Chromebooks let you customize language settings for both system interface and web content. System display language controls menus, notifications, and settings throughout your device. Browser language preferences determine how websites appear when multiple language options exist.
These settings work independently, giving you complete control over your experience. Learning how to change languages on a Chromebook makes your device more comfortable to use, especially when working across different regions or languages.
You can switch languages in minutes and reverse changes anytime without losing data.
This guide covers system language changes, web content preferences, keyboard input methods, and translation features for your Chromebook.
How To Change Languages On a Chromebook?
Chromebooks separate language settings into two categories. System language controls your device interface. Web content language affects how websites display.
Change Your System Display Language
Your system language determines how menus, settings, and notifications appear.
Click the time in the bottom-right corner. Select the Settings icon.
Navigate to Advanced, then Languages and inputs. Select Languages from the right panel.
Click Change next to Device language. Type or scroll to find your language.
Click Confirm, then restart your device. Your Chromebook displays everything in the new language after rebooting.
Chromebook settings work similarly even after changing languages.
Adjust Web Content Language Preferences
Web content languages control which language websites display when multiple options exist.
Access Settings, navigate to Advanced, then Languages and inputs. Select Languages.
Click Add languages. Type your desired language or browse the list, then click Add.
Use the More icon (three dots) next to each language to organize priority. Move your preferred language to the top for website priority.
Modify Input Method Settings
Input methods control your keyboard language.
Open Settings, go to Advanced, then Languages and inputs. Click Inputs and keyboards.
Add new input methods by clicking Add input methods. Select your keyboard layout.
Remove unwanted layouts by clicking the X. Toggle Show input options in Shelf for quick keyboard language switching.
Press Ctrl + Space to switch between input languages quickly.
Enable Translation Features
Chrome can automatically translate foreign language websites.
Open Settings, navigate to Languages and inputs, then scroll to the bottom. Toggle Translation suggestion on or off.
When enabled, Chrome displays a translation banner on foreign language pages. Click the Translate icon in your address bar to manually translate any page.
Click More next to any language and select Offer to translate pages to configure translation prompts.
Troubleshoot Language Settings
Some websites may not display in your chosen language despite correct settings.
Clear your browser cache and restart your Chromebook completely. Verify your preferred language appears first in web content languages.
Check if the website supports your chosen language. If keyboard input isn’t working correctly, review your input method settings.
FAQs
Can I use multiple languages simultaneously on my Chromebook?
Yes. Your system displays in one language while web content can prioritize multiple languages. Input methods let you switch between different keyboard layouts instantly using Ctrl + Space.
Will changing languages delete my files or settings?
No. Changing languages only affects how text displays on your device. All your files, apps, bookmarks, and personal settings remain unchanged and accessible after the language switch.
How do I switch back to English if I changed to another language?
Click the time icon, select Settings, navigate to the language section, and choose English from the device language list. Confirm and restart your Chromebook to apply.
Why doesn’t my website display in my chosen language?
The website may not support your language. Some sites detect location instead of browser settings. Try clearing cache or checking if the site offers your language in its menu.
Do Chrome extensions work in all languages?
Most extensions work regardless of system language. However, the extension’s own interface may only appear in languages its developer supports. Functionality typically remains consistent across language settings.