Change the language in Settings on your Apple TV box or device

Open Settings on your Apple TV. Go to Airplay and HomeKit, then select Language and Region. Choose your preferred language from the list. The interface will switch when ready, and you do not need to restart the device.

If you are using an older Apple TV model (4th generation or earlier), the path is slightly different: open Settings, then General, then Language. Select your language and the change takes effect right away.

The language you set here controls the system menus, on-screen text, and voice prompts. It does not automatically change the language of shows or movies you watch — those depend on what the app or streaming service offers.

Key Takeaways

  • On newer Apple TV models, go to Settings > Airplay and HomeKit > Language and Region to change the system language.
  • On 4th-generation Apple TV and older, use Settings > General > Language instead.
  • The change takes effect when ready without requiring a restart or sign-out.
  • Changing the system language does not change the audio or subtitle language of individual shows or movies — you set those in each app.

Change the language for individual apps and streaming services

Most streaming apps (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+) let you set language separately within the app itself. Open the app, go to Settings or Account, and look for Language or Audio & Subtitles. The exact path varies by app.

When you play a show or movie, you can also change the audio language and subtitle language right from the playback screen. Press the Menu button on your remote while the video is playing, then select Audio & Subtitles. Choose your preferred audio track and subtitle language from the available options.

Not every show or movie offers every language. If a language does not appear in the menu, that streaming service does not have it for that particular title. Check the show's details page to see which languages are available before you start watching.

Adjust regional settings for time, date, and measurement

When you change the language in Language and Region, you can also set your region separately. This controls how dates, times, and measurements display on your Apple TV. For example, you might set the language to English but the region to United Kingdom to see dates in DD/MM/YYYY format instead of MM/DD/YYYY.

Go to Settings > Airplay and HomeKit > Language and Region, then select Region from the menu. Choose the country or region that matches your location or preference. This setting also affects which app store content is available to you.

Troubleshoot if the language does not change

If you change the language but the system still displays in the old language, restart your Apple TV. Unplug the power cable for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for the device to boot up. This usually forces the language change to take effect.

If you are signed into a family account or a shared Apple ID, the language setting may be tied to your personal account rather than the device itself. Sign out and back in to your account, or check whether another family member has set a different language preference that is overriding your choice.

For Apple TV 4K models, make sure your tvOS software is current. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and check for updates. Older software versions sometimes have bugs that prevent language changes from sticking.

Use Siri voice commands in different languages

Siri on Apple TV listens in the language you set in Language and Region. If you speak to Siri in a different language than the one you selected, it may not understand you. To use Siri in a different language, change the system language first.

You can also set Siri's voice separately from the system language. In Settings > Airplay and HomeKit > Language and Region, look for Siri Language if your model offers it. This lets you keep the menus in one language while Siri responds in another.

Set up multiple languages for a family

If multiple people in your household speak different languages, you can create separate user profiles on your Apple TV. Each profile can have its own language setting. When a user signs in with their profile, the system switches to their preferred language automatically.

Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Add User. Create a profile for each person, and have them sign in with their own Apple ID. Each person can then set their own language in Language and Region without affecting the others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the language affect my apps or subscriptions?

No. Changing the system language only changes how the Apple TV menus appear. Your apps, subscriptions, and account information remain unchanged. You can switch languages back and forth without losing anything.

Can I set different languages for different family members?

Yes. Create a separate user profile for each person in your household, and have them sign in with their own Apple ID. Each profile can have its own language setting that activates when they sign in.

What if an app does not offer my language?

Some apps and streaming services have limited language support. If your language is not available in an app, check the app's settings or the streaming service's website to see which languages they support. You may need to use English or another available language for that app.

Does changing the language change the audio language of shows I watch?

No. The system language controls only the menus and interface. The audio language of shows and movies depends on what each streaming service offers. You set the audio language separately in each app or during playback.

Why is my Apple TV still showing the old language after I changed it?

Restart your Apple TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If you are on a shared account, check whether another family member has set a different language. Make sure your tvOS software is current by checking Settings > System > Software Updates.