Change your keyboard language through your operating system settings

The way you change keyboard language depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or a mobile device. On Windows, you go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region, then add a new language and set it as your default input method. On Mac, you open System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources, click the plus button, choose your language, and check "Show Input menu in menu bar" so you can switch between languages quickly. On iPhone or Android, the process lives in your device's keyboard settings — usually under Languages or Input Methods — where you can download additional language packs and toggle between them.

The reason you change this in your operating system rather than in individual programs is that your keyboard language setting affects everything you type across all applications. Once you set it, your computer or phone remembers it and lets you switch between languages without reinstalling anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users access keyboard language settings through Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region, then add a new language and make it the default input method.
  • Mac users go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources to add languages and enable the input menu in the menu bar for quick switching.
  • On phones, keyboard languages are managed in your device's keyboard or input settings, where you download language packs and toggle between them.
  • Once you add a language, you can switch between your installed keyboard languages using keyboard shortcuts (Windows and Mac) or by tapping the language key on your phone keyboard.

Windows: Adding and switching between keyboard languages

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then select it. Navigate to Time & Language on the left sidebar, then click Language & Region. Under Preferred Languages, click "Add a language," search for the language you want, and select it from the list. Windows will download the language pack automatically.

After the language installs, click on it in your language list, then click "Options." Under Input Methods, you'll see your keyboard layout — this is usually already set correctly for that language. If you want to change which keyboard layout you use (for example, QWERTY versus AZERTY for French), click "Add an input method" and select the layout you prefer.

To switch between keyboard languages while you're typing, use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + Space, or click the language indicator in your system tray (bottom right of your screen) and select the language you want. The indicator shows you which language is currently active.

Mac: Setting up multiple keyboard languages

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Go to Keyboard, then click Input Sources. Click the plus button at the bottom of the Input Sources list, select your language from the left panel, choose the keyboard layout for that language on the right, then click Add.

To make switching easier, check the box next to "Show Input menu in menu bar." This puts a language indicator in your menu bar (top right of your screen) so you can see which language is active and click to switch. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Control + Space or Control + Option + Space to cycle through your installed languages — the exact shortcut depends on your Mac's settings.

If you want to remove a language you no longer use, go back to Input Sources, select it in the list, and click the minus button at the bottom.

iPhone and iPad: Adding languages to your keyboard

Open Settings and scroll down to find Keyboard. Tap Keyboards, then tap "Add New Keyboard." Search for the language you want and tap it. If the language has multiple keyboard layouts available (like Simplified Chinese or Traditional Chinese), you'll see options to choose from — select the one you want and tap Done.

Once you've added a language, you'll see a globe icon on your keyboard when you're typing. Tap it to cycle through your installed keyboard languages, or press and hold it to see a list of all available languages and tap the one you want. The keyboard automatically switches to the language you select.

To remove a keyboard language you don't use anymore, go back to Settings > Keyboard > Keyboards, swipe left on the language you want to remove, and tap Delete.

Android: Changing your keyboard language

The exact steps vary depending on which keyboard app you use — Google Keyboard (Gboard) is the most common. Open Settings and search for "Languages" or "Input Methods." Tap System > Languages and Input > On-screen Keyboard (or Virtual Keyboard), then select your keyboard app. Tap Languages and add the language you want by tapping the plus button or "Add Language."

Once you've added a language, you can switch between them by tapping the language key on your keyboard (usually shows a globe or the current language code). Press and hold it to see all your installed languages. Some Android keyboards let you type in multiple languages at once without switching — check your keyboard app's settings to see if this option is available.

If you're using a third-party keyboard like SwiftKey or Microsoft Keyboard, open that app directly from your home screen or app drawer, go to its settings, and look for Languages or Input Languages to add new ones.

Troubleshooting: Keyboard language won't change or switch

If your keyboard language isn't changing when you use the keyboard shortcut, check that you've actually added the language to your input methods. On Windows, go back to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region and verify the language appears in your list. On Mac, open System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources and confirm it's there. On phones, go to your keyboard settings and make sure the language is installed, not just downloaded.

If the language is installed but the shortcut isn't working, try restarting your device — sometimes the input method service needs to refresh. On Windows, you can also try changing the keyboard shortcut itself: go to Settings > Time & Language > Advanced Keyboard Settings and look for "Input language hot keys" to reassign the shortcut to something you prefer.

If you're typing in the wrong language by accident, remember that your keyboard language setting only changes which characters your keys produce — it doesn't automatically correct your spelling or grammar. You're responsible for noticing which language is active before you start typing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple keyboard languages at the same time?

No, you can only type in one keyboard language at a time, but you can switch between them instantly. Once you've added multiple languages to your keyboard settings, use your keyboard shortcut or the language switcher to toggle between them while you're typing. Some phones and third-party keyboard apps let you type in multiple languages without switching, but your operating system's default keyboard only produces one language at a time.

Do I need to download anything to add a new keyboard language?

Windows and Mac download language packs automatically when you add a new language through Settings. On phones, the keyboard app usually downloads the language pack when you select it. You don't need to manually download anything — just select the language you want and your device handles the rest.

Will changing my keyboard language affect my computer's display language?

No. Your keyboard language only changes what characters your keys produce when you type. Your display language — the language your menus, buttons, and system messages appear in — is a separate setting. You can have your computer display in English while typing in Spanish, French, or any other language you've added.

What's the difference between a keyboard language and a keyboard layout?

A keyboard language is the language you're typing in (English, Spanish, French). A keyboard layout is the physical arrangement of keys — QWERTY is the standard layout in English-speaking countries, while AZERTY is standard in France. When you add a language, Windows and Mac automatically select the standard layout for that language, but you can change it if you prefer a different arrangement.

How do I type special characters in my new keyboard language?

Once you switch to a keyboard language, your keys produce the characters for that language automatically. For example, switching to Spanish makes your keyboard produce accented characters like á, é, í, ó, ú, and ñ. The exact keys that produce these characters depend on your keyboard layout — you may need to explore or check your keyboard's layout guide to find them. On phones, press and hold a key to see alternate characters available for that key.