How to Change Language on iPhone

Apple’s iPhone is known for being user-friendly, intuitive, and highly customizable—even when it comes to language settings. Whether you’re learning a new language, moving to another country, or simply prefer using your phone in your native tongue, changing the language on your iPhone is simple and quick.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to change the language on an iPhone, adjust language preferences for individual apps, and even set up multiple languages for your keyboard and voice input.

Why Change the Language on Your iPhone?

There are several reasons someone might want to change the language on their iPhone:

• Relocation to a new country

• Learning a new language

• Setting up a device for a family member

• App testing in different languages

• Fixing a language set incorrectly

Regardless of the reason, iOS makes it easy to switch between languages at both the system and app level.

Things to Know Before You Start

• Changing the language affects the entire system UI, including menus, apps, and settings.

• Some third-party apps may not support all languages.

• You can set different languages for apps, keyboards, and Siri.

• Make sure your iPhone is running an updated version of iOS for the best experience.

Step-by-Step: How to Change the Language on iPhone

 

Step 1: Open Settings

Tap the Settings app—this is the gray gear icon on your Home Screen.

Step 2: Go to “General”

Scroll down and tap General. This is where you’ll find system-wide settings.

Step 3: Tap “Language & Region”

Inside General, scroll down a bit and tap Language & Region. This menu controls the default language, region, calendar format, and temperature unit.

Step 4: Tap “iPhone Language”

You’ll see the current language listed (e.g., English). Tap iPhone Language to open the list of supported languages.

Step 5: Choose Your New Language

Scroll through the list and select your desired language. iOS supports dozens of languages, including:

• Spanish (Español)

• French (Français)

• Arabic (العربية)

• Chinese (中文)

• Hindi (हिन्दी)

• Japanese (日本語)

Tap the one you want to use.

Step 6: Confirm Your Choice

After selecting the language, tap “Change to [Language]” in the confirmation popup. Your iPhone will then restart the interface to apply the new language settings. This may take a few seconds.

Bonus: How to Change the Region

Changing the region along with the language can adjust date formats, currency, time, and local content recommendations.

To do this:

1. Go back to Settings > General > Language & Region.

2. Tap Region.

3. Select your preferred country or region.

4. Tap Done to confirm.

How to Change the Language for Individual Apps

Did you know iOS allows you to run certain apps in a different language than the rest of your phone?

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Settings > [Scroll down to the app].

2. Tap on the app (e.g., Instagram, WhatsApp).

3. Tap Language.

4. Choose the language you want that app to use.

Note: Not all apps support multiple languages.

How to Add Multiple Keyboards in Different Languages

To type in multiple languages, you’ll need to add more keyboards.

Steps to add a keyboard:

1. Open Settings > General > Keyboard.

2. Tap Keyboards, then Add New Keyboard.

3. Select the language(s) you want.

Once added, you can switch between keyboards while typing by tapping the globe icon on your keyboard.

How to Change Siri’s Language

Changing your iPhone’s language does not automatically change Siri’s language. If you want Siri to speak and understand another language, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings > Siri & Search.

2. Tap Language.

3. Choose your desired language.

4. Confirm the change when prompted.

You can also change Siri’s voice (male/female and accent) in this menu.

How to Change Voice Dictation Language

Voice dictation is useful for sending texts or using voice search. To change its language:

1. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard.

2. Tap Dictation Languages.

3. Select the languages you want to use for speech input.

How to Revert Back to Your Original Language

If you accidentally switch to a language you don’t understand, don’t worry—it’s easy to switch back.

Here’s a quick recovery guide:

1. Tap the Settings app (gray gear).

2. Look for the General menu—it’s usually near the top (you might recognize it by the ⚙️ icon or its position).

3. Tap Language & Region.

4. Tap iPhone Language and choose your preferred language.

5. Confirm by tapping the top-right blue option in the popup (which always means “Change”).

After a few seconds, your iPhone will return to the language you know.

Common Language Issues and Fixes

 

Problem: Apps not showing in the selected language

Fix: Check if the app supports that language and set it manually (see “Individual Apps” section above).

Problem: Siri doesn’t understand the new language

Fix: Manually update Siri’s language in Siri & Search > Language.

Problem: Keyboard doesn’t match new language

Fix: Go to Keyboard settings and add/remove languages as needed.

Conclusion

Changing the language on your iPhone is incredibly useful and takes just a minute or two. Whether you’re bilingual, relocating, or just exploring new languages, iOS makes it easy to personalize your device’s language settings to fit your needs.

From system-wide adjustments to individual apps and keyboards, the iPhone gives you full control over how you communicate with your device. And with Siri, dictation, and regional settings also customizable, the experience becomes even more powerful and personal.