Change the language in Google Maps settings
Google Maps uses the language your phone or computer is set to by default, but you can change it independently without changing your device's main language. On Android, open Google Maps, tap your profile picture in the top right, select Settings, then Language, and pick from the list. On iPhone, open Google Maps, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right, go to Settings, tap Language, and choose your preferred language. On a computer, visit Google Maps in your web browser, click the menu icon in the top left, scroll to Settings, select Language, and pick from the dropdown.
The change takes effect when ready. Street names, business categories, and navigation instructions will appear in your chosen language the next time you search or navigate. If you switch back to your device's system language later, Google Maps will revert to that language automatically.
Key Takeaways
- Google Maps language settings are separate from your device's system language, so you can change one without affecting the other.
- On Android and iPhone, the language option is in the app's Settings menu under your profile or the menu icon.
- On a computer, access language settings through the menu icon and then Settings in the Google Maps website.
- The language change applies to search results, street names, business listings, and turn-by-turn navigation directions.
- If your chosen language is not available for your region, Google Maps will show the closest available option.
What changes when you switch languages
When you change the Google Maps language, several elements update: street and place names appear in your chosen language, business categories and descriptions shift to that language, and navigation voice instructions (if you have voice guidance on) will speak in that language if available. Search results for restaurants, shops, and services will display in your selected language as well.
Some elements may not fully translate depending on the language and region. For example, very small streets or newly added locations might still show in the original local language, or a business name that is a proper noun may remain unchanged. This is normal and happens because Google's translation data is not complete for every location worldwide.
Switching back to your device's default language
If you want Google Maps to match your phone or computer's system language again, return to the language settings and select System default or Device language (the exact wording varies by platform). This removes the override and ties Google Maps back to whatever language your device is set to.
You can also manually select your device's language from the list if you prefer. For example, if your phone is set to Spanish but you want Google Maps in English, you can choose English from the language menu and leave your device in Spanish.
Choosing a language not listed in your region
Google Maps offers different language options depending on your region and device type. If you do not see your preferred language in the list, it may not be supported for your area. The app will show you only the languages available for your current location.
If you need a language that is not showing up, check whether you are signed into your Google account. Sometimes signing out and back in refreshes the available language list. You can also try changing your Google account's language settings in your Google Account settings (separate from the Maps app), which may expand the options available in Maps.
Using Google Maps in multiple languages
You cannot run two instances of Google Maps in different languages at the same time on the same device. However, you can quickly switch between languages by returning to the language settings and selecting a different option. This takes only a few seconds and is useful if you travel between regions or work with people who speak different languages.
If you share a device with someone else, each person can sign into their own Google account, and Google Maps will remember their language preference separately. When you switch accounts on the device, Google Maps will switch to that account's language setting automatically.
Troubleshooting language changes that do not stick
If you change the language but Google Maps keeps reverting to a different one, first check whether you have System default selected instead of a specific language. If you have chosen a specific language and it is still reverting, sign out of your Google account in the app and sign back in. This refreshes your settings and often fixes the problem.
On Android, you can also clear the Google Maps app cache without losing your saved places. Go to Settings on your phone, find Apps, select Google Maps, tap Storage, and choose Clear Cache. Then reopen the app and set your language again. On iPhone, the equivalent is to offload and reinstall the app: go to Settings, General, iPhone Storage, select Google Maps, and tap Offload App, then reinstall it from the App Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing Google Maps language affect my phone's keyboard or other apps?
No. Changing the language in Google Maps only affects that app. Your device's keyboard, other applications, and system menus will stay in whatever language your phone or computer is set to. The two settings are completely separate.
Can I change the language for navigation voice but keep the text in English?
Google Maps does not offer separate controls for voice language and text language. When you select a language, both the on-screen text and the voice guidance (if available) switch to that language. If your chosen language does not have voice support, the app will use text-only navigation in that language.
What happens to my saved places and home and work addresses when I change the language?
Your saved places, home address, work address, and all your personal data remain unchanged. Only the display language shifts. You will still see all your saved locations and they will work exactly as before, just with labels and descriptions in your new language.
Why does Google Maps show some street names in the local language even after I changed the language?
Proper nouns like street names, business names, and place names sometimes stay in their original language because that is how they are officially registered. Google Maps prioritizes showing names as they appear on official signs and documents, even if you have selected a different display language for everything else.