Whether you are trying to learn a new language, bought an iPhone from another country, or someone played a prank on you by changing your system text to something you cannot read, changing the default language on an iPhone only takes a few taps.
How to Change Your iPhone’s Language
If your phone is currently in a language you understand, follow these easy steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on General.
- Scroll down and tap on Language & Region.
- At the very top, tap on Add Language…
- Use the search bar at the top or scroll through the list to find the language you want to use.
- Once you tap the language, a prompt will appear at the bottom of the screen. Tap the option that says “Use [Your New Language]” (it is usually the top option in red text).
Your iPhone screen will briefly go black and display a “Setting Language” message. When it turns back on, all system menus, default apps, and notifications will be in the new language.
How to Change the Language If You Cannot Read It
If your iPhone is stuck in a language you do not understand (like Chinese or Russian), you can navigate the menus using the icons instead of the text.
- Find the Settings app on your home screen. (It is the silver icon with gears).
- Scroll down until you see an icon of a grey gear with a white outline. Tap it. (This is the General menu).
- Scroll down. Look for an icon that looks like a blue and white globe. Tap it. (This is the Language & Region menu).
- Tap the very top option (which is your current primary language).
- Tap the blue text that appears to open the language list. You will now see a list of languages written in their native alphabets (e.g., English, Español, Français).
- Tap your native language, then tap the top (red) button on the pop-up to confirm.