How to change your keyboard language
The steps depend on whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. On Windows, you add a language through Settings, then switch between them using the language bar or a keyboard shortcut. On Mac, you do the same through System Preferences and can toggle languages with a keyboard combination. On iPhone and Android, you add keyboards in the settings app and swipe or tap to change them while typing. Most devices let you set a default language so you start in the one you use most.
The process takes just a few minutes on any device, and once you've added a language, switching between them becomes automatic — you won't need to go back into settings each time you want to type in a different language.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users add languages in Settings > Time & Language > Language, then switch using the taskbar icon or Alt+Shift.
- Mac users go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources, add languages, and toggle with Control+Space or Command+Space depending on your macOS version.
- iPhone users add keyboards in Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, then swipe the space bar or tap the globe icon to switch while typing.
- Android users add languages in Settings > System > Languages & Input > Virtual Keyboard, then tap the language key or swipe to change during typing.
- You can set one language as your default so your device starts in that language each time you open a text field.
Changing keyboard language on Windows 10 and 11
Open Settings and go to Time & Language, then select Language. Under Preferred Languages, click Add a Language and search for the language you want. Select it from the list and click Next, then Install. Windows will download the language pack.
Once installed, the language appears in your language list. To switch between languages while typing, look for the language indicator on your taskbar (usually in the bottom right corner, showing your current language code like "ENG" or "FRA"). Click it to see all your installed languages and select the one you want. Alternatively, hold Alt and press Shift to cycle through your languages quickly — this works in any text field.
To set a default language, go back to Settings > Time & Language > Language. Drag your preferred language to the top of the list, and Windows will use it as the default for new text fields and applications.
Changing keyboard language on Mac
Go to System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs) and select Keyboard. Click the Input Sources tab. Click the plus sign at the bottom left and search for the language you want to add. Select it and click Add.
Once added, you can toggle between languages using Control+Space or Command+Space, depending on your macOS version — try both to see which works on your machine. You can also click the Input menu in the top menu bar (it shows your current language) and select a different one from the dropdown.
To make a language your default, go back to Input Sources and drag your preferred language to the top of the list. Mac will start in that language the next time you open a text field.
Changing keyboard language on iPhone
Open Settings and go to General, then Keyboard. Select Keyboards and tap Add New Keyboard. Search for the language you want and tap it to add it to your list.
While typing in any text field, look for the globe icon on your keyboard (usually to the left of the space bar). Tap it to cycle through your installed keyboards, or hold it down to see all available languages and select one directly. You can also swipe left or right on the space bar to switch languages quickly.
To set a default keyboard, go back to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and make sure your preferred language is listed first. iPhone will open in that keyboard by default.
Changing keyboard language on Android
Open Settings and go to System (or Languages & Input, depending on your Android version). Select Languages & Input, then Virtual Keyboard or Keyboard Settings. Tap the keyboard you use most (usually Gboard) and select Languages. Tap Add Language and choose the one you want.
While typing, look for a language key on your keyboard — it usually shows a globe icon or the current language code. Tap it to switch languages, or swipe left or right on the space bar if your keyboard supports that gesture. Some keyboards let you hold the language key to see all installed languages at once.
To set a default language, go back to your keyboard settings and drag your preferred language to the top of the list. Your keyboard will open in that language by default.
Using keyboard shortcuts to switch languages faster
Most devices let you set a custom keyboard shortcut to switch languages without clicking a menu. On Windows, you can change the Alt+Shift shortcut by going to Settings > Time & Language > Language > Advanced Options > Switching Input Methods. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts and look for Input Sources to set your own combination.
On iPhone and Android, the built-in shortcuts (tapping the globe or swiping the space bar) are usually faster than any custom option, so most people stick with those. If you type in three or more languages regularly, learning the shortcut on your computer can save time — you can switch without looking at the screen.
Removing languages you no longer need
On Windows, go to Settings > Time & Language > Language, find the language you want to remove, click it, and select Remove. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources, select the language, and click the minus sign at the bottom left.
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, swipe left on the language you want to remove, and tap Delete. On Android, go to Settings > System > Languages & Input > Virtual Keyboard, select your keyboard, tap Languages, find the language you want to remove, and tap the minus icon or Delete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different keyboard languages for different apps?
Most devices don't let you lock a specific language to a specific app. Instead, your device remembers which language you used last in each app and opens in that language the next time you type there. If you want a true default, set it in your language settings and manually switch when needed.
Why is my language not showing up in the language list?
On Windows and Mac, the language may not be installed yet. Go back to your language settings and make sure you clicked Install or Add. On mobile devices, search for the language by its English name (for example, search "Arabic" even if you want to type in العربية). If it still doesn't appear, restart your device and try again.
How do I type in a language that uses a different alphabet?
When you add a language with a different alphabet (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Greek), your device automatically switches the keyboard layout to match. The keys will show the characters for that language. You don't need to do anything extra — just switch the language and start typing.
Can I switch languages on my work computer if I don't have admin rights?
On Windows, you can usually add languages without admin rights if your company hasn't blocked it. Try going to Settings > Time & Language > Language and adding a language. If you get an error, contact your IT department — they may need to install it for you or give you permission.
What's the difference between adding a language and downloading a language pack?
Adding a language means you can type in it using your keyboard. Downloading a language pack means your entire operating system (menus, error messages, system text) displays in that language. You can add a language for typing without changing your system language, or do both at the same time.