Change Your Facebook Language in Settings

To change the language Facebook displays to you, open your account settings and navigate to the language preference section. Facebook will show menus, buttons, and posts in whichever language you select. The process takes about two minutes and applies when ready across all your devices once you log in.

The fastest way is to use the Settings menu on desktop. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of Facebook, select Settings and privacy, then click Settings. On the left sidebar, find and click Language and region. You will see a dropdown next to Language — click it and choose from the available languages. Facebook will reload in your new language within seconds.

On mobile, the path is slightly different because the menu layout is compressed. Open the Facebook app, tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right, scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll to find Language and region and tap the language dropdown to select a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • Desktop users reach language settings through the account menu (downward arrow, top right) → Settings and privacy → Settings → Language and region.
  • Mobile app users find the same setting by tapping the menu icon (three lines) at the bottom → Settings and privacy → Settings → Language and region.
  • Your language choice applies to the interface only — it does not translate posts or comments from other people, only Facebook's own buttons and labels.
  • The change takes effect when ready and syncs across all devices where you are logged in to the same account.
  • Facebook supports over 100 languages, though some are regional variants and availability depends on your location.

What Language Changes and What Stays the Same

When you change your language setting, Facebook translates its own interface — the buttons that say "Like," "Comment," "Share," the sidebar labels, notification text, and menu items. Your News Feed will display these controls in your chosen language.

Your language choice does not translate the posts, comments, or messages other people send you. If a friend posts in Spanish and you have set Facebook to English, you will still see their post in Spanish. Facebook offers a separate translation tool (usually a "See translation" link) if you want to translate individual posts, but that is a different feature from the language setting.

Changing Language on Different Devices

If you use Facebook on multiple devices — a phone, tablet, and computer — you can set a different language on each one, or keep them all the same. The language setting is tied to the device and browser you are using, not just your account. This means if you set English on your laptop but Spanish on your phone, each device will show its own language when you log in.

To keep all devices synchronized, change the language on each one separately. There is no master setting that forces all your devices to match. If you want them consistent, you will need to go through the Settings menu on your phone, tablet, and computer and select the same language on each.

Switching Back to Your Original Language

If you accidentally change to a language you do not read well, you can switch back using the same menu, even if you cannot read the labels. The language dropdown is always in the same location — look for Language and region in Settings, and the dropdown will be the first option under that heading. Click or tap it and scroll to find your language by looking for the flag or the English name of the language.

If you are completely stuck, you can also reset your language by visiting Facebook's language settings page directly. Go to facebook.com/language.php in your browser, and you will see a list of languages with their names written in English. Click the one you want, and Facebook will reload in that language.

Regional Language Variants

Facebook offers multiple versions of some languages to account for regional differences. For example, you might see options for Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Spanish (Spain), and Spanish (Latin America). Choose the variant that matches your region or the dialect you prefer to read.

If you select a regional variant and later want to switch to a different one, follow the same steps — go to Language and region in Settings and pick a new option from the dropdown. The change is when ready.

Troubleshooting Language Changes That Do Not Stick

Occasionally, Facebook will revert to a different language after you change it. This usually happens if you are logged into multiple accounts or if your browser settings conflict with your Facebook settings. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then log out completely and log back in. After you log back in, go to Language and region again and set your preferred language.

If you are using Facebook through a web browser, check your browser's own language settings as well. Some browsers will override website language preferences if the browser language is set differently. In Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, look for Language in your browser settings and make sure it matches what you want Facebook to display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my language translate other people's posts?

No. Changing your language setting only translates Facebook's own buttons and menus. Posts and comments from other people stay in their original language. If you want to read a post in a different language, look for a "See translation" link below the post, which is a separate tool.

Can I set different languages on my phone and computer?

Yes. Language settings are device-specific, not account-specific. You can set English on your computer and Spanish on your phone, and each will display in its own language when you log in. If you want them to match, you need to change the setting on each device separately.

What if I change my language and cannot read the menu anymore?

Go to facebook.com/language.php in your browser. You will see a list of languages with their names written in English. Click the language you want, and Facebook will reload in that language. This works even if you cannot read the current language.

Will my friends see posts in a different language if I change my setting?

No. Your language setting only changes what you see on your own screen. Your friends will see your posts in whatever language you wrote them, regardless of what language your Facebook interface is set to.

Does Facebook support all languages?

Facebook supports over 100 languages, including many regional variants. However, availability varies by location and some languages may not be fully translated. Check the dropdown in Language and region to see which languages are available in your area.