To change the language on your Samsung phone, open Settings, tap General management, then tap Language. From the list, select your preferred language and tap Apply to set it as the new system default.
How to change language on Samsung phone
This is the primary method to set a new default system language on your device.
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung phone.
- Scroll down and tap General management.
- Tap Language.
- Select the language you want to use from the list of available options.
- Tap Apply to confirm and set it as the default.
Your phone will now display all system menus, notifications, and default app text in the selected language. Alternatively, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings Panel and tap the language icon (a letter 'A' with a pencil) to quickly switch between added languages.
How to add a new language
If the language you need is not already on your device, you can add it.
- Go to Settings > General management > Language.
- Tap Add language.
- If your desired language is not immediately visible, tap More options (three vertical dots), then All languages, and select it from the full list.
- After selecting the language, you will see two options: Keep current (adds the language without changing the display) or Set as default (applies it immediately as the system language). Choose the one that fits your needs.
How to remove a language
You can delete unwanted languages from the language list to simplify switching.
- Navigate to Settings > General management > Language.
- Tap Edit. This option only appears if more than one language is added.
- Select the language you wish to delete.
- Tap Delete or Remove, then tap Remove again to confirm.
How to change language for specific apps
On Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 13 (One UI 5) or later, you can set individual language preferences for supported apps.
- Open Settings > General management > App languages.
- Select the app you want to customize.
- Choose your preferred language for that app.
Not all apps support individual language settings. This functionality is determined by the app's developer, and system-level apps may not allow customization.
How to change Samsung keyboard language
Keyboard input language settings are managed separately from the system display language.
- Open Settings > General management > Samsung Keyboard settings.
- Tap Languages and types.
- Tap Manage input languages.
- Select the languages you want available on your keyboard. You can toggle them on or off and rearrange the order.
You can also change the keyboard language while typing. In any text input field, long-press the spacebar, then tap the gear icon to access keyboard settings directly.
What to do if you can't read the current language
If you accidentally changed the display language to one you cannot read, use icon recognition to navigate back. The Settings icon is a gear shape. Tap it, then look for the General management entry (often marked by a gear or wrench icon). Inside, tap the Language option (usually the first entry with a text icon). From there, you can select a familiar language and tap Apply.
Troubleshooting language change issues
If your language settings do not update, potential causes include software conflicts, insufficient storage, or incorrect app permissions. Ensure your device is updated to the latest software version for optimal functionality. If you need deeper device help, consider phone troubleshooting and reset options as a last resort. Note that the language for your Samsung account is changed separately through the Samsung account website, not directly on the phone's settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing the system language affect all my apps?
Most apps will follow the new system language automatically. However, some third-party apps may retain their own language settings, and apps that do not support the selected language will display in their default language.
Can I use two languages at once on my Samsung phone?
Yes, you can add multiple languages to the language list. The first language in the list is the system default, but you can quickly switch between added languages from the Language menu without losing your settings.
What if my language is not listed in the available options?
If a language is not pre-installed, tap Add language and then More options > All languages to see the full catalog. If it still does not appear, the language may not be supported by your device's software version.
Does changing the keyboard language also change the system language?
No. Keyboard input languages are independent of the system display language. You can type in one language while the phone menus remain in another.
Why did my language setting revert to the previous language?
This can happen after a software update or a factory reset. You may need to reapply the language setting after major system changes.
What should I do if I accidentally changed the language on my Samsung phone and can't understand the text?
Use the icon-based navigation method described above: open the Settings gear icon, tap the General management entry (gear or wrench icon), then tap Language (text icon) to select a familiar language and tap Apply.
