Change language in Settings on most Samsung phones

Open Settings, then tap General management. Look for Language and input or Language — the exact name depends on your Samsung model and Android version. Tap it, then select Language from the menu. A list of available languages appears; tap the one you want. Your phone will switch when ready, and all menus, apps, and system text will display in that language.

If you do not see General management, try scrolling down in the main Settings menu — it may be further down the list. On older Samsung phones running Android 9 or earlier, the path is sometimes Settings > Advanced features > Language and input > Language.

The change applies to the entire phone, including built-in Samsung apps like Messages, Phone, and Calendar. Third-party apps from the Google Play Store may or may not switch languages depending on whether the developer has translated them into your chosen language.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings > General management > Language and input > Language, then pick your language from the list.
  • The change takes effect when ready across all system menus and Samsung apps.
  • Third-party apps switch only if the developer has translated them into your chosen language.
  • If you cannot find General management, scroll down in Settings or check Advanced features on older phones.
  • You can change the language back the same way at any time.

What happens to your apps and data

Changing the system language does not delete any of your data, photos, messages, or contacts. Your phone straightforward displays everything in the new language. Apps you have installed stay in place and keep all their settings and content.

Some apps may not have a translation available for your chosen language. When that happens, those apps usually stay in English or the language the developer provided. For example, if you switch to Icelandic but a banking app only supports English and Spanish, that app will remain in English. You cannot force an individual app to use a different language than what the developer offers.

Changing language for keyboard and text input

If you want to type in a different language, you may also need to add that language to your keyboard. Go to Settings > General management > Language and input > On-screen keyboard (or Keyboard). Tap Samsung Keyboard or whichever keyboard you use, then select Languages and types. Tap the plus icon or Add language, then choose the language you want to type in.

Once you add a language to your keyboard, you can switch between languages while typing by tapping the language key on your keyboard — usually a globe icon or a key labeled with your current language code. This lets you type in multiple languages without changing your entire phone's system language.

Switching back to your original language

If you change your phone's language and then realize you do not recognize the menu names, you can still find your way back. Open Settings (the gear icon), then look for the option that looks like it controls language — it is usually near the top or middle of the list and may show a flag or globe icon. Tap through until you see a list of languages, then select the language you want.

If you are completely lost, you can also reset your language through Settings > General management > Reset > Reset settings. This returns your language to the default for your region but does not erase your apps or data. However, it will reset other settings like notification preferences and display options, so use this only if you cannot navigate the language menu.

Regional differences in Samsung phones

Samsung phones sold in different regions sometimes have slightly different Settings layouts. A phone sold in Europe may organize menus differently than one sold in North America. The language option is always in General management or Advanced features, but the exact path may vary by a step or two.

If you bought your phone from a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, the carrier may have added extra apps or customized the Settings menu. The language controls are still in the same place, but you may see additional carrier-specific options nearby. This does not affect how you change the language.

Changing language on Samsung tablets and foldable phones

Samsung tablets like the Galaxy Tab and foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold follow the same process: Settings > General management > Language and input > Language. The steps are identical to phones. On tablets, the Settings menu may be wider or organized slightly differently visually, but the path to language settings is the same.

If you use a Samsung foldable phone, changing the language works on both the main screen and the cover screen at the same time — you do not need to change it separately for each display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my phone's language affect my Google account or Samsung account?

No. Your accounts stay linked and active. Changing the language only changes how your phone displays menus and text. Your email, contacts, photos, and other account data remain unchanged and accessible.

Can I set different languages for different users on my Samsung phone?

Yes, if your phone has multiple user profiles or a Kids profile. Each profile can have its own language setting. Go to Settings > Users and accounts or Multiple users, select the profile, then change its language through that profile's Settings.

What if my language is not in the list?

Samsung phones typically include 50 to 100 languages depending on the model. If your language is not listed, your phone may not have a translation available. You can try selecting a regional variant — for example, if you speak a dialect, look for the closest standard language. Some languages are available only on newer Samsung models.

Does changing the language slow down my phone?

No. Changing the language does not affect your phone's speed or performance. It only changes the text displayed on screen.

Can I change the language of individual apps?

Only if the app developer has built that feature in. Most apps follow your phone's system language automatically. Some larger apps like Google Maps, YouTube, or Microsoft Office let you change their language separately in their own settings, but most do not offer this option.