Change your device language in settings, not in individual apps

The language your computer or phone displays — menus, buttons, system messages — is set in one place: your device's main settings. Changing it there changes the language across almost everything you use, though some apps may still show in their original language if the developer hasn't translated them. The steps differ slightly between Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android, but the principle is the same: go to settings, find the language or region section, and select a new default.

This is different from changing the language in a single app or website. If you want just your web browser to show in a different language, or just one program, those have their own language settings buried in their preferences. But if you want your whole system to switch — your calendar, email, file explorer, everything — you change it at the device level first.

Key Takeaways

  • Device language settings control what language your operating system displays across all built-in apps and most third-party programs.
  • Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android each have language settings in different locations within their settings menus.
  • Some apps may not support your chosen language if the developer hasn't translated them, and will fall back to English or another default.
  • Changing your device language is separate from changing the language in your web browser, which has its own language settings.
  • You can usually set multiple languages and switch between them without restarting your device.

How to change language on Windows

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app that appears. Go to Time & Language on the left side, then click Language & Region. Under "Language," you'll see your current language listed. Click Add a Language to see the full list of available languages, find the one you want, and click it.

Once you've added a language, Windows will ask if you want to set it as your display language. Click Yes, Make It My Display Language. Your system will switch immediately — you don't need to restart. If you want to remove a language later, go back to the same screen, hover over the language you added, click the three dots that appear, and select Remove.

How to change language on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs). Click General on the left, then click Language & Region. The first option, Preferred Languages, shows your current language. Click the plus sign at the bottom of that list to add a new language, select it from the menu, and click Add.

Your Mac will ask which language you want to use for the system interface. Select the one you just added and click Restart. Your Mac will restart and display everything in the new language. If you want to switch back or add more languages, return to the same screen and repeat the process.

How to change language on iPhone

Open the Settings app and scroll down to find General. Tap Language & Region. At the top, you'll see iPhone Language with your current language listed. Tap it to see all available languages, select the one you want, and tap Change to [Language]. Your iPhone will restart and display in the new language.

If you want to add a second language for Siri or keyboard input without changing your whole system, stay in Language & Region and look for Preferred Language Order or Secondary Languages, depending on your iOS version. You can add multiple languages there without switching your system display.

How to change language on Android

Open Settings and scroll down to find System or About Phone (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Tap Languages & Input or Language. You'll see your current language listed. Tap it to open the language menu, select the language you want, and tap Apply or OK. Your device will switch immediately.

Some Android phones made by Samsung, Google, or other manufacturers may have slightly different menu names or locations. If you can't find the language setting in the places listed above, try searching for "language" in your Settings app — most Android devices have a search function at the top of Settings that will take you directly to the right menu.

What happens to apps when you change your device language

Most apps will automatically switch to match your device language if the developer has translated them into that language. Built-in apps like Calendar, Mail, and Maps almost always support multiple languages and will change immediately. Third-party apps from the App Store or Google Play usually do too, though smaller or older apps may not.

If an app doesn't support your chosen language, it will typically fall back to English or whatever language the developer set as the default. You can't force an app to display in a language it doesn't support. Some apps also have their own language settings separate from your device language — if you want a specific app in a different language than your system, check that app's settings or preferences menu.

Changing language in your web browser

Your web browser has its own language settings, separate from your device language. If you want websites to display in a different language than your operating system, you can change this in your browser without touching your device settings. In Chrome, click the three-dot menu, go to Settings, click Languages, and add or reorder languages there. In Safari on Mac, go to Safari menu, click Settings, then General, and look for Language. On iPhone, Safari uses your device language, so you'd need to change that instead.

Many websites also let you pick a language directly on the site itself, usually in a footer menu or settings page. This choice is stored in your browser's cookies and won't affect your device language or other websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my device language affect my passwords or login information?

No. Your passwords, usernames, and login credentials remain exactly the same. Only the words and labels on your screen change. You'll still log in the same way — the language change just affects what language the login screen displays in.

Can I use two languages at the same time on my device?

You can add multiple languages to your device and switch between them, but your system will display in only one language at a time. On most devices, you can set a secondary language for your keyboard or voice input without changing your display language. Some apps may support multiple languages simultaneously in their own settings, but your operating system itself uses one language for its interface.

What if I can't find my language in the list?

Most major languages are available on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. If your language isn't listed, it may not be supported by your device's operating system. You can check your device manufacturer's website to see if a language pack is available for download, though this is rare on modern devices. Your best option is usually to use English or another available language, then change individual apps to your preferred language if they support it.

Do I need to restart my device after changing the language?

Windows and Android usually change the language immediately without restarting. Mac and iPhone typically require a restart to apply the change fully. Even if your device doesn't require it, restarting after a language change ensures all apps and services update to the new language properly.

Can I change the language for just one app?

Some apps have their own language settings in their preferences or settings menu, separate from your device language. Open the app, look for Settings or Preferences, and search for a Language option. Not all apps offer this — many simply use whatever language your device is set to. If an app doesn't have its own language setting, changing your device language is the only way to change that app's language.