Change Instagram's Language in Three Steps
To change Instagram from Arabic to English, open the app, tap your profile icon in the bottom right, then tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Language and region, then Language. Select English from the list. The entire app will switch to English within seconds.
The process is the same whether you use Instagram on iPhone or Android. If you are using Instagram on a web browser instead of the app, the language setting lives in a different menu — scroll to the bottom of any page, find the language selector, and choose English from the dropdown.
Key Takeaways
- Open your profile, tap the menu icon, go to Settings and privacy, then Language and region, then Language, and select English.
- The change takes effect when ready across the entire app — menus, buttons, captions, and notifications all switch at once.
- If you use Instagram on a computer, the language selector is at the bottom of the page in a dropdown menu, not in settings.
- Your language choice stays the same across all your devices unless you change it again on each one separately.
Where to Find the Language Menu on Mobile
Start by opening Instagram and tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner. You will see your profile page with your username, bio, and posts. At the top right of this page, tap the menu icon — it looks like three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other.
Scroll down the menu that appears. You will see options like Saved, Your activity, and Insights. Keep scrolling until you reach Settings and privacy near the bottom. Tap it. A new menu will open with several categories.
In the Settings and privacy menu, look for Language and region. Tap it, then tap Language. A list of all available languages will appear. Scroll to find English and tap it. Instagram will reload and display everything in English.
Changing Language on Instagram's Website
If you use Instagram through a web browser on a computer, the language setting is not in the settings menu. Instead, scroll all the way to the bottom of any Instagram page. You will see a row of links and a language selector.
Look for a dropdown menu or button that shows the current language — it may display as "العربية" (Arabic) or the word "Language". Click it to open a list of available languages. Select English from the list. The page will refresh and display in English.
If you cannot find the language selector at the bottom of the page, try clicking the menu icon (three lines) in the top left or top right corner of the page, depending on your browser and Instagram's current layout. Some browser versions hide the language option in a different location.
What Changes When You Switch Languages
When you change the language to English, every text element in Instagram switches — not just the main menu, but also button labels, notification text, captions you write, and the language Instagram uses to describe features. Stories, Reels, and Direct Messages will all display in English.
One important note: changing Instagram's language does not translate the posts, captions, or comments that other users have written. If someone posted in Arabic, their post will still be in Arabic. Instagram's language setting only changes the interface — the buttons, menus, and labels that Instagram itself controls.
Your language choice is tied to your account, not your device. If you log into Instagram on a different phone or computer, it will remember that you chose English and display the app in English on that device too. If someone else logs into their account on your phone, they will see Instagram in whatever language they selected for their account.
If the Language Menu Does Not Appear
If you cannot find Language and region in your Settings and privacy menu, your version of Instagram may be outdated. Open your phone's app store (Apple App Store on iPhone, Google Play Store on Android), search for Instagram, and tap Update if an update is available. Close Instagram completely and reopen it after updating.
If you still do not see the language option after updating, try logging out and logging back in. Tap your profile icon, scroll to the bottom of the menu, tap Log out, then log back in with your username and password. Sometimes a fresh login loads the full menu.
On very rare occasions, Instagram's interface differs slightly by region or account type. If the exact menu path does not match what you see, look for any option that mentions "Language", "Region", or "Preferences". The language setting is always in the settings area, though the exact wording may vary.
Switching Back to Arabic or Another Language
If you ever want to switch back to Arabic or choose a different language, follow the same steps: profile icon, menu, Settings and privacy, Language and region, Language. Select العربية (Arabic) or any other language from the list. The change happens when ready.
Instagram supports over 100 languages. If you want to use a language other than English or Arabic, the process is identical — just select the language you want from the list. You can change your language as often as you like with no restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing the language affect my posts or messages?
No. Changing Instagram's language only changes the interface — the menus, buttons, and labels. Your posts, captions, and messages stay exactly as you wrote them. If you wrote something in Arabic, it will still be in Arabic even after you switch to English.
Do I have to change the language on every device I use?
No. Instagram remembers your language choice for your account. When you log in on another phone or computer, it will display in English automatically. However, if someone else logs into their account on your device, they will see their own language preference, not yours.
What if English does not appear in the language list?
Update Instagram to the latest version from your app store. If English still does not appear after updating, try logging out and logging back in. English is available in every region, so if it is missing, a technical glitch is the likely cause.
Can I set different languages for different parts of Instagram?
No. Instagram uses one language setting for the entire app. You cannot have the main menu in English and your Direct Messages in Arabic. The language you select applies to all of Instagram's interface.
Does changing the language change how Instagram shows me content?
No. Your language setting only changes the interface text. It does not change which posts Instagram shows you, which accounts it recommends, or how the algorithm works. Your feed and recommendations stay the same.