Access the Language Settings Through Your TV Menu

To change the language on your Samsung TV, press the Menu button on your remote control. This opens the main settings menu on your screen. From there, navigate to Settings (sometimes labeled as a gear icon), then select General or System depending on your model year.

Once you're in the General or System menu, look for an option called Language or Display Language. This is where you'll find all the language options your TV supports. The exact menu path can vary slightly between Samsung TV models made in different years, but these core sections appear on nearly all models made in the last decade.

If you cannot find these options in the locations described, check your TV's model number (usually on a sticker on the back or in the Settings menu under "About TV") and search for your specific model's manual online. Samsung publishes free PDF manuals for every TV model on their support website.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Menu on your remote, then navigate to Settings > General (or System) > Language to find the language menu.
  • Highlight your preferred language from the list and press Enter or Select on your remote to confirm the change.
  • The TV will explore the new language when ready to all menus, buttons, and on-screen text.
  • If your preferred language does not appear in the list, your TV model may not support it, but you can check Samsung's support site for your specific model number to confirm.
  • Changing the language does not affect streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube, which have their own separate language settings.

Select Your Language and Confirm the Change

Once you've opened the Language menu, you'll see a list of available languages displayed on your screen. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to scroll up and down through the list until you reach the language you want. The currently selected language is usually highlighted in a different color or has a checkmark next to it.

When you've found your language, press the Enter or Select button on your remote (this is typically the center button on the directional pad). The TV will when ready switch all its menus, buttons, and text to the new language. You don't need to restart the TV or confirm the change a second time—it takes effect right away.

What Happens After You Change the Language

After you select a new language, every menu and label on your Samsung TV will display in that language. This includes the channel guide, program descriptions, settings menus, and any text that appears on screen. The change is permanent until you manually switch to a different language using the same steps.

Keep in mind that changing your TV's language does not change the language of streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu. Those apps have their own separate language settings that you control within each app. If you want to change the language on a streaming service, you'll need to go into that app's settings menu instead.

Troubleshooting If You Cannot Find the Language Menu

If you press Menu and don't see a Settings option, your TV may use a different menu layout. Some older Samsung models use a Smart Hub menu instead. Press Menu, look for Smart Hub, and then navigate to Settings from there. On very recent models, you might need to press the Home button instead of Menu to access the main interface.

If the language menu still doesn't appear where you expect it, try pressing the Tools button on your remote. On some Samsung models, language settings are grouped under Tools rather than in the main Settings menu. If none of these paths work, your remote may not be compatible with your TV model, or your TV may need a software update.

Using Your Remote's Voice Assistant to Change Language

If your Samsung TV has a microphone button on the remote (usually marked with a microphone icon), you can use voice commands to change the language. Press and hold the microphone button, then say "Change language" or "Settings." The TV will open the settings menu, and you can navigate to Language from there using voice or the remote buttons.

Voice commands work best if your TV is connected to the internet and has the latest software installed. If voice commands don't work, it may mean your TV model doesn't support this feature, or the microphone button is configured for a different function. In that case, use the manual menu navigation steps described earlier.

Resetting Language Settings to Default

If you accidentally changed the language to one you don't understand, you can still fix it without knowing the language. Navigate through the menus using only the remote buttons—press Menu, then use the arrow keys to move through the options. The menu structure remains the same regardless of language, so you can find Settings > General > Language by counting button presses or looking for familiar icons.

Alternatively, you can perform a factory reset on your Samsung TV, which will return all settings including language to their original defaults. To do this, go to Settings > General > Reset, then select the option to reset all settings. This will also erase any saved passwords or custom settings, so use it only as a last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the language affect my streaming apps?

No. Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and other streaming apps have their own language settings separate from your TV's system language. Changing your TV's language will not change the language of these apps. You'll need to go into each app's settings menu individually if you want to change its language.

What if my language is not in the list?

Samsung TVs support a limited number of languages depending on the model and region where it was sold. If your language doesn't appear, your TV model may not support it. Check your TV's model number (on the back or in Settings > About TV) and search Samsung's support website to see which languages your specific model offers.

Can I change the language using the Samsung SmartThings app?

The SmartThings mobile app allows you to control some TV functions remotely, but language settings are not available through the app. You must use the physical remote control and navigate the TV's menu directly to change the language.

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

No. The language change takes effect when ready. Your TV does not need to restart, and you don't need to confirm the change twice. Once you press Enter to select a new language, it's active right away.

What if my remote is not working?

If your remote has no batteries or is broken, you can use the physical buttons on the TV itself. Most Samsung TVs have a menu button and directional buttons on the side or bottom of the frame. These work the same way as the remote buttons and will let you navigate to Settings > Language.