Where to Find Language Settings on Facebook

Facebook's language setting lives in your account settings, not in a separate preferences menu. On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner of any Facebook page, then select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On a phone or tablet, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right, scroll down to Settings and privacy, then tap Settings.

Once you are in Settings, look for the Language section on the left side of the screen (on a computer) or scroll down to find it (on a phone). This is where you change what language Facebook displays in.

Key Takeaways

  • Language settings are found under Settings and privacy, then Settings, then the Language section.
  • Facebook offers over 100 languages, and your choice affects menus, buttons, and notifications but not the content your friends post.
  • Changing your language takes effect when ready across all your devices where you are logged in.
  • You can change your language back at any time using the same steps, even if you switch to a language you do not read well.

Selecting a New Language from the List

Click or tap on the language option in the Language section. Facebook will show you a dropdown menu or a list of available languages, usually sorted alphabetically. Scroll through to find the language you want. Facebook supports over 100 languages, including regional variations — for example, you can choose between Spanish (Spain) and Spanish (Mexico).

Once you find the language you want, click or tap it. Facebook will ask you to confirm the change. Select the confirmation button, and the language will switch when ready. Your entire Facebook interface — buttons, menus, notifications, and settings labels — will now display in that language.

What Changes and What Stays the Same

When you change your language setting, Facebook changes only the interface — the parts Facebook controls. Your News Feed, messages, and posts from friends will still appear in whatever language your friends wrote them in. If a friend posts in French and you switch Facebook to English, that post will still be in French.

Your profile information, like your name and bio, will not change. Comments you have already written will stay in the language you wrote them in. Only the buttons, labels, and system messages that Facebook itself generates will appear in your new language.

Changing Language on Mobile Devices

On an iPhone or Android phone, the steps are slightly different because the menu layout is vertical. Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner. Scroll down past your name and profile section until you see Settings and privacy. Tap it, then tap Settings.

Scroll down in Settings until you find Language. Tap it and select your new language from the list. The change takes effect when ready, and you will see the app interface switch to your chosen language right away.

Fixing a Language You Cannot Read

If you accidentally switched to a language you do not understand, you can still fix it without reading the labels. The language setting is always in the same location in the menu structure. Go to the three lines icon, find the option that is typically fourth or fifth from the top (Settings and privacy), then look for the option that appears in the same position as before (Settings), then find the option in the same spot as Language always appears.

Alternatively, you can change your language back through Facebook's website on a computer, where you might find it easier to navigate. The steps are the same: top right arrow, Settings and privacy, Settings, Language. Once you select a language you recognize, the interface will switch back when ready.

Language Settings Across Multiple Devices

Your language setting is tied to your Facebook account, not to a specific device. If you change the language on your phone, it will also change on your computer, tablet, and any other device where you are logged into Facebook. This happens automatically because Facebook stores your preference on its servers.

If you use Facebook on a shared computer or device, changing the language will affect what anyone sees when they log into your account on that device. If you want different people to see different languages, each person needs to log into their own Facebook account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my language affect what language my friends see?

No. Your language setting only changes what you see on your own screen. Your friends will see Facebook in whatever language they have set their own accounts to. When you comment on a post or send a message, it will be in whatever language you type it in, regardless of your interface language.

Can I use Facebook in multiple languages at the same time?

Facebook only lets you set one language per account. If you need to switch between languages frequently, you will need to change your setting each time. There is no way to have the interface display in two languages simultaneously on one account.

What if my language is not on the list?

Facebook supports over 100 languages, but not every language is available. If your language is not listed, you can choose the closest regional variant or a related language. You can also contact Facebook through their Help Center to request support for additional languages, though response times vary.

Does changing my language affect my privacy settings?

No. Your privacy settings, who can see your posts, and your security options remain exactly the same when you change your language. The language setting only changes the words used to display those settings, not the settings themselves.

Can I change my language on Facebook Messenger separately?

Messenger uses the same language setting as your main Facebook account. When you change your Facebook language, Messenger will switch to that language automatically. You cannot set Messenger to a different language than your Facebook account.