've added a language, click the three dots next to it and select Display Chromebook in this language. Your Chromebook will ask you to sign out and sign back in for the change to take effect. When you sign back in, all the menus, buttons, and system text will appear in your chosen language.

If you want to remove a language you added by mistake, go back to Languages and input, click the three dots next to that language, and select Remove. This only removes it from your list—it doesn't affect any other settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to Languages and input, and click Add languages to see all available options.
  • Click the three dots next to your chosen language and select Display Chromebook in this language to make it the system language.
  • You must sign out and sign back in for the language change to take effect across your entire Chromebook.
  • You can add multiple languages and switch between them anytime by returning to the same Settings menu.
  • Removing a language from your list does not delete any files or change your account—it only hides that language from the menu.

Add a second language without changing your main one

If you want to keep your Chromebook in English but add another language for typing or reference, you don't have to make it your display language. Go to Settings, click Languages and input, and add the language you want. Then click the three dots next to it and select Add input method instead of "Display Chromebook in this language."

Once you've added an input method, you can switch between languages while typing by pressing Ctrl + Space (or Cmd + Space on a Mac Chromebook). A small menu will appear showing which language is active. This is useful if you need to type in multiple languages but want your menus and system text to stay in English.

Change the keyboard layout for a different language

When you add a language, you may also need to change your keyboard layout so the keys match the language you're typing in. Some languages use different keyboard arrangements—for example, French uses AZERTY instead of QWERTY.

Go to Settings, click Languages and input, and find the language you added. Click the three dots next to it and select Add input method. A list of keyboard layouts for that language will appear. Choose the one that matches your physical keyboard or the layout you're used to, then click Add.

You can now switch between keyboard layouts the same way you switch between languages—press Ctrl + Space to see which layout is active and select a different one. This is especially helpful if you have a keyboard designed for a specific language.

Switch languages quickly while you work

Once you've added multiple languages or input methods, you can switch between them without going back to Settings. Press Ctrl + Space to open the language switcher, which shows all the languages and keyboards you've added. Click the one you want to use, and it becomes active when ready.

The language switcher also appears in the bottom right corner of your screen near the clock. You'll see a small box showing the current language or keyboard code (like "ENG" for English or "FRA" for French). Click that box to open the same menu and pick a different language.

Troubleshoot if your language won't display correctly

If you've changed your language but some text still appears in English, or if certain characters don't show up properly, your Chromebook may not have the font files for that language installed. Go back to Settings, click Languages and input, and look for an option to read or Install language packs. Click it and wait for the read to finish.

If the problem persists, sign out of your Chromebook completely, then sign back in. Sometimes the language files don't fully load until you restart your session. If you're still seeing English text in places where your chosen language should appear, the app or website you're using may not support that language—this is a limitation of the app itself, not your Chromebook.

Change the language for a specific Google Account

If multiple people use your Chromebook, each person can have their own language setting. When you sign in with your Google Account, your language preference is tied to that account, not to the device itself. If someone else signs in with a different account, they can set their own language without affecting yours.

To change the language for just your account, make sure you're signed in as yourself, then go to Settings and change the language as described above. When another person signs in, they'll see the language they set for their own account. This means you can share a Chromebook and each use it in a different language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my language affect my files or documents?

No. Changing your Chromebook's language only changes the menus, buttons, and system text. Your files, documents, and any text you've typed will stay exactly as they are. The language setting is purely visual—it doesn't translate your content.

Can I use two languages at the same time?

You can add multiple languages and switch between them using Ctrl + Space, but only one language can be active at a time. When you switch, your keyboard layout and input method change to match that language. You can't type in two languages simultaneously without switching.

What if I can't find my language in the list?

Chromebooks support most major languages, but some regional or less common languages may not be available. Check the full list by clicking Add languages—if your language isn't there, it's not currently supported on Chromebook. You may be able to use a similar language or a regional variant instead.

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

You don't need to restart, but you do need to sign out and sign back in. This reloads your system with the new language. The sign-out process takes less than a minute, and you'll be back to your desktop in the new language once you sign back in.

Can I change the language back to English if I change it by mistake?

Yes. Go back to Settings, click Languages and input, find English in the list, click the three dots next to it, and select Display Chromebook in this language. Sign out and sign back in, and your Chromebook will return to English. You can change languages as many times as you want.