How to Change Language in Google Account

Changing the language in your Google account updates the display language across Google services like Search, Gmail, YouTube, and Google Drive. This guide walks you through the steps for both desktop and mobile, and covers what to do if the change doesn’t stick.

What You’ll Need

• A web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) or the Google app on your phone/tablet.
• Access to the Google account you want to change (you’ll need to sign in).
• If you use two-step verification, have your phone or backup codes ready.

Step-by-Step

On Desktop (Web Browser)

1. Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in if you aren’t already.
2. In the left menu, click Personal info. (On a narrow window, you may need to tap the hamburger menu ☰ first.)
3. Scroll down to the General preferences for the web section.
4. Click Language.
5. Click the pencil icon (Edit) next to Preferred language.
6. Click the Add another language field and select your desired language from the dropdown. You can also type to search.
7. After selecting, click Select.
8. You’ll see the language listed. To make it your primary, click the three dots next to it and choose Move to top.
9. Click Save.

On Mobile (Android or iOS)

1. Open the Google app (or your device’s browser).
2. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
3. Tap Manage your Google Account.
4. Tap the Personal info tab (at the top, you may need to swipe left).
5. Scroll to General preferences for the web.
6. Tap Language.
7. Tap the pencil icon next to Preferred language.
8. Tap Add another language, pick your language, and tap Select.
9. Use the three dots to move your language to the top, then tap Save.

Common Mistakes

• Not saving after adding the language. If you close the tab before hitting Save, nothing changes.
• Adding the language but not moving it to the top. Google uses the first language in the list as your primary. If your old language stays on top, you’ll still see the old language.
• Changing the language in a specific product instead of the account. For example, changing the language in Gmail’s settings only affects Gmail. To change all Google services, use the account-level setting described above.
• Confusing account language with device language. Changing your phone’s system language doesn’t automatically change your Google account language.

Tips

• You can add multiple languages and reorder them. Google will use the first one that’s available for a given service.
• If you want Google to offer translations of pages, keep the “Translate pages written in languages you don’t understand” toggle on.
• After changing your account language, you may need to refresh open tabs or restart the Google app to see the change everywhere.
• For a quick change on a public computer, use the language link at the bottom of the Google homepage (e.g., “English”) to switch just that session without altering your account settings.

Troubleshooting

The change doesn’t stick after I save

• Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then sign out and back in.
• Try a different browser or an incognito window to rule out extensions interfering.
• Check that you’re editing the correct account if you have multiple Google accounts signed in.

Some Google services still show the old language

• It can take a few minutes to propagate. Wait 10–15 minutes and refresh.
• Each service may have its own language setting. For example, in YouTube, go to Settings → Language and set it there as well.
• For Gmail, click the gear icon → See all settings → General → Language, and change it there.

I don’t see the “Language” option in Personal info

• Make sure you’re signed in to the correct account.
• If you’re using a work or school Google account, your administrator may have disabled language changes. Contact your IT admin.

The language I want isn’t in the list

• Google supports many languages, but not every dialect or regional variant is available. Pick the closest option.
• If you need a language that’s not listed, you may need to change your device’s language to that language, and some Google products will follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Google account language change my Gmail language?

Yes, the account language is the default for Gmail. However, Gmail has its own override setting, so if you’ve changed it there before, that will take precedence.

Does changing my language affect my search results?

It can. Google may prioritize results in your preferred language, but you can still see results in other languages. You can also use the “Tools” menu to filter by language.

Can I have two languages at once?

Yes, you can add multiple languages and reorder them. Google will use the first one that’s available for a given interface.

Will this change the language on my Android phone?

No, this changes your Google account language, not your device’s operating system language. To change your phone’s language, go to Settings → System → Languages & input → Languages.

How long does it take for the change to apply?

Usually instantly, but some services may take a few minutes. Refresh the page or restart the app if you don’t see the change.

I changed my language but Google still shows English. What’s wrong?

Check that your preferred language is at the top of the list and that you saved. Also, clear your browser cache or try incognito mode. If you’re on a shared device, another account might be active.

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