To change language on Android, open the Settings app, then go to System > Languages & input > Languages. Tap "Add a language," select your desired language, and drag it to the top of the list to make it the primary system language.
How to change language on Android in system settings
For most stock Android devices, the standard path is straightforward. Open the Settings app, then navigate to System and tap Languages & input followed by Languages. If you do not see "System" in your Settings menu, look instead under Personal for Languages & input and then Languages. Tap "Add a language" and scroll through the list to find your preferred language. If prompted, select a specific region for that language. To make the newly added language your primary system language, drag it to the top of the Language preferences list. A confirmation message may appear, and your device might need to download a language pack. If a chosen primary language is not available, the system may ask you to select an alternate language.
Note: Changing the system language affects all menus, settings, and default apps, but it does not automatically change your keyboard input language. You will need to adjust keyboard settings separately.
Method 3: Using Google Assistant to change language by voice command. Say "Hey Google, change my phone's language to Spanish" or your target language. Google Assistant will confirm and apply the system language change directly.
How to change language on a Samsung Galaxy device
Samsung Galaxy devices use a different menu path. Open Settings, then tap General management, followed by Language. Tap "Add a language," select your desired language, and choose a region if prompted. To set it as the primary language, drag it to the top of the list. This method works for all recent Samsung phones and tablets, covering a large segment of Android users.
How to change the language for a specific app
On Android 13 and higher, you can set a preferred language for individual apps through system settings. Go to Settings > System > Languages & input > App languages (the exact label may vary). Select the app you want to customize, then choose its desired language. On Samsung Galaxy devices, the path is Settings > General management > App languages. Tap the app, then select the language you want it to use. This is especially useful for changing names and labels on mobile without altering your entire system language.
How to change your keyboard language separately
Changing the system language does not affect your keyboard input language. To add a language to Gboard, open any app where you can type, tap the keyboard settings icon (often a gear), then go to Languages and tap "Add keyboard." Select the language you want. To switch between installed keyboard languages while typing, touch and hold the space bar or tap the globe icon on the keyboard. This allows you to type in multiple languages without changing your system display language.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the language back to English if I accidentally switched it to another language?
If you are stuck in an unfamiliar language, look for the Settings icon (a gear). On stock Android, the path is typically System > Languages & input > Languages. On Samsung, go to General management > Language.
Will changing the system language affect my data or personal settings?
No. Changing the system language only modifies the language used for system prompts, menus, and pre-installed apps. Your apps, files, contacts, and personal preferences remain unchanged.
Can I use different languages for different apps without changing the system language?
Yes, if your device runs Android 13 or higher. You can set per-app language preferences in Settings > System > Languages & input > App languages. On Samsung devices, go to Settings > General management > App languages. Not all apps support this feature.
Why does my keyboard still type in the old language after I changed the system language?
System language and keyboard input language are separate settings. To change your keyboard language, open Gboard settings while typing, go to Languages, and add or select your desired keyboard language. You can switch between keyboard languages by holding the space bar or tapping the globe icon.
What if my desired language is not in the system list?
If a language is not available in the system settings, you may need to use a third-party app like MoreLocale 2, though these apps may not affect all parts of the interface. The system may also ask you to select an alternate language if your primary choice is unavailable.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Language Apps like Google Translate or Duolingo to change device language. Install the app, open its settings menu, and look for a "Change device language" or "Set system language" option to apply a new language directly from the app.
Are there any language-specific apps or features on Android?
Yes, several Android apps and features are language-specific. Google Assistant supports multilingual commands and can switch languages on the fly. Google Maps offers navigation voice guidance in dozens of languages, adjustable in its settings. Keyboard apps like Gboard and SwiftKey provide language-specific layouts, autocorrect, and predictive text.
