Where to switch the language in Android: a complete guide with pictures and nuances

Changing the language on an Android smartphone is a task that every user faces sooner or later. Whether you bought a device with a foreign language pre-installed, want to learn a new language through immersion in the interface, or just accidentally changed the settings - the switching process may seem more complicated than it actually is. In this article we will analyze all possible scenarios: from basic changing the system language to setting up language packs for individual applications and keyboards.

It is important to understand that the settings interface may differ slightly depending on smartphone manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.) and Android version (from Android 10 to Android 15). However, the general logic remains the same. We will look at universal methods, and also point out the key differences for popular brands.

1. How to change the system language on Android

The system language determines the display of all menus, notifications and built-in applications. Its change affects the entire smartphone interface. Here is the standard path for most devices:

Open the application Settings (gear icon). Next, go to the section:

System → Language and input → Languages

• 📱 On Samsung Galaxy (One UI): General settings → Management → Language and input → Language
• 📱 On Xiaomi (MIUI): Additional → Language and region → Language
• 📱 On Google Pixel (pure Android): System → Language and input → Languages

In the list that opens, you will see all installed language packs. To add a new language, click Add language (or icon «+») and select the desired one from the list. To change the main language, drag it to the first position in the list using the icon «≡» (three lines).

2. Features for different versions of Android

The language settings interface has evolved along with the system. In older versions (Android 9 Pie and below), the path could look like Settings → Language and input without additional submenus. In new versions (Android 12+), Google has added more flexible options, including dynamic switching of languages for individual applications.

Version Android	Path to language settings	Features
Android 10-11	System → Language and input → Languages	Support for up to 3 active languages simultaneously
Android 12-13	System → Language and input → Application languages	An option has appeared to change the language for individual applications
Android 14+	Settings → System → Language and region	Integration with Google services to automatically determine the preferred language

On devices with Android 12 and later, you can assign different languages to different applications. For example, social networks are displayed in English, and system menus are in Russian. This feature is available in the Application languages section and requires prior downloading of the appropriate language packs.

3. How to change the keyboard language (Gboard, Samsung Keyboard, etc.)

Changing the interface language does not always mean automatically changing the input language. The keyboard is configured separately. Let's look at the process using popular keyboards as an example:

For Gboard (standard Google keyboard):

1. Open any text input field (for example, in Messages).
2. Click on icon «⚙» (settings) on the keyboard.
3. Select Languages → Add keyboard.
4. Scroll through the list and select the desired language (for example, Russian or English (USA)).

For Samsung Keyboard:

Settings → General settings → Controls → Language and input → Virtual keyboard → Samsung Keyboard → Languages and types

To quickly switch between languages while typing, hold space (in Gboard) or click on the icon globe (in Samsung Keyboard).

4. Problems when changing the language and their solutions

Sometimes the process of changing the language can be difficult. Here are the most common problems and how to solve them:

• ❌ The desired language is not available. list → Make sure that all language packs are downloaded. On some devices (Huawei, Realme), you need to download additional data via Settings → Advanced → Language and input → Download languages.
• ❌ The language has changed, but some applications remain. on the previous one → Check the language settings for individual applications (available from Android 12+Or restart the device.
• ❌ The keyboard does not switch to the desired language → Delete and add the language again in the keyboard settings. If the problem persists, clear the keyboard application cache.

What to do if, after changing the language, the smartphone stops responding to touches?

In rare cases, a failure of the language package may cause the interface to freeze. Try:

1. Restart the device by holding the power button.

2. If the screen does not respond, connect the keyboard via USB (OTG) and blindly enter the unlock password, then go to settings through the voice assistant (ok). Google).

3. As a last resort, perform a reset via Recovery Mode (the data will not be affected if you select Wipe Cache Partition).

If, after changing the language, some system applications (for example Google Play Market) are displayed in the wrong language, this may be due to the region of your Google account. fix:

Settings → Accounts → Google → [your account] → Data and personalization → Advertising settings → Region

5. 12+)

Starting from Android 12, Google has introduced the function individual language settings for applications. This means that you can, for example, use Instagram in English, and Telegram in Russian. This is how it is. configure:

1. Open Settings → System → Language and input → Application languages.
2. Turn on the slider "Use application language".
3. Click Add application and select the one you need from the list.
4. Specify the preferred language for the selected application.

Please note that not all applications support this function. If the required language is not in the drop-down list, then the developer has not added the appropriate localization.

Example: if you want YouTube to be displayed in Spanish, and the rest of the system in Russian, just add YouTube to the list and select Español. After restarting the application, the changes will take effect.

6 How. return Russian if the interface is in a foreign language

The situation when a smartphone suddenly switches to Chinese, Arabic or another unfamiliar language can cause panic. But you can return Russian (or any other familiar language) even without knowing the meaning of the icons. Follow this universal instruction:

1. Find the icon on the main screen or in the application menu. “⚙” (gear) is Settings.
2. Scroll down and find the icon with the image "A" or globe this is the languages section.
3. In the list of languages find "Russian" or «Russian» (usually indicated by the Russian flag 🇷🇺).
4. Drag it to the first position or click "OK"/"Done"** (the button is usually highlighted in blue).

If you cannot find the section you need, use search by settings (magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner). Enter on the English keyboard language —the system will show the desired item even in a foreign language.

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On devices Xiaomi s MIUI the path to languages can be found through search on request language in Russian - the system recognizes the Cyrillic alphabet even when a foreign interface language is active.

7. Additional settings: region, voice input, translator

In addition to the main language, Android has a number of related settings that are worth checking for full localization:

• 🌍 Region: Affects the date format, currency and local services. Path: Settings → System → Language and region → Region. For example, for Russia, select "Russia"** or «Russian Federation».
• 🎤 Voice input: To voice assistant (Google Assistant) understood you in the desired language, go to Settings → Google → Devices and sharing → Voice input → Speech recognition offline and download the appropriate package.
• 📖 Google Translate: If you need to temporarily translate text on the screen, install the application Google Translate and use the function "Translation from camera"** for instant recognition.

On some devices (for example, Huawei without Google services), the path to the region settings may differ. In this case, look for the section Additional or System and updates.

8. Frequently asked questions and answers

Is it possible to install a language that is not in the list?

Yes, but this will require manual installation of the language pack. Download the localization file (for example, .apk from forums like XDA Developers) and install it via Settings → Applications → Install unknown applications. Please note that this may be unsafe - use only trusted sources.

Why was the language reset after updating Android?

With major system updates (for example, with Android 13 on Android 14) sometimes the user settings are reset, including the language. This is due to reinstalling system applications. To avoid the problem, before updating, make a backup copy of your settings via Settings → System → Backup.

How to change the language in games if they do not support Russian?

Many games (especially Asian ones) determine the language by the account region Google Play. To force a language change:

1. Create a new Google account with the region of the desired country (for example, USA for English).
2. In the game settings, select this account to log in.
3. Reinstall the game - at the first When downloading, it will improve localization by account region.

For some games (for example, Genshin Impactthere are separate APKfiles with different languages - they can be downloaded from the official website.

Will the language be reset after a reset? settings?

Yes, when done full reset (Settings → System → Reset settings), the interface language will return to the factory one (usually English or the language of the sales region). To avoid this, before resetting, write down your current language settings or make a backup via Titanium Backup (root access required).

Is it possible to change Google voice language Assistant?

Yes, for this:

1. Open the application Google Assistant (or download it from Play Market).
2. Click on the profile icon → Assistant settings → Assistant → Languages.
3. Add the desired language and set it as the main one.

Please note: the voice assistant supports a limited set of languages (about 30), and some functions (for example voice commands for a smart home) may be are not available in less popular languages.

If your question is not covered in this section, check the official documentation for your smartphone model or contact the manufacturer's support. For devices Samsung this can be done through the app Samsung Members, for Xiaomi —via Mi Community.

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Before changing the language on an unfamiliar device, take screenshots of the current settings or write down the path to the languages section. This will help you quickly return everything back if something goes wrong.