Key takeaways:
- Roku devices support multiple languages for menus, audio, and subtitles
- You can easily change the language in the Settings menu
- If your Roku is stuck in the wrong language, you can still navigate to the language settings
Roku streaming devices and Roku TVs offer a user-friendly interface and a wide variety of content. One of the great features of Roku is its support for multiple languages. Whether you prefer to use your Roku in English, Spanish, French, or another language, it’s easy to change the display language to suit your needs.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to change the language on your Roku device, as well as troubleshoot some common issues you might encounter.
Table of Contents
Changing the System Language
To change the overall language used for menus and navigation on your Roku, follow these steps:
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote
- Scroll down and select Settings
- Select System
- Choose Language
- Select your preferred language from the list
Your Roku will immediately switch to the new language. If you can’t read the menu options because your Roku is stuck in the wrong language, look for the gear icon (⚙️) to find the Settings menu, then count down to the 4th option which will be System. In System settings, Language should be the 7th option in the list.
Setting the Preferred Audio Language
If you want to change the default audio language for streaming content, you can set your preferred audio language separately:
- Go to the Home screen
- Select Settings
- Choose Accessibility
- Select Audio Guide and then Preferred Audio Language
- Pick your desired default audio language
Keep in mind that not all content will have your preferred language available. In these cases, Roku will play the default audio for that particular movie or show.
Configuring Subtitle and Captions Language
You can also adjust the language of subtitles and closed captions:
- Navigate to the Home screen
- Go to Settings
- Select Accessibility
- Choose Captions Mode
- Select Captions preferred language
- Set your preferred subtitle language
As with audio, some content may not offer subtitles in your preferred language. Roku will display subtitles in the default language for the content if your preferred language is unavailable.
Troubleshooting Language Issues
If your Roku gets stuck on the language selection screen during setup, or if the remote isn’t responding, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Reset the remote: Remove the batteries, unplug your Roku device, wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in and reinstall the batteries.
- Reset your Roku: Locate the reset button on your Roku device (normally a pinhole button on the back or bottom). Press and hold this button for 10 seconds to initiate a factory reset.
- Use the Roku mobile app: If your remote isn’t working, you can use the Roku mobile app on your smartphone to control your Roku and change the language settings.
By following these steps, you should be able to easily change the display language on your Roku and troubleshoot any language-related issues you encounter.
FAQ
Can I change the language on my Roku TV?
Yes, Roku TVs use the same interface as Roku streaming devices, so you can follow the same steps to change the language in the settings menu.
Will changing the language affect my installed channels?
No, changing the display language on your Roku will not impact your installed channels or preferences. However, some channels may have their own language settings that you’ll need to adjust separately within the channel’s options.
What languages are supported on Roku devices?
Roku supports a variety of languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more. The exact language options may vary depending on your device and region.
Can I use voice commands in different languages?
Roku’s voice command support varies by language and region. In the United States, voice commands are primarily supported in English and Spanish. Check your device’s specifications to see which languages are supported for voice control in your area.
