How to Change the Language in Google Chrome

Navigating the Web in Your Preferred Language

Google Chrome is the most popular web browser on the planet, and as such, it natively supports over 100 different languages. By default, Chrome will automatically install itself in the default language of your computer’s operating system.

However, there are many reasons you might need to change it. Perhaps you are bilingual and prefer reading in your native tongue, maybe you bought a second-hand computer that is currently stuck in French, or perhaps you are actively trying to learn Spanish and want to immerse yourself by changing your software interfaces.

Changing the language in Google Chrome will alter all the internal menus, settings, toolbars, and error messages. It will also tell websites (like Google Search or YouTube) to automatically serve you content in your new chosen language whenever possible.

How to Change the Language on Windows and Chromebooks

If you are using a Windows PC, a Chromebook (ChromeOS), or a Linux machine, you can change the display language directly inside the Chrome settings menu.

1. Open the Google Chrome browser.
2. Click the three vertical dots in the extreme top right corner of the window.
3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu. (If your browser is currently in a language you cannot read, look for the gear icon, usually located near the bottom of the list).
4. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Languages. (Look for the globe icon).
5. Under the “Preferred languages” section, you will see a list of currently installed languages.
6. Click the blue Add languages button.
7. A pop-up window will appear. Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the specific language you want (for example, “Spanish (Latin America)”). Check the box next to it and click Add.
8. The new language is now in your list, but it is not active yet. Click the three vertical dots next to your newly added language.
9. Check the box that says Display Google Chrome in this language.

To apply the change, you must restart the browser. Chrome will display a Relaunch button next to the language. Click it, and Chrome will close and immediately reopen entirely in your new language.

How to Change the Language on a Mac

If you are using a MacBook or an iMac, you will notice that the “Display Google Chrome in this language” checkbox is completely missing from the Chrome settings menu.

This is not a bug. On macOS, Apple does not allow individual applications to control their own display languages. Instead, apps must inherit the language directly from the Mac’s master system settings. To change Chrome’s language on a Mac, you must change it at the system level.

1. Click the Apple Logo in the top left corner of your Mac’s screen.
2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences).
3. Click on General in the left sidebar, then click Language & Region.
4. Look at the Preferred Languages list at the top. The language at the very top of this list is your primary system language.
5. Click the Plus (+) button below the list to add a new language.
6. Select your desired language and click Add.
7. macOS will immediately ask you: “Would you like to use [New Language] as your primary language?” Click the blue button to confirm.

You must now restart your entire Mac for the changes to take effect. When the computer boots back up, your entire operating system—including Google Chrome—will be displayed in the new language.

A Note on Translating Web Pages

Changing the browser language changes the menus (like the Settings and Bookmarks bar), but it does not magically translate the content of the websites you visit. If you visit a German news website, the articles will still be in German.

If you want Chrome to translate foreign websites into your newly selected language, ensure the translation feature is enabled. Go back to Settings > Languages and make sure the toggle switch for Use Google Translate is turned on.