How to Change Language on Galaxy S7
This guide shows you how to change the display language on a Samsung Galaxy S7. Whether you bought the phone in another country or just prefer a different language, the process takes less than a minute and only requires access to the Settings menu. You can switch between any of the languages installed on the device, and the change applies immediately to menus, notifications, and built-in apps.
What You’ll Need
- Your Samsung Galaxy S7 (any model: SM-G930F, SM-G930V, etc.)
- Access to the home screen or app drawer
- No computer or special software is required
Step-by-Step
- Unlock your Galaxy S7 and go to the home screen. If you are currently in an app, press the Home button (the physical button below the screen) to exit.
- Open the Apps drawer by swiping up from the bottom of the home screen, or by tapping the Apps icon (a grid of dots) in the bottom-right corner of the home screen.
- Tap the Settings icon. It looks like a gear and is usually in the Apps drawer. If you have a shortcut on the home screen, you can use that instead.
- Scroll down through the Settings menu. Look for the section labeled “Personal” (or “Personalization” on some versions). Tap Language and input. On some Android versions, it may be directly under “General Management” or “System”.
- Tap “Language” at the top of the next screen. This opens a list of available languages. The current language is shown with a checkmark or highlighted.
- Select your desired language from the list. If you see a language you want, tap it. The phone will immediately switch to that language. If you don’t see it, you may need to add it first (see Troubleshooting below).
- Confirm the change if prompted. On some firmware versions, a pop-up asks you to confirm the switch. Tap “Apply” or “Change” to proceed.
- Wait a few seconds for the system to update all text. The home screen, settings menus, and notification bar will now display in the new language.
- If you want to switch back, repeat the same steps. The language list will show your new language at the top, and your original language will still be available.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing the wrong variant: Some languages have multiple versions (e.g., English (US) vs. English (UK), Spanish (Spain) vs. Spanish (Latin America)). Make sure you pick the one that matches your preference, as the differences can affect spelling and some terms.
- Not scrolling enough: The language list can be long. If you don’t see your language immediately, scroll down. On the S7, the list is alphabetical by the language’s native name, not by English name.
- Tapping the wrong setting: “Language and input” contains both the display language and the keyboard language. Tapping “Default keyboard” or “Virtual keyboard” will not change the system language—you must tap “Language” at the very top.
- Assuming all apps will change: Some third-party apps have their own language settings and may not follow the system language. This is normal.
- Forgetting to confirm: If you tap a language and nothing happens, you may have missed a confirmation dialog. Look for a pop-up at the bottom of the screen.
Tips
- Use the search bar: In the Settings app, there is a magnifying glass icon at the top right. Tap it and type “language” (or the word for language in your current language) to jump directly to the language settings.
- Add multiple languages: The S7 allows you to have more than one language active. If you want to switch between two languages easily, you can add both and then use the language toggle in the notification shade (if enabled) or go to Settings each time.
- Check the keyboard: After changing the system language, your keyboard may also switch. If you prefer a different keyboard, go to Settings > Language and input > On-screen keyboard > Samsung Keyboard > Languages and types, and select the ones you want.
- Write down the steps: If you are switching to a language you don’t read, write down the menu paths in the original language before you change. For example, the path is “Settings > Language and input > Language” in English. In Spanish it’s “Ajustes > Idioma e introducción > Idioma”.
- Restart if needed: If some text doesn’t change immediately, a quick restart (hold the power button, then tap Restart) can force all apps to reload in the new language.
Troubleshooting
I can’t find the language I want in the list. The Galaxy S7 ships with a set of pre-installed languages, but not all languages are available on all models (carrier versions may have fewer). You can add a new language by going to Settings > Language and input > Language, then tap “Add language” (or the plus icon). Scroll through the list, select the language, and it will be added. If it’s not there at all, the firmware may not support it—you would need to install a different firmware, which is beyond the scope of this guide.
The language changed but some text is still in the old language. This usually affects third-party apps that have their own language settings. Open the app’s own settings (often under “Settings” or “Preferences”) and look for a language option. System apps like Phone and Messages should follow the system language.
I accidentally changed to a language I can’t read, and now I can’t navigate back. Don’t panic. The path is the same, just in that language. Look for the gear icon (Settings), then find the menu that resembles “Language and input”—often it’s near the bottom or under a section with a person icon. Tap the first option that says “Language” (it may be the word for language in that language, e.g., “Idioma”, “Sprache”, “Langue”). Then select your original language from the list. If you can’t recognize the icons, use the search bar (magnifying glass) and type the word “language” in the current language (you can look it up on another device).
The change didn’t save after I restarted. This is rare. Try going back to Settings > Language and input > Language and re-select your language. Make sure you tap “Apply” or “Done” if prompted. If the issue persists, check if there’s a software update available under Settings > About phone > Software update.
My keyboard is still in the old language. The system language and keyboard language are separate. Go to Settings > Language and input > On-screen keyboard > Samsung Keyboard > Languages and types. Tap “Select input languages” and add the language you want. You can also switch keyboards by tapping the globe icon on the keyboard while typing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing the language delete any of my data?
No. Changing the display language only affects the text shown on the screen. Your photos, contacts, messages, and apps remain untouched.
Can I have two languages active at the same time?
Yes. In the Language settings, you can add multiple languages. The system will use the first one as the primary, but you can quickly switch by pulling down the notification shade and tapping the language icon (if enabled) or by going back to Settings.
Why is my language not listed?
Some carrier-specific models have a limited set of languages. You can try adding it via the “Add language” option, but if it’s not there, the firmware doesn’t include it. Installing a different firmware (like the international version) would be required, which is a more advanced procedure.
Does changing the language affect the Samsung keyboard?
It can, but not always. The keyboard has its own language settings. After changing the system language, check the keyboard settings to ensure the desired input language is enabled.
Will my apps update in the new language?
Most apps will follow the system language automatically, but some apps have independent language settings. You may need to change the language inside each app if you want it to match.
Can I change the language back to English if I forget the steps?
Yes. Use the search bar in Settings and type “language” (or the equivalent in your current language). The path is always the same: Settings > Language and input > Language. Select English from the list.
Related
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