Where to find the language setting on your device

The language setting lives in your device's main settings menu, not in individual apps. On Windows, open Settings (the gear icon), then go to Time & Language, then Language. On Mac, open System Settings, then General, then Language & Region. On iPhone, open Settings, scroll to General, then Language & Region. On Android, open Settings, scroll to System, then Languages & Input, then Languages.

The exact path varies slightly between device versions, but the principle is the same: you are looking for a menu labeled Language, Languages, or Locale. Once you find it, you will see a list of languages your device supports. The language at the top of the list is your current one.

Changing the device language affects the menus, buttons, and system messages everywhere — not just in one app. If you only want to change the language in a single app like Gmail or Spotify, you will need to change that app's settings instead, which we cover below.

Key Takeaways

  • Device language settings control the menus and system messages across your entire device, and you find them in Settings under Time & Language (Windows), System Settings (Mac), or Settings > System (Android and iPhone).
  • Most devices let you add multiple languages and switch between them without restarting, though the change takes effect when ready once you confirm.
  • Individual apps like Gmail, Microsoft Office, and Spotify have their own language settings separate from your device language, found in each app's preferences or settings menu.
  • If your device language changes unexpectedly, check whether you recently installed a new app or updated an existing one, as some apps can override your language preference.
  • Keyboard language and display language are separate — you may need to change both if you want to type and read in a different language.

Changing language on Windows

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click Time & Language on the left side. Click Language. You will see a list of languages under Preferred Languages. The top one is active.

To add a new language, click Add a Language, search for the language you want, click it, then click Next. Windows will read the language pack — this takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed. Once it finishes, you can click the new language and choose Set as Default if you want it to become your main language. Your menus will change the next time you sign in.

If you want to keep your current language but add a keyboard for typing in another language, stay in Language settings and look for Input Method. Click Add an Input Method, select the language, and choose the keyboard layout. You can then switch between keyboards using the language bar at the bottom right of your screen.

Changing language on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner, then System Settings. Click General on the left side, then Language & Region. You will see your current language listed under Preferred Languages. Click the plus sign to add another language, select it from the list, then click Add.

To make a new language your main language, drag it to the top of the Preferred Languages list. Mac will change your menus and system messages when ready — you do not need to restart. If you want to add a keyboard for a different language, stay in Language & Region and scroll down to Keyboard Preferences. Click the plus sign under Input Sources, select the language, choose the keyboard layout, then click Add.

Changing language on iPhone

Open Settings and scroll down to General. Tap Language & Region. You will see iPhone Language at the top. Tap it, select the language you want, then tap Done. Your iPhone will restart automatically and display everything in the new language.

If you want to add a keyboard for typing in a different language, go back to Settings, scroll to General, tap Keyboard, then tap Keyboards. Tap Add New Keyboard, select the language, then select the keyboard layout for that language. You can now switch between keyboards by tapping the globe icon on your keyboard when you are typing.

Changing language on Android

Open Settings and scroll to System (or About Phone on some devices). Tap Languages & Input, then Languages. You will see your current language at the top. Tap it to change it, or tap Add a Language to add another one. Select the language you want, and Android will switch when ready.

To add a keyboard for a different language, stay in Languages & Input and look for Keyboard or Input Method. Tap it, then tap the keyboard you use (usually Gboard). Tap Languages, then Add a Language. Select the language and the keyboard layout. You can switch between keyboards by holding down the space bar while typing.

Changing language in individual apps

Some apps like Gmail, Microsoft Office, Spotify, and Firefox have their own language settings separate from your device language. Changing your device language does not automatically change these apps — you need to change them individually.

In Gmail, click your profile picture in the top right, then Settings. Scroll to Language and select a new one from the dropdown. In Microsoft Office apps, click File, then Options (or Preferences on Mac), then Language. In Spotify, click your profile picture, then Settings, then scroll to Language. In Firefox, click the menu button (three horizontal lines), then Settings, then Language.

If an app does not have a language setting in its preferences, it will use whatever language your device is set to. Some apps also let you change the language of your content — for example, Netflix lets you change the language of subtitles and audio separately from the language of the menu.

What to do if your language changed unexpectedly

If your device suddenly switched to a language you did not choose, the most common cause is a recent app installation or update. Some apps can override your language settings, especially if they were designed for a specific region. Check your recently installed or updated apps and uninstall the one that caused the change if you can identify it.

Another possibility is that someone with access to your device changed the setting. If you share your device with family members or colleagues, ask them whether they made the change. If neither of these explains it, restart your device — sometimes a software glitch can cause the language to revert to a default. If the problem persists after a restart, check whether your device needs a software update, as language bugs are sometimes fixed in updates.

Keyboard language versus display language

Your device language controls what language your menus, buttons, and messages appear in. Your keyboard language controls what language you type in. These are separate settings, and you may need to change both.

For example, you might want your device menus in English but your keyboard set to Spanish so you can type accented characters. Or you might want your menus in French but keep your keyboard in English for faster typing. Most devices let you add multiple keyboards and switch between them while you type — on Windows and Mac, look for Input Method or Keyboard Preferences in Language settings. On iPhone and Android, tap the globe icon on your keyboard to switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Changing your device language only changes the words displayed on your screen. Your passwords, usernames, and account data remain exactly the same. You will still sign in with the same credentials.

Can I use multiple languages on the same device?

Yes. You can add multiple languages to your device and switch between them. On Windows and Mac, you can set a preferred order and switch in settings. On iPhone and Android, you can add multiple keyboards and tap the globe icon to switch while typing. Your device will remember all of them.

What if I cannot find the language I want in the list?

Most devices support 50 to 100 languages, but not every language is available. If your language is not listed, check whether your device needs a software update — updates sometimes add new languages. If it still is not available, you may need to use a regional variant (for example, Portuguese Brazil instead of Portuguese Portugal) or use a third-party keyboard app from your device's app store.

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

Windows and Android change the language when ready without restarting. Mac changes when ready. iPhone restarts automatically when you confirm the language change. If you change a keyboard language, you do not need to restart on any device — the new keyboard is available right away.

Can I change the language of just one app while keeping my device language the same?

Yes, if that app has its own language settings. Gmail, Microsoft Office, Spotify, and Firefox all have language menus in their preferences. Apps without their own language setting will use whatever language your device is set to. Check the app's settings or preferences menu to see whether it offers a language option.