Key takeaways:
- Change Chromebook interface language in settings
- Add website and input languages for browsing and typing
- Restart required for full language switch
Ever get a Chromebook and realize the language isn’t what you want? Or maybe you need to switch things up for studying, work, or just because you’re feeling adventurous? I’ll walk you through how to change the display language, set up your favorite website languages, and even add new keyboard layouts. It’s all built into Chrome OS, and you don’t need any special skills—just a few clicks and a quick restart.
Table of Contents
- Changing the Chromebook Display Language Is Super Simple
- Add Website Languages for Browsing in Your Preferred Tongue
- Adding Input Methods to Type in Any Language
- Quick Table: What You Can Change in Chromebook Language Settings
- Don’t Forget to Restart for Major Changes
- Bonus: Troubleshooting and Tips
- FAQs
- How do I change the display language on my Chromebook?
- Can I add more than one language for websites?
- How do I type in another language on Chromebook?
- Do I have to restart my Chromebook after changing the language?
- Can each user have their own language settings?
Changing the Chromebook Display Language Is Super Simple
So here’s the deal: Chrome OS lets you pick your main language for the whole interface. If you bought your Chromebook in another country, or maybe you share it with someone who speaks a different language, this is the move.
- Open the Launcher (that circle icon in the bottom left).
- Hit the Settings gear.
- Scroll down to System Preferences and tap Languages.
- You’ll see “Device language.” Click Change.
- Pick your language—Español, Deutsch, 日本語, whatever you need.
- Hit Confirm and restart. Your Chromebook will reboot, and boom, your new language is everywhere.
Heads up: You have to restart for the change to stick. Don’t worry, it’s quick.
If you want more details or screenshots, check out my full write-up on how to change language on Chromebook. 🖥️
Add Website Languages for Browsing in Your Preferred Tongue
Sometimes you want websites to show up in a certain language, even if your Chromebook is set to something else. Chrome OS lets you add extra languages for websites and translation.
- Go back to Settings > Languages.
- Find the Website languages section.
- Click Add languages.
- Search for and add as many as you want: Français, Nederlands, 中文, whatever.
- After adding, you can drag your favorite to the top to make it the main translation language.
Now, when you visit a site that’s not in your chosen language, Chrome will offer to translate it. You can also force translation from the browser bar.
Want to tweak your Google account language too? Here’s a guide for changing your Google Account language if you want everything synced up.
Adding Input Methods to Type in Any Language
Typing in another language is easy on Chromebook. You don’t need to install anything extra.
- In Settings, go to Device > Keyboard and inputs.
- Click Input settings.
- Tap Add input methods.
- Pick your language—say, 日本語 for Japanese, Русский for Russian, or 한국어 for Korean.
- Once added, you’ll see a little keyboard icon in your shelf. Click it to switch input methods.
Now you can type in whatever language you want. Super handy if you’re learning a new language or chatting with friends around the world.
If you want to change your Chromebook’s name or make other tweaks, check out how to change Chromebook name.
Quick Table: What You Can Change in Chromebook Language Settings
| Feature | Where to Find It | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Display Language | Settings > Languages | Changes the whole OS interface |
| Website Language | Settings > Languages | Sets translation and website prefs |
| Input Methods | Settings > Device > Keyboard | Lets you type in other languages |
Don’t Forget to Restart for Major Changes
When you change the main display language, Chrome OS needs a reboot. It’s fast, but don’t skip it, or you’ll wonder why nothing happened.
Bonus: Troubleshooting and Tips
- If you don’t see your language, make sure your Chromebook is up to date. Some older versions might not have every language.
- Want to go back to English? Just repeat the steps and pick English (United States) or your preferred version.
- If you’re sharing your Chromebook, each user can set their own language on their profile.
Need more Chromebook tricks? Here’s a guide on how to take a screenshot on Chromebook and another on how to enable dark mode on Chromebook. 🌙
FAQs
How do I change the display language on my Chromebook?
Open Settings, go to Languages, click Change next to Device language, pick your language, and restart. Step-by-step guide here.
Can I add more than one language for websites?
Yep! Go to Settings > Languages > Add languages and stack up as many as you want. Drag your favorite to the top for priority.
How do I type in another language on Chromebook?
Head to Settings > Device > Keyboard and inputs, then Add input methods. Pick your language, and switch from the shelf icon.
Do I have to restart my Chromebook after changing the language?
For the main display language, yes. For website and input languages, no restart needed.
Can each user have their own language settings?
Absolutely. Each profile can have its own language, so everyone gets their own vibe.
🎉 That’s it! Now you can use your Chromebook in any language you want. If you run into trouble, just revisit these steps or check out more Chromebook tips.
