This article explains how to change Gmail’s default language in a web browser. It also contains information on how to change the default language using the Android and iOS apps.

What to Know

  • Go to gmail.com in a web browser. Enter your account information. Select Settings.Choose Settings (or See All Settings) in the drop-down menu. Select the General tab.Select the Gmail display language menu. Choose the desired language from the list. Select Save Changes.

How to Change Gmail’s Language in a Web Browser

You can view the Gmail interface in many languages. If Gmail doesn’t display in the language you speak, learn how to change the language in Gmail to the language you want to use.

Use the steps below to change the Gmail default language within any web browser on Chrome OS, macOS, Linux, Windows, or a mobile device.

  • Open a web browser and navigate to gmail.com. Enter your Google account credentials if prompted.
  • Select the Settings gear-shaped icon located in the upper-right corner of the page.
  • When the drop-down menu appears, select Settings or See All Settings.
  • Select the General tab, if it isn’t selected.
  • Locate the Language section and select the Gmail display language drop-down menu.
  • From the list of available languages, choose the desired language from the list.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Save Changes.
  • Gmail’s interface updates instantly in the language that you chose. Repeat the steps above to revert these changes or to switch to another language.

How to Change Gmail’s Language in Android

The instructions below allow you to change Gmail’s default language on your Android smartphone or tablet.

Open a web browser and navigate to gmail.com. Enter your Google account credentials if prompted.

Select the Settings gear-shaped icon located in the upper-right corner of the page.

When the drop-down menu appears, select Settings or See All Settings.

Select the General tab, if it isn’t selected.

Locate the Language section and select the Gmail display language drop-down menu.

From the list of available languages, choose the desired language from the list.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Save Changes.

Gmail’s interface updates instantly in the language that you chose. Repeat the steps above to revert these changes or to switch to another language.

  • Tap the Settings icon, located on the Android home screen and sometimes found on the second page of apps.
  • When the Android Settings interface appears, scroll down and select General Management.
  • Tap Language and input.
  • Select the Language option, located at the top of the screen.
  • The current default language displays at the top of the list, with other languages currently installed shown below it. To make another option the default language for Gmail, tap and drag it to the top of the list. If you don’t see the desired language in the list, select Add language and install it from the options provided.

How to Change Gmail’s Language in iOS

Follow the steps below to change the default language used by Gmail on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. 

By following these instructions, the default language for all apps on your Android device are changed. You can’t modify language settings for Gmail only. If you wish to do so, access Gmail in a web browser instead of through the app.

Tap the Settings icon, located on the Android home screen and sometimes found on the second page of apps.

When the Android Settings interface appears, scroll down and select General Management.

Tap Language and input.

Select the Language option, located at the top of the screen.

The current default language displays at the top of the list, with other languages currently installed shown below it. To make another option the default language for Gmail, tap and drag it to the top of the list. If you don’t see the desired language in the list, select Add language and install it from the options provided.

  • Tap the Settings icon, located on the iOS home screen.
  • When the iOS Settings interface appears, select General.
  • In the General Settings, tap Language & Region.
  • Depending on the device, tap iPhone Language or iPad Language.
  • A list of available languages displays. Scroll down and select the one you wish to use for Gmail and your other iOS apps. You can also enter the name of the language in the search bar found at the top of the screen if you don’t want to scroll through the dozens of options.
  • Confirm that you want to change the language in the window at the bottom of the screen.
  • A message appears that reads, “Setting Language.” After a few seconds, you’ll return to the Language & Region Settings screen and your new language is activated. Repeat the steps above to revert to your original language or to set a different language.

Taking these steps changes the default language used by all apps on the device, not just Gmail. You can’t change the default language just for the Gmail app. If you wish to do so, access Gmail in a web browser as opposed to the app.

Tap the Settings icon, located on the iOS home screen.

When the iOS Settings interface appears, select General.

In the General Settings, tap Language & Region.

Depending on the device, tap iPhone Language or iPad Language.

A list of available languages displays. Scroll down and select the one you wish to use for Gmail and your other iOS apps. You can also enter the name of the language in the search bar found at the top of the screen if you don’t want to scroll through the dozens of options.

Confirm that you want to change the language in the window at the bottom of the screen.

A message appears that reads, “Setting Language.” After a few seconds, you’ll return to the Language & Region Settings screen and your new language is activated. Repeat the steps above to revert to your original language or to set a different language.

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