How to Change Language on iPhone or iPad

Changing the language on your iPhone or iPad alters the system-wide language for menus, settings, and most built-in apps. This guide walks you through setting a new primary language, adding additional languages, and changing the region format if needed. You can complete this entirely from the Settings app without any special tools or computer.

What You’ll Need

• Your iPhone or iPad with the latest iOS or iPadOS version installed (the steps are the same for recent versions).
• Your device passcode or Face ID/Touch ID to confirm the change.
• A stable Wi-Fi connection is recommended, though not required, for downloading any additional language resources.

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Settings app. Tap the gray gear icon on your home screen or in your App Library.
2. Tap “General.” It is usually the fourth or fifth option in the Settings list, with a gray gear icon.
3. Tap “Language & Region.” This is near the top of the General settings, typically the second item.
4. Tap “iPhone Language” or “iPad Language.” The label matches your device type. This is the first option in the Language & Region screen.
5. Choose your desired language. Scroll through the alphabetical list and tap the language you want. A checkmark will appear next to it.
6. Tap “Done” in the top-right corner. If you do not see “Done,” tap “Change to [Language Name]” that appears in the pop-up.
7. Confirm the change. A confirmation dialog will appear asking if you want to change the language. Tap “Change to [Language Name]” again to confirm.
8. Wait for the device to restart. Your iPhone or iPad will automatically restart to apply the new language. This usually takes less than a minute.
9. Unlock your device. After the restart, you will see the new language throughout the interface. If you set a passcode, enter it to proceed.

Common Mistakes

• Tapping the wrong language. The list is alphabetical and long. Double-check that the name you tap matches the language you want, especially for languages with similar names (e.g., English vs. English (UK)).
• Not scrolling to find the language. Some users type in the search bar at the top of the list, which is fine, but if you don’t see it, make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom of the alphabet.
• Confusing “Language & Region” with “Keyboard.” The “Keyboard” settings only change the typing language, not the system interface. You must use “Language & Region” for the full system change.
• Forgetting that some apps won’t change. Third-party apps that do not support the new language will remain in their previous language. This is a limitation of the apps, not your device.
• Choosing a language you cannot read to undo it. If you change to a language you don’t understand, you may struggle to navigate back. Remember that the Settings icon is still gray, and “General” is usually near the top under your Apple ID name.

Tips

• Add a secondary language. Instead of replacing your primary language, you can keep your original language as a secondary. In “Language & Region,” tap “Add Language…” and select the language. You will be asked which language you want as the primary. This is useful if you speak multiple languages and want to switch quickly later.
• Use the search bar. At the top of the language list, there is a search field. Type the language name in English or in its own script to find it faster.
• Change the region separately. The “Region” option below the language setting controls date formats, number formats, and measurement units. You can keep your language in English but set the region to a different country to see local date formats.
• Set a per-app language (iOS 13 and later). If you only want one app in a different language, go to Settings > [App Name] > Language and select the language for that app only. This does not change the system language.
• Take a screenshot of your current settings. Before changing, screenshot the Language & Region screen so you can refer to it if you need to revert.

Troubleshooting

The device did not restart after confirming. If nothing happens after you tap “Change to [Language Name],” wait a few seconds. If it still doesn’t respond, press and hold the Side button (or Top button) and either Volume button until the power-off slider appears. Slide to power off, then turn it back on. The change should apply after reboot.

The language did not change completely. Some system elements, like certain alerts or the keyboard, may take a moment to update. Go to Settings > General > Language & Region and verify the correct language is listed as the “iPhone Language.” If it is correct, restart your device manually.

You cannot find the language you want. The list only shows languages supported by iOS. If your language is not there, it is not available as a system language. You can still type in that language by adding a keyboard under Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard.

You changed the language and now you’re lost. To revert, open Settings (the gray gear icon). Look for the section with your Apple ID name at the top, and below it, find “General” (it has a gray gear icon and is usually the fourth option). Tap it, then look for “Language & Region” (the second item). Tap the first option (labeled with your current language name), then select your original language and confirm.

Some apps show a mix of languages. This is normal. Apps that support the new language will switch; those that don’t will stay in their default. Check if the app has its own language setting inside the app’s menu.

The confirmation pop-up disappears before you tap it. This can happen if the screen locks. Unlock your device and repeat steps 4 through 7. Make sure your device stays awake during the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the language delete my data? No. Changing the system language does not delete any apps, photos, messages, or settings. It only changes the display language.

Can I have two languages at once? Yes. You can add a secondary language under Settings > General > Language & Region > Add Language. You will choose which one is the primary. The secondary language is used for apps that do not support the primary language.

How do I change the language back to English? Follow the same steps: Settings > General > Language & Region > iPhone Language, then select “English” and confirm. The device will restart.

Will Siri speak the new language? Siri’s language is set separately. Go to Settings > Siri & Search > Language to change Siri’s voice and responses. Changing the system language does not automatically change Siri.

Does changing the language affect my keyboard? No. Your keyboard layouts are managed separately under Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. You can have multiple keyboards in different languages and switch between them with the globe icon.

Can I change the language on a managed (work) device? If your device is enrolled in a Mobile Device Management (MDM) profile, the organization may restrict language changes. If the option is grayed out, contact your IT administrator.

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