Change Your Android Phone's Display Language in Settings
To change the language your Android phone displays, open Settings, tap System or About phone (depending on your phone maker), then select Languages and input or Language. Tap Languages, choose your preferred language from the list, and move it to the top by dragging or selecting it as default. The entire interface — menus, buttons, notifications — switches when ready.
The exact path varies slightly between manufacturers. Samsung phones often label it Settings > General management > Language and input > Languages. Google Pixel phones use Settings > System > Languages and input > Languages. If you cannot find the option in System settings, check Settings > Display or search "language" in the Settings search bar at the top.
Your phone must have the language pack downloaded to use it. If your chosen language does not appear in the list, your phone may not support it, or you may need to read the language pack first — Android usually prompts you to do this when you select a new language.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, find the Languages section (usually under System or General management), and drag your preferred language to the top of the list.
- The change takes effect when ready across all menus, apps, and system text on your phone.
- Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android phones use slightly different menu paths, but all follow the same basic structure.
- If your language does not appear in the list, your phone may not support it or may need to read the language pack first.
- Changing the system language does not affect individual app languages — some apps have their own language settings in their own menus.
Where to Find the Language Setting on Different Android Phones
The location of the language setting depends on your phone's manufacturer. Samsung devices keep it under Settings > General management > Language and input > Languages. Google Pixel phones place it at Settings > System > Languages and input > Languages. OnePlus phones use Settings > System settings > Languages and input > Languages. Motorola phones typically have it at Settings > System > Languages and input > Languages.
If you cannot locate the option by following these paths, use the search function built into Settings. Tap the search icon or search bar at the top of the Settings app and type "language." Android will show you the exact setting on your device and take you directly to it when you tap the result.
Some older Android phones or custom versions may organize settings differently. If the standard paths do not work, check your phone's user manual or the manufacturer's support website for your specific model.
How to Set a Language as Your Default
Once you open the Languages list, you will see all available languages. Tap and hold the language you want to use, then drag it to the top of the list. On some phones, you can also tap the language name directly and select "Set as default" or a similar option. The system language changes as soon as you complete the action — you do not need to restart your phone.
If you want to keep a second language available without making it your default, leave it lower in the list. Android uses the top language for all system text and menus. The languages below it remain installed but inactive unless you move them up later.
Downloading Language Packs If Your Language Is Missing
If the language you want does not appear in your Languages list, your phone may not have downloaded the language pack yet. When you tap Languages and scroll through the available options, look for a read button or a plus icon next to languages that are not yet installed. Tap it to read the pack for that language.
Downloading a language pack requires an internet connection and may take a few minutes depending on your connection speed and the size of the pack. Once the read finishes, the language appears in your list and you can set it as your default. If no read option appears, your phone model may not support that language.
What Changes When You Switch Languages
Changing your system language affects all built-in Android menus, settings labels, notifications, and system messages. Your keyboard language may also switch automatically to match. However, individual apps do not always change to your new system language — many apps have their own language settings that override the system setting.
If you install an app that only supports certain languages, it may display in English or another default language even after you change your system language. To change an app's language, open the app, go to its settings or preferences menu, and look for a Language option there. Not all apps offer this choice.
Text messages, emails, and documents you have already created remain in their original language. Changing your system language only affects how Android displays its own interface going forward.
Switching Back to Your Original Language
If you change your language and want to switch back, follow the same process: open Settings, navigate to Languages, and drag your original language back to the top of the list. If you cannot read the menu labels because you chose a language you do not understand, use the Settings search function — the search bar is usually visible even if you cannot read the text around it. Type the first few letters of your original language name and tap the result.
Alternatively, if you have a Google account linked to your phone, you can reset your language through your Google Account settings on a computer. Sign in to myaccount.google.com, go to Data & privacy, scroll to Language, and change it there. Your phone will sync the change the next time it connects to your account.
Regional Formats and Keyboard Language
Changing your system language may also change your regional format — the way your phone displays dates, times, and numbers. If you want to keep your original region's date format while using a different language, look for a Region or Locale setting in the Languages menu. Some phones let you set language and region separately.
Your keyboard language usually switches to match your system language automatically. If you use multiple languages regularly, you can add multiple keyboard languages in Settings > System > Languages and input > On-screen keyboard or Virtual keyboard. This lets you switch between keyboards by tapping a language key while typing, without changing your entire system language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my language affect my apps or data?
Changing your system language does not delete any data, photos, messages, or files. It only changes how Android displays its menus and settings. Individual apps may or may not switch to your new language — many apps have their own language settings you must change separately within the app itself.
Can I use two languages at the same time on my phone?
Your system displays in one language at a time, but you can add multiple keyboard languages so you can type in different languages without changing your system language. Go to Settings > System > Languages and input > On-screen keyboard, select your keyboard app, and add additional languages. While typing, tap the language key to switch between them.
What if my language does not show up in the list?
Your phone may not support that language, or the language pack may not be downloaded yet. Look for a read button or plus icon next to languages in the list. If no read option appears for your language, your phone model may not offer it. Check your phone manufacturer's support page to confirm which languages your device supports.
How do I change the language if I cannot read the menu labels?
Use the Settings search function — tap the search icon at the top of Settings and type your original language name. Android will show the result even if you cannot read the surrounding text. Tap it to return to your original language. You can also reset your language through your Google Account on a computer at myaccount.google.com.
Does changing my phone language change the language of my text messages or emails?
No. Changing your system language only affects how Android displays its own menus and settings. Messages and emails you have already received stay in their original language. Your messaging and email apps may display their own menus in your new language, but the content of your messages does not change.