How to Change Language on Android

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Changing the language on your Android device is a straightforward process that allows you to set the device's operating system and interface to a language you're comfortable with. This guide will walk you through the steps to change the language on an Android device, discuss some of the effects of changing the language settings, and provide some troubleshooting tips if you encounter any problems. This full-length article aims to cover everything you need to know about changing your Android's language settings, ensuring that you can effectively manage your device's language preferences.

Understanding Android language settings

Android smartphones and tablets come equipped with the ability to support multiple languages. This capability ensures that users from different linguistic backgrounds can easily navigate their device. When you buy a new Android device, it usually comes with the official language of the region where it was sold. However, users can customize it to their preferred language at any time.

The language setting on an Android device affects several aspects:

• User interface language: This is the language in which menus, buttons, and other interface elements appear.
• Typing language: This is the language you use when typing text using the keyboard.
• Voice commands and search language: Affects services like Google Voice Search or Google Assistant.
• Third-party app language: If an app supports multiple languages, it will adapt to your device's new default language.

Step-by-step guide to changing language on Android

Follow these detailed steps to change the language on your Android device:

Step 1: Open the Settings app

First, unlock your Android device and find the "Settings" app. It usually has an icon that looks like a gear. Tap on it to open your Android's Settings menu.

Step 2: Tap "System" or "General management"

After you get to the "Settings" menu, scroll down until you find an option like "System" or "General Management." The wording may vary depending on the Android version and manufacturer, but you're looking for the section where settings regarding the general operation of the device are found.

Step 3: Select "Language & input" or "Language & region"

After accessing “System” or “General management”, find and select the option “Language and input” or sometimes “Language and region”. Language settings are usually grouped here.

Step 4: Tap "Languages" or "Language"

In the "Language & Input" section, there will be a title called "Languages," "Language," or something similar. Tap this option to see a list of the languages currently set up on your device.

Step 5: Add a new language

If your preferred language isn't already listed, you may need to add it. Here's how to do it:

1. At the bottom of the list, there will be an option to add a new language, often labeled "Add language" or simply a "+" button.
2. Tap this option to see a full list of languages available on your device.
3. Scroll through the list to find the language you want or use the search bar, if available.
4. Once you find your preferred language, tap on it to add it to your list of available languages.

Step 6: Set the new language as default

Now that you've added a new language, you'll need to set it as the default language:

1. After you add a language, you'll see it listed along with the currently selected languages.
2. In most Android versions, you can rearrange the order of languages through a drag-and-drop action or simply by tapping on the language. The topmost language is usually the default language.
3. Move your chosen language to the top of this list. This will make it the primary language for your user interface.

Step 7: Confirm the changes

Once you've arranged the order of the languages the way you like, confirm any prompts on your screen. Your device may occasionally ask if you want to keep your selected language as the primary language.

Language settings in the general Android UI

Different manufacturers may make slight changes to the Android interface, which may lead to some minor differences in the steps above for different Android UIs. Here are some common examples:

Example 1: Samsung devices

On a Samsung device running the One UI interface, you can:

• Open the "Settings" app.
• Select "General management."
• Select "Language and input."
• Then, tap “Language” and change the language as described before.

Example 2: Xiaomi device

For Xiaomi devices with MIUI interface:

• Go to the "Settings" app.
• Select "Advanced Settings."
• Tap "Languages & input" and adjust as needed.

What happens after changing the language?

After changing the language, your device will switch to the new language for all system menus, app interfaces (where supported), and Google services. Here's what you might see:

• All navigation and menu text will appear in your selected language.
• Most Google apps will switch to this language. However, some third-party apps may retain the language they were downloaded in if they don't support the new language.
• Your keyboard's language setting may also switch to the new language, or you may be prompted to download a keyboard package for the new language if the new language isn't already installed.

Troubleshoot language switching issues

If you have problems changing the language on your Android device, you can:

Issue 1: Language doesn't change

If the language doesn't change after you follow these steps:

• Restart your device to make sure all processes are updated to the new settings.
• Verify that your selected language is set correctly at the top of the "Languages" list.

Problem 2: Unavailable language

If your language is not listed as an option:

• Check for system updates, as new Android updates may include additional language packs.
• Language availability may vary by country, so consider adjusting your Google account or region settings if possible.

Problem 3: App language won’t change

If some apps don't change the language even though you change the device language:

• Check if the app has its own language settings and adjust accordingly.
• Consider reinstalling the app to see if it adopts the new default system language.

Conclusion

Changing the language on an Android device is an important customization feature that enhances usability for speakers of different languages. Whether switching for personal preference or to assist someone else, it's important to understand how to navigate the settings menu to adjust language preferences. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to easily manage and modify the language settings on your Android device. Remember, technology should be accessible and comfortable, and language settings are one of the first steps to ensuring this convenience.

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