Change Your Facebook Language in Settings

To change Facebook back to English, go to the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner of your screen on mobile, or the downward arrow in the top right on desktop. Tap or click "Settings & Privacy," then "Settings." Scroll down to find "Language and Region" and tap or click it. Select "English" from the list of languages shown.

The change takes effect when ready — you do not need to log out or refresh the page. All menus, buttons, and text on Facebook will switch to English within seconds. If you use Facebook in a web browser, the process is identical: the same Settings menu holds the Language and Region option.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the menu icon (mobile) or account dropdown (desktop) and navigate to Settings & Privacy, then Settings.
  • Look for "Language and Region" in the settings list and select it.
  • Choose "English" from the available languages and the change applies when ready.
  • If you cannot find Language and Region, scroll down further — it appears below other account settings.
  • The language setting is tied to your account, so it will stay in English when you log in on other devices.

Mobile Steps (iPhone and Android)

On your phone, open Facebook and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner. This opens the menu. Scroll down and tap "Settings & Privacy," then tap "Settings" below it. You will see a list of options — continue scrolling until you reach "Language and Region."

Tap "Language and Region." A list of languages appears. Find and tap "English." The entire app will switch to English when ready. You can close the settings and return to your feed — no additional steps are needed.

Desktop Steps (Computer Browser)

On a computer, click the downward-pointing arrow in the top right corner of Facebook, next to your profile picture. A dropdown menu appears. Click "Settings & Privacy," then click "Settings." The settings page opens in a new section.

On the left side, you will see a list of categories. Scroll down until you find "Language and Region" and click it. On the right side, you will see your current language. Click the dropdown next to it, select "English," and confirm. The page refreshes and Facebook displays in English.

What to Do If You Cannot Find the Language Option

If "Language and Region" does not appear in your settings, you may be looking in the wrong section. Make sure you are in "Settings," not "Help & Support" or another menu. On mobile, scroll down slowly — the option sits below notification settings and privacy controls. On desktop, check the left sidebar and scroll if needed.

Another reason the option might not show is if you are using an older version of the Facebook app. Update your app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android), then try again. If you are on a computer, try a different browser or clear your browser cache, then log back in.

Changing Language on Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger has its own language setting separate from the main Facebook app. Open Messenger and tap your profile picture in the top left (mobile) or click your profile picture in the top left corner (desktop). Tap or click "Settings," then scroll to find "Language." Select "English" from the list.

This change only affects Messenger — it does not change the language on your main Facebook feed. If you want both to be in English, you must change the language in both apps separately. The process takes less than a minute for each one.

If Facebook Keeps Switching Back to Another Language

Sometimes Facebook reverts to a different language if your device settings are set to that language. Check your phone or computer's system language: on iPhone, go to Settings > General > Language & Region; on Android, go to Settings > System > Languages & Input > Languages; on Windows, go to Settings > Time & Language > Language. Make sure English is set as your primary language.

If your device language is already English but Facebook keeps switching, try logging out completely and logging back in. On mobile, go to Settings > Apps > Facebook, tap "Storage," and select "Clear Cache" (not "Clear Data," which will log you out). Then open Facebook again. On desktop, clear your browser cookies for Facebook and log in fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my language affect my friends or what they see?

No. Your language setting is personal to your account. Your friends will see Facebook in whatever language they have set, and they will not see any change on your profile or in your posts. The language you choose only changes what you see on your own screen.

Can I set different languages for different devices?

Yes. Each device has its own language setting for Facebook. You can set English on your phone and another language on your computer, and Facebook will remember each setting. When you log in on a device, it uses the language you last set on that device.

What if English does not appear in my language list?

English should always appear in the language list. If it does not, try updating your Facebook app or browser. If you are using an older device or an outdated browser version, some languages may not load properly. Update your app or browser, then try again.

Does changing the language affect my privacy or data?

No. Changing your language setting does not change your privacy controls, who can see your posts, or how your data is stored. It only changes the words and labels you see on the screen. Your privacy settings remain exactly as they were.

How do I change Facebook back if I accidentally changed it to a language I do not recognize?

Even if you cannot read the current language, the process is the same. Look for the menu icon (three lines on mobile, arrow on desktop) in the corner of the screen. Tap or click it, then look for a gear icon or settings symbol. Find the option that looks like it controls language — it is usually near the top or middle of the settings list — and select English.