How to install an additional language on Android: 5 methods with instructions

Changing the language on a smartphone is one of the most popular functions among users Android. Whether you're learning a foreign language, traveling, or just want to switch to your native dialect, the system offers flexible settings. However, not everyone knows that in addition to the main language you can add several additional ones for the keyboard, system menus or individual applications.

In this article we will analyze all the current ways to install a new language: from standard settings to solving problems with the lack of the desired dialect in the list. We will pay special attention notes for different versions of Android (from Android 10 to Android 15) and popular manufacturers - Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and others. If you encounter an error when adding a language or it does not appear in the list, here you will find proven solutions.

Before you begin, make sure that your device is updated to the latest firmware version. In older versions Android (below 9.0), the settings interface may differ, and some languages ​​may be missing. Also check whether your smartphone supports language multitasking - this feature is sometimes disabled by manufacturers in proprietary shells (for example, MIUI or One UI).

1. Adding a language through the Android system settings

The most reliable way is to use the device's built-in settings. This method works on all smartphones, regardless of brand, but the path to the menu may differ slightly.

Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu) Next, go to the section:

System → Language and input → Languages

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy) the path will be like this:

General settings → System management → Language and input → Languages

In the list that opens, click "Add". language". The system will prompt you to select from the available options. Use the search bar at the top if the desired language is not immediately visible. For example, to add Ukrainian or Kazakh you may need to scroll down the list.

• 🔍 Search by code: If the language is not found by name, try entering it ISO code (for example, en for English, es for Spanish).
• 📱 Regional options: Some languages have dialect versions (for example, English (USA) and English (UK)Select the one you need.
• ⚙️ Language order: After adding, drag the language to the top of the list to make it the main one.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android Go (light version for weak smartphones), the list of supported languages may be reduced. In this case, use the method with Gboard or third-party keyboards.

2. Setting the language through the Gboard keyboard

If you need to add a language only for text input (and not for the entire system), the easiest way to do this is through the keyboard Gboard from Google. suitable for devices where system settings are limited (for example, on some models Huawei without services Google).

Open any application where you can enter text (for example, Notes or Messages). Tap the input field to the keyboard appears. Press the icon "Gear" (settings Gboard) or hold "Space", and then select Keyboard settings.

Next go to:

Languages → Add keyboard

Select the desired language from the list. Once added, you can switch between languages by swiping your finger across Spacebar or pressing the icon “Globe” on the keyboard.

• 🎯 Dictionary synchronization: Enable the option Personal dictionary synchronizationto save added words when changing devices.
• 🔤 Layouts: For some languages (for example, Russian or Ukrainianalternative layouts are available (for example, YTSUKEN or phonetic).
• 📲 Gestures: Customize a gesture to quickly switch languages in the section Gestures → Switching languages.

Language	Available layouts in Gboard	Voice input support
English	QWERTY, AZERTY, QWERTZ	Yes
Russian	YTSUKEN, phonetic	Yes
Chinese	Pinyin, Zhuyin, handwriting	Yes (pinyin only)
Arabic	Standard, handwritten	No
Japanese	Romaji, Kana	Yes (Romaji)

⚠️ Attention: If after adding a language to Gboard it is not displayed when switching, try restarting the keyboard: go to Settings → Applications → Gboard → Storage → Clear cache.

3. Adding a language for individual applications

Starting with Android 13a function has appeared that allows you to set different languages for each application separately. This is convenient if you need, for example, "Application language", which allows you to set different languages ​​for each application separately. This is convenient if you need, for example, Telegram to be in English, and the rest of the system. - in Russian.

To activate this function:

1. Open Settings → System → Language and input → Application language.
2. Turn on the switch "Use application language".
3. Select an application from the list and set the desired language for it.

If the desired application is not in the list, then it does not support this function. Also note that not all languages are available for all applications - this depends on their internal. localization.

Which applications support changing the language?

Among the popular applications that support this function: Telegram, WhatsApp, Chrome, YouTube, Google Maps. Social networks (for example, Instagram or TikTok) usually follow the system language and do not allow you to change it separately.

On devices Samsung with shell One UI the path to setting may differ:

Settings → General settings → System management → Language → Application language

4. Solving problems: language is not displayed in the list

Sometimes the required language is not in the standard list. This can happen for several reasons:

1. Outdated version of Android: In the firmware below Android 10 some languages (for example, Tatar or Bashkir) may be missing.
2. Manufacturer restrictions: Huawei, Xiaomi and other brands sometimes remove rare languages from branded shells.
3. Lack of language pack: Some languages require additional data to be downloaded.

Here's what you can do:

• 🔄 Update the firmware: Check for updates in Settings → System → System update.
• 📥 Install the language pack: For some languages (for example, Indian or African) you need to download the package via Google Play Market. Look for an application like Language pack for [language name].
• 🛠️ Use a third-party keyboard: Applications like SwiftKey or AnySoftKeyboard support more languages than the standard one Gboard.
• 🌍 Change the device region: Some languages only appear when you select a specific region. For example, to add Portuguese (Brazil) you may need to set the region Brazil in settings.

⚠️ Attention: Changing the device region may affect the availability of some services (for example, Google Pay or Netflix). After adding the language, return the region back.

5. How to remove an unnecessary language from Android

If you added a language by mistake or you no longer need it, you can easily remove it. To do this:

1. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Languages.
2. Find the unnecessary language in the list and click on the icon "Trash" or "Delete" (usually located on the right).
3. Confirm the action.

To remove a language from Gboard:

1. Open settings Gboard (as described in section 2).
2. Go to Languages and swipe left on the unwanted language or tap "Delete".

If The language cannot be removed; perhaps it is installed as main. First, make another language the default, then try again.

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
Language is not deleted	Is the main one	Make another language the main language
The “Delete” button is inactive	The language is built into the firmware	Reset the keyboard settings
The language disappears after a reboot	Cache error	Clear the cache Gboard or system

6. Additional settings: voice input, autocorrect, translation

After adding a language, you can configure additional settings for convenience:

• 🎤 Voice input: In Gboard go to Voice input → Voice input languages and add the desired language. This will allow you to use voice commands in another language.
• ✍️ Autocorrect and predictions: In the keyboard settings, enable Show suggestions i Autocorrect for a new language to improve typing speed.
• 🔄 Quick switching: Customize a gesture to change the language (for example, swipe on the space bar left/right).
• 🌐 Real-time translation: In Google Translate you can enable the function Tap for translationto quickly translate text on the screen.

For voice input in rare languages (for example, Hungarian or Finnish), you may need to download additional data. The system will prompt you to do this the first time you use it.

7. Alternative methods: third-party applications and root access

If standard methods do not help, you can use third-party solutions. Let's consider two options:

1. Applications for multitasking languages:

• MoreLocale 2 — allows you to install languages ​​that are not in the system list. Requires enabling Accessibility in settings.
• SetEdit — edits system language settings (requires root access).
• Locale & Language —an alternative for devices without root access.

2. Root access (for advanced users):

If your device has root access, you can manually add a language pack by editing the file /system/build.propHowever, this is a risky method that may lead to system malfunction. We recommend making a backup copy before making changes.

⚠️ Attention: Using applications like MoreLocale 2 may violate the security policy of some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff). Before installation, check whether your bank blocks such instruments.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the language on Android

Can I add a language that is not in the list?

Yes, there are several ways:

1. Use a third-party keyboard (for example, SwiftKey or AnySoftKeyboard).
2. Install the application MoreLocale 2 (requires enabling accessibility).
3. If you have root accessyou can manually add a language pack.

Also check if it is hidden is there a language under a different name (for example, Moldovan can be specified as Romanian).

Why after adding a language some applications remain in the old one?

This happens because not all applications support dynamic change the language. Solutions:

• Update the application to the latest version.
• Clear the application cache in Settings → Applications.
• Use the function "Application language" (available c Android 13).

Some applications (for example, Facebook or Instagram) follow the system language and do not have separate settings.

How to reset all language settings to factory settings?

To return the original language settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
2. Select "Reset application settings" (this will not delete your data, but it will reset your keyboard, languages, and other settings settings).

If you need to completely return the factory settings (including deleting all data), select "Reset to factory settings", but make a backup copy first.

Is it possible to add language without the Internet?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Languages already included in the firmware (for example, English, Russian, German) can be added without the Internet.
• For rare languages (for example, Swahili or Tagalog), you may need to download a language pack, which is not possible without a connection.
• If a language was previously downloaded but then deleted, the system can store it in the cache and offer to add it without the Internet.

Why are there no languages on Xiaomi?

Manufacturers sometimes limit the list of languages in their shells. Xiaomi (shell MIUI) the following nuances are characteristic:

• In the global version of the firmware (MIUI Global), the list of languages is wider than in Chinese (MIUI China).
• Some languages (for example Ukrainian) may be missing in older versions MIUI (below 12).
• Solution: update the firmware or install Gboard with the desired language.

You can also try switching the device region to a country where the language is official (for example, Ukraine for Ukrainian).