The Easiest Way to Change Chrome's Default Languages

Many websites are offered in more than one language. While the default setting in Google Chrome is USA English, you change Chrome's language to almost anything you'd like.

How to Change Chrome's Languages

In Google Chrome, you're given the ability to specify languages in order of preference. Before a web page is rendered, Chrome will check to see if it supports your preferred languages in the order listed. If the page is available in one of these languages, it will be displayed in your preferred script.

To change your language preferences in Chrome:

1. Select the three dots in the top-right corner of Chrome and choose Settings from the drop-down menu.

   You can also get to Chrome's settings by entering chrome://settings/ in the URL bar.

2. Select the three lines next to Settings and choose Advanced.

3. Find the Languages section, and then select Language to pull down a new menu. 

4. You should see at least one language or possibly more listed in preference order. One will be chosen as the default language with a message that says This Language is used to display the Google Chrome UI. You may also see another option with a message that says This language is used to translate webpages.

   To choose another language, select Add languages.

5. Search or scroll through the list and check the boxes beside the languages you want, then select Add.

6. With the new languages now at the bottom of the list, select the three dots next to a language to adjust its position on the list.

   You also have the option to delete the language, display Google Chrome in that language, or have Chrome automatically offer to translate pages to that language.

7. Exit the Chrome settings. Language preferences are saved automatically as you make changes to them.

When you visit a page written in a language that's not on your list, Chrome will offer to translate it. If you want to print in another language from Chrome, you must first translate the page.

How to Change Languages in the Chrome App

The mobile Chrome app can translate pages too, but it doesn't offer as much control over the language selection as you have with the desktop program. To change the default language and translate text to a different language in the Chrome app:

1. Open the Chrome app and tap More.

2. Tap Settings.

3. Tap Language & Region.

4. Tap Search language.

5. Tap the language you want to use.

6. If you visit a website with text in a different language, the Chrome app will present language options at the bottom of the page. Select your language to have Google Chrome translate the page.