Personalizing your Android device’s language settings can significantly enhance usability, especially for multilingual individuals or when setting up a device for someone else.
To update the system-wide display language and add new languages to your on-screen keyboard, follow these methods for a fully customized experience.
To change the display language on an Android device, start by opening the Settings app, which can be accessed by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear-shaped icon in the top-right corner of the drop-down menu. You might need to use two fingers to swipe down. Then, scroll down and tap “System,” which is near the bottom of the Settings page. Note that if you’re using a Samsung Galaxy, you will need to tap “General management” instead. If the current language is unfamiliar, look for the “ⓘ” icon near the bottom of the page; the text next to it is the “System” option.
Next, tap “Language & input,” located near the top of the page, next to a globe-shaped icon. On a Samsung Galaxy, tap “Language and input” at the top of the page. Then, tap “Languages,” which is the top option on the page. On a Samsung Galaxy, tap “Language” at the top of the page.
After that, tap “Add a language,” usually found below the current language list, next to a large ＋ icon. On a Samsung Galaxy, tap “Add language.” Select a language from the list by scrolling down and tapping on it. Your desired language will be written in its native form to help you find it. If prompted, select a region that corresponds to the dialect of the language you want to use.
When the prompt appears, tap “Set as default” to apply the change immediately. On a Samsung Galaxy, you will tap “SET AS DEFAULT.” If the language does not update automatically, you must manually move it. Tap and drag the icon on the far-right side of your chosen language to move it to the top of the list.
To change the keyboard’s input language, open the Settings app again by swiping down from the top and tapping the gear-shaped icon. Scroll down and tap “System,” found near the bottom of the page. On a Samsung Galaxy, tap “General management” instead.
Then, tap “Language & input” near the top of the page. On a Samsung Galaxy, tap “Language and input.” Next, tap “Virtual keyboard” in the middle of the screen. On a Samsung Galaxy, tap “On-screen keyboards.” Select your default keyboard from the list to change its language settings.
Open the keyboard’s language settings by looking for a menu item like “Languages” or “Change input language.” For the Samsung keyboard, tap “MANAGE INPUT LANGUAGES.” Enable the language you wish to use by tapping the switch or checkbox next to it. You can also disable any languages you no longer need by unchecking them. You may need to tap “Download” next to a language before you can use it.
To use your keyboard’s new language, open an app with a text field and bring up the on-screen keyboard. Long-press the “Languages” icon on the keyboard and select your desired language from the pop-up menu.
If you accidentally switch to a language you can’t read, navigate back to the language settings by looking for the icons mentioned in the steps, such as the gear icon (⚙️) for Settings and the globe icon for Languages.
Setting your Android device to your native or preferred language significantly improves usability and comprehension. Every menu, notification, and app instruction becomes instantly clear, reducing frustration and making your daily interactions with your phone more efficient and enjoyable. This simple change transforms your device into a truly personal tool.
For multilingual individuals, adding multiple keyboard languages is essential for seamless communication. It allows you to quickly switch between languages while texting friends, writing emails, or searching online without needing to change your device’s entire display language. This flexibility supports your ability to communicate effectively in different contexts and with different people around the world.
