As an Apple device expert with over 10 years of experience, I’ll walk you through the steps to change your iPhone’s language settings. Whether you want to add a new language or change your entire system to another language, your iPhone makes it easy.
Table of Contents
Checking Your Current Language Settings
Before making any changes, you’ll want to check your current language settings. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone 7
- Scroll down and tap on “General”
- Tap on “Language & Region”
This will show you the current language settings for things like the language displayed across iOS, the region format, calendar format, and more. Take note of these as you decide if you want to change to another language.
Adding a New Language
If you want to keep your current system language but add the ability to type and interact with certain apps in another language, here are the steps:
- Open Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard
- Select the language keyboard you want to add
Now when you want to type in that new language, just tap the globe icon on your keyboard to switch languages.
Benefits:
- Easily type in multiple languages
- Don’t have to change system language
Drawbacks:
- Only some apps support multiple languages
- Can be inconvenient to switch between keyboards
Changing the System Language
If you want to change the entire system language across iOS, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Language & Region > iPhone Language
- Select the language you want
- Confirm the change
Benefits:
- Changes the language across all aspects of iOS
- Fully immerses you in chosen language
Drawbacks:
- Some apps may not support all languages
- May need to re-download apps in the other language
Your iPhone will restart and boot up in the new language you selected. All aspects like menus, buttons, and notifications will now display in that language.
Tips for Adjusting to a New iPhone Language
Switching your iPhone to a new language can take some adjusting. Here are some tips:
- Use iOS’s built-in dictionary by highlighting words you don’t know
- Install a translation app like Google Translate for help
- Stick with it! Full immersion is the best way to learn
- Switch region formats to match your language (i.e. metric for most languages)
- Correct autocorrect and text shortcuts that may now be wrong
With some patience, switching your iPhone’s language can be a great way to learn a new language. And if you ever want to switch back, just repeat the steps to change it again.
Troubleshooting Problems After Changing Language
In some rare cases, you may encounter issues after changing your iPhone’s language. Here is how to troubleshoot the most common problems:
Can’t understand the language?
- Use iOS translation features or apps to help translate
- Consider switching back to your original language
App issues or crashes?
- Check for app updates optimized for your new language
- Delete and re-download apps fresh in new language
Phone feels “sluggish”?
- Try restarting your iPhone
- Check for any pending iOS updates
- Reset network settings
Keyboard isn’t matching language?
- Add the matching language keyboard
- Fully delete old language keyboards
Following these troubleshooting tips should help you resolve any language change issues. Reach out to Apple support if problems persist.
Reverting Back to Your Original iPhone Language
If you decide you want to switch back to the original language after changing it, just follow these quick steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Language & Region > iPhone Language
- Select your original language
- Confirm the change back to original language
And that’s it! Your iPhone will restart into your original language. Everything will look just as it did before you changed it.
