The first step when setting up a new Android phone is selecting the language. This language is used during the setup process and becomes the default system language. However, changing the default language later is straightforward, and switching between languages of choice is always possible. Starting with Android 13, it is also possible to set a preferred language for individual apps instead of changing the entire system language, which affects both the system and all apps. This beginner’s guide introduces how to change the system language and set per-app language preferences on Android.
Table of Contents
System Language
The system language is the language used throughout the system and in apps, provided the apps support it.
Finding Language Settings
- Open Settings: You can access Settings by locating it in the app list or selecting it from the notification shade.
- Locate Language Settings: The location of language settings varies depending on the user interface (UI). For example, on Samsung devices, navigate to General management settings, while on some other UIs, go to System > Language & Input, or language and region. The easiest way is to use the search bar at the top of the Settings menu. Type “Language,” and the relevant result will appear above the keyboard.
- Using Gemini Assistant: If you prefer not to open Settings manually, you can ask Gemini Assistant to open the language settings directly. Simply say “Language settings,” and the assistant will understand your request.
Setting, Editing, and Adding Languages
Setting the Default Language
In the language settings, a list displays all selected languages. The language at the top is the default system language. Other languages are used only when an app does not support the default language. In this case, Android switches to the second language in the list, followed by the next one.
To change the default language:
- Tap (or double-tap if using a screen reader) on a language to select it as the preferred system language. This moves it to the top of the list.
- Tap Apply to save the changes.
It may take a few seconds for the changes to take effect. Occasionally, some elements may still display in the previous language for a while.
Adding New Languages
To add a language to the list, press the Add Language button. This opens a list of all available languages, with a search option to help you find your desired language.
When you find the language you want to add, select it by tapping (or double-tapping if using a screen reader). You will be asked whether you want to set the selected language as the default system language.
- If you agree, the selected language becomes the default and moves to the top of the list.
- If you decline, it will be added as the last item in the language list.
If the language you select has multiple regions (e.g., English), you will need to choose a region. Note that multiple regions of the same language can be added to the language list.
Deleting and Editing the Order of Languages
It is possible to rearrange the language list or remove languages entirely.
Deleting Languages: To delete languages on Samsung One UI, tap Edit Languages to access the list of added languages, which appear as checkboxes. Select the languages you want to remove and press Delete. Alternatively, you can long-press a language in the list and then select Delete to remove it directly. On Pixel phones, there is no Edit Languages button, but an easy way to delete a language is to use actions, as Remove Language is one of the available actions when focusing on a language in the languages list.
Editing the Order of Languages: To change the order of languages in the list, tap Edit, then long-press the language you want to move and drag it to the desired position. Another way is to long-press a language directly in the list to initiate editing. Note that on some UIs, it is possible to long-press a language in the list and start dragging it directly to change its position. On Samsung One UI, the current position of the language is reported as you move your finger, but this might not be the case on other brands. On OnePlus, for example, the screen reader cannot report the change in position. However, the change is signaled through a vibration, indicating that the finger is now on a different position. Alternatively, for screen reader users, actions can be used to move a language up or down one step or directly to the top or bottom of the list by focusing on the language in the list and using the desired action. This is a simpler way to change the order of languages on systems that support it, such as Samsung and Pixel devices.
Note: Whenever a language is moved to the top of the list, it is immediately selected as the default system language.
Per-App Language Preferences
Android 13 introduced the ability to set per-app languages independently of the system language. However, this feature can only be used if the app supports it. Fortunately, the number of apps supporting this functionality is steadily increasing.
The app language settings are located in the same section as the system language settings. On Samsung devices, this is found under General Management. As always, the search option in Settings can help you locate the desired item quickly.
When you open the relevant section, a list of apps supporting independent language selection is displayed. Select any app and choose a language. The System Default option means the app will follow the system language. If another language is selected for an app, it will use the chosen language regardless of the system language setting.
Note that in some apps, the language for an app can also be selected through the app’s settings.
Final Note
While specific brands and UIs are mentioned throughout this guide, it should be considered a general reference. The names of options, their exact positions, and their accessibility may vary between Android versions and different manufacturers’ user interfaces.
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