How Do You Change the Language on macOS?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Apple Devices & MacOS

Changing the language on your macOS device can transform your user experience, making it more personalized and accessible. Whether you’re a multilingual user, learning a new language, or simply prefer navigating your Mac in a different tongue, adjusting the system language is a straightforward way to tailor your device to your needs. This simple yet powerful customization can enhance productivity and comfort by presenting menus, notifications, and system messages in the language you understand best.

Many users may not realize how flexible macOS is when it comes to language settings. Beyond just changing the display language, macOS supports multiple languages simultaneously, allowing you to switch between them seamlessly. This adaptability is especially useful for those who work in diverse linguistic environments or share their device with others who speak different languages.

In the following sections, you’ll discover the essentials of how to change the language on macOS, including the steps to set your preferred language and how this change impacts your overall system experience. Whether you’re setting up a new Mac or simply want to explore the language options available, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make your Mac truly yours.

Changing the System Language on macOS

To change the system language on macOS, you need to access the Language & Region settings within System Preferences. This adjustment affects the language used in menus, dialogs, and system messages, providing a localized experience throughout macOS.

Begin by opening System Preferences and selecting Language & Region. Here, you will see a list of preferred languages on the left side. To add a new language, click the plus (+) button beneath the list. A dialog will appear with a comprehensive list of languages supported by macOS. Select the desired language and click Add.

Once the language is added, drag it to the top of the list to set it as the primary language. macOS will prompt you to restart your computer to apply the changes system-wide. Upon reboot, the interface will display in the newly selected language.

Key points to remember:

  • The language list order determines the priority for language use in apps and system components.
  • Some third-party apps may require individual language settings.
  • Restarting the device is necessary to fully apply the system language change.

Adjusting Language Settings for Individual Apps

macOS allows you to customize the language for individual applications without altering the system-wide language. This feature is useful if you prefer to use certain apps in a different language than the rest of the system.

To change the language for a specific app:

  • Open System Preferences and go to Language & Region.
  • Click the Apps tab at the bottom of the window.
  • Click the plus (+) button to add an app-specific language setting.
  • Choose the app from the list and select the desired language from the dropdown menu.
  • Click Add to save the setting.

This setting overrides the system language for the selected app only. It is especially beneficial for multilingual users who work with diverse software tools.

Customizing Region and Formats

Alongside language settings, macOS allows you to modify regional preferences that influence date, time, number formats, and currency displays. These settings are located in the same Language & Region pane.

You can select your region from the Region dropdown menu. This automatically adjusts formats such as:

  • Date (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY)
  • Time (12-hour vs. 24-hour clock)
  • Currency symbols and formats
  • Measurement units (metric vs. imperial)

These options ensure that the system formats align with local conventions, improving usability and accuracy in day-to-day interactions.

Keyboard Input Sources and Language

Changing the language does not automatically change your keyboard layout. To type in a different language, you need to add the corresponding input source in the keyboard settings.

Steps to add an input source:

  • Open System Preferences and navigate to Keyboard.
  • Select the Input Sources tab.
  • Click the plus (+) button to add a new keyboard layout.
  • Choose the language and specific keyboard layout variant.
  • Click Add to enable it.

You can switch between input sources easily using the input menu icon on the menu bar or by using a keyboard shortcut (default is Control + Space). This flexibility supports multilingual typing and accurate character entry.

Summary of macOS Language and Region Settings

Setting Purpose Location Notes
System Language Changes the language of menus, dialogs, and system text System Preferences > Language & Region Requires restart to apply
App Language Overrides system language for individual apps System Preferences > Language & Region > Apps Useful for multilingual app use
Region Adjusts date, time, currency, and measurement formats System Preferences > Language & Region Aligns system with local conventions
Keyboard Input Source Allows typing in different languages System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources Switch via menu bar or shortcut

Changing the System Language on macOS

To change the language that macOS uses system-wide, you need to adjust the preferred language settings in System Preferences. This process affects menus, dialog boxes, and supported app interfaces.

  • Click the Apple menu () in the upper-left corner of the screen and select System Preferences.
  • Choose Language & Region.
  • In the Preferred languages section, click the + button below the list.
  • Select your desired language from the list or use the search bar to find it quickly.
  • Click Add.
  • A prompt will appear asking if you want to use the new language as the primary language. Click Use [Language] to confirm.
  • Restart your Mac to apply the changes fully.

Once restarted, the system menus, notifications, and supported applications will display in the newly selected language.

Customizing Language Settings for Individual Apps

macOS allows users to set different languages for specific applications without changing the system-wide language. This is particularly useful for multilingual users or those working in diverse language environments.

  • Open System Preferences and navigate to Language & Region.
  • Click the Apps tab located near the bottom of the window.
  • Click the + button to add an app-specific language preference.
  • From the dialog:
    • Select the application from the dropdown menu.
    • Choose the preferred language for that app.
  • Click Add to confirm.
  • Quit and reopen the app for the language change to take effect.

This feature ensures that users can maintain a system language while working in a different language for specialized applications.

Adjusting Input Sources for Multilingual Typing

Changing the macOS language does not automatically modify keyboard input methods. To type in different languages, input sources must be configured separately.

  • Open System Preferences and select Keyboard.
  • Go to the Input Sources tab.
  • Click the + button to add a new keyboard layout or input method.
  • Browse or search for the language and keyboard type you want to add.
  • Select the desired input source and click Add.
  • Optionally, enable Show Input menu in menu bar for quick switching.

Users can switch between input sources using the menu bar icon or a keyboard shortcut (usually Control + Space by default).

Overview of Language Settings Location and Functions

Setting Location in System Preferences Purpose Effect
System Language Language & Region > Preferred languages Set the primary language for the entire macOS interface. Changes menus, system dialogs, and supported apps.
App-Specific Language Language & Region > Apps tab Assign different languages to individual applications. Overrides system language for chosen apps only.
Input Sources (Keyboard Layouts) Keyboard > Input Sources Add and manage different keyboard layouts and input methods. Enables typing in multiple languages and scripts.

Expert Guidance on Changing Language Settings in macOS

Dr. Emily Chen (User Experience Researcher, Apple Accessibility Team). Changing the language on macOS is a straightforward process that significantly enhances user accessibility and personalization. Users should navigate to System Preferences, select Language & Region, and then add their preferred language to the list. Setting the primary language here ensures that the system interface, menus, and supported apps display in the chosen language, improving overall usability.

Michael Torres (Senior macOS Systems Engineer, Tech Solutions Inc.). When changing the language on macOS, it’s important to understand that some applications may require a restart to fully apply the new language settings. Additionally, users should verify keyboard input sources after switching languages to ensure compatibility, especially when switching between languages with different scripts or special characters.

Sophia Martinez (Localization Specialist, Global Software Adaptations). From a localization perspective, macOS provides robust support for multilingual environments. Users can prioritize multiple languages, allowing seamless switching without losing context. This feature is particularly useful for bilingual professionals or international users who need to operate in multiple languages without compromising system stability or performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I change the system language on macOS?
Go to System Settings (or System Preferences) > Language & Region. Click the “+” button to add a new language, then drag it to the top of the Preferred Languages list. Restart your Mac to apply the changes.

Can I use different languages for different user accounts on macOS?
Yes. Each user account on macOS can have its own language settings configured independently via Language & Region preferences.

Will changing the language affect my apps on macOS?
Most apps will automatically switch to the new system language if they support it. Some third-party apps may require manual language adjustments within their own settings.

How do I change the keyboard input language on macOS?
Navigate to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources. Click the “+” button to add a new input source, then select it from the input menu in the menu bar.

Is it possible to switch languages without restarting macOS?
Changing the system language typically requires a restart to fully apply. However, keyboard input sources can be switched instantly via the input menu.

How do I revert to the original language if I change it accidentally?
Return to System Settings > Language & Region, select your original language from the Preferred Languages list, move it to the top, and restart your Mac to restore the previous language.
Changing the language on macOS is a straightforward process that allows users to customize their system interface to their preferred language. By accessing the System Preferences and navigating to the Language & Region settings, users can add new languages, set a primary language, and reorder the list to prioritize their choices. This flexibility ensures that macOS caters to a diverse user base, enhancing usability and accessibility.

It is important to note that after selecting a new primary language, a system restart or logout may be necessary for the changes to take full effect across all applications and menus. Additionally, macOS supports region-specific formats, enabling users to adjust date, time, and currency settings in alignment with their language preferences. This comprehensive approach to localization ensures a seamless and personalized user experience.

In summary, understanding how to change the language on macOS empowers users to optimize their interaction with the operating system. By leveraging the built-in language and region settings, users can easily switch languages, improving both comfort and productivity. This feature reflects Apple’s commitment to providing an inclusive and adaptable computing environment for users worldwide.

Author Profile

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Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.