ThisCalculator

Everyday

Switch Keyboard Languages on Any Device

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Switch Keyboard Languages on Any Device

Switching between keyboard languages lets you type in multiple languages without changing your physical keyboard or reinstalling anything. This guide covers the exact steps for Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone/iPad, and ChromeOS. You’ll need your device’s settings app and, for some steps, the ability to add a language pack.

What You’ll Need

  • Your device (Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone/iPad, or Chromebook)
  • Admin or owner access (usually just your normal login)
  • An internet connection to download language packs (most devices require this once)

Step-by-Step

Windows 10 and 11

  1. Open Settings (Win + I) > Time & Language > Language & region.
  2. Under Preferred languages, click Add a language.
  3. Search for and select the language you want, then click Next.
  4. Check the box for Set as my Windows display language if you want the system UI to change (optional). Click Install.
  5. After installation, you’ll see the language in your list. Click the three-dot menu next to it and choose Language options to download a keyboard layout if needed.
  6. To switch, press Win + Space or Alt + Shift. A small language bar appears in the taskbar; click it to switch with the mouse.

macOS

  1. Open System Settings (Apple menu > System Settings) > Keyboard > Text Input.
  2. Click Edit next to Input Sources.
  3. Click the + button, search for your language, and add it. You can add multiple layouts (e.g., US, French, Spanish).
  4. Close the settings. Now you’ll see a small flag or character in the menu bar (top right). Click it to switch, or use the shortcut Control + Space (or Globe key if you have one).
  5. To change the shortcut, go back to Text Input and click Edit next to Input Sources, then set your preferred key combination.

Android (Samsung, Pixel, etc.)

  1. Open Settings > System > Languages & input > On-screen keyboard (or Keyboard & input methods).
  2. Select your default keyboard (e.g., Gboard, Samsung Keyboard).
  3. Tap Languages (or Languages & types).
  4. Tap Add keyboard and select the language(s) you want. For Gboard, you can add multiple languages and even enable the multilingual typing feature.
  5. When typing, press and hold the spacebar (or the globe icon if you have one) and slide to select the language. On Samsung, you can also tap the globe key on the keyboard.

iPhone and iPad (iOS/iPadOS)

  1. Open Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
  2. Tap Add New Keyboard and choose the language you want. You can also add a specific layout (e.g., QWERTY, AZERTY).
  3. Tap Done. The keyboard is now added.
  4. When typing, tap and hold the globe icon (bottom left) to see a list of keyboards, or tap it repeatedly to cycle through them.
  5. To reorder or remove keyboards, go back to the same settings and tap Edit.

ChromeOS (Chromebooks)

  1. Click the status area (bottom right, where the time is) > Settings (gear icon).
  2. Under Device > Keyboard & inputs, click Input methods.
  3. Click Add input methods and select the language(s) you want.
  4. To switch, press Ctrl + Space (or Search + Space). You can also click the language icon in the shelf (bottom right) to switch with the mouse.

Common Mistakes

  • Adding a language but not a keyboard layout: On Windows and macOS, adding a language doesn’t always add a keyboard layout. You need to explicitly add the layout under language options.
  • Using the wrong shortcut: Each OS uses different shortcuts. Windows uses Win+Space, macOS uses Control+Space, Android uses spacebar long-press, iOS uses the globe key, and ChromeOS uses Ctrl+Space.
  • Not enabling the language in the keyboard settings: On Android, you must add the language to the specific keyboard app (e.g., Gboard), not just to the system languages.
  • Forgetting to switch back: If you’re typing in the wrong language, check the language indicator (like “ENG” or a flag) before typing passwords or URLs.

Tips

  • Set a custom shortcut that’s easy to remember and doesn’t conflict with other apps.
  • On Windows, you can set the language bar to show a floating icon if you prefer that over the taskbar indicator.
  • On macOS, you can enable “Use the Caps Lock key to switch to and from ABC” if you want a quick toggle to English.
  • On Android, Gboard’s “Multilingual typing” lets you type in multiple languages without switching—it auto-detects based on what you type.
  • On iOS, you can swipe across the spacebar to quickly switch between keyboards (if you have more than one).

Troubleshooting

  • Language not showing up after adding: Restart your device or sign out and back in. On Windows, check that the language pack is fully installed (you may need to download it from the language options).
  • Shortcut not working: Go to the keyboard settings and verify the shortcut hasn’t been changed or disabled. On macOS, check if another app is using the same shortcut (e.g., Spotlight uses Control+Space by default—you may need to change one).
  • Switching works but the layout is wrong (e.g., typing @ instead of “): This means the wrong layout is selected. On Windows, check the language bar to see which layout is active. On macOS, open the Input Sources and make sure the correct layout is checked.
  • Android keyboard doesn’t show the language: Open the keyboard app’s settings and ensure the language is added. If using Gboard, tap the gear icon on the keyboard itself and go to Languages.
  • iOS globe key missing: If you only have one keyboard, the globe key won’t appear. Add at least one more keyboard to see it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch languages without adding a language pack?

No, you need to add the language to your device’s input sources. Some languages may require a download, but basic keyboard layouts are usually included.

What is the fastest way to switch on Windows?

Press Win + Space to cycle through your installed languages. You can also hold Win and press Space to see a pop-up list.

Why does my keyboard type the wrong characters after switching?

You might have selected a different layout (e.g., AZERTY instead of QWERTY). Check the language indicator and choose the correct layout for your physical keyboard.

Can I use multiple languages at the same time without switching?

Yes, on Android with Gboard’s multilingual typing, and on iOS with the QuickPath (swipe) feature, you can type in multiple languages without manually switching. On desktop, you’d need a third-party tool.

Does switching languages affect my system language?

No, switching the keyboard language only changes the input method. The system display language remains as you set it, unless you explicitly change it.

How do I remove a language I no longer need?

Go to the same settings where you added it and delete it. On Windows, click the three-dot menu next to the language and choose Remove. On macOS, select it in Input Sources and click the minus button. On mobile, edit the keyboard list.

Related

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.