Where to find Facebook's language settings

Facebook's language option lives in your account settings, not in a separate preferences menu. Open Facebook on any device, click the downward arrow in the top right corner (on desktop) or tap the three horizontal lines (on mobile), then scroll down to find "Settings & privacy" followed by "Settings". From there, select "Language and region" on the left sidebar. This is where you change what language Facebook displays in your interface.

The language you choose here affects menus, buttons, notifications, and labels across your entire account. It does not change the language of posts your friends write — those stay in whatever language they posted in. If you want to translate individual posts or comments, Facebook has a separate translate feature for that content.

Key Takeaways

  • Language settings are in Settings & privacy > Settings > Language and region, accessible from the menu in the top right corner.
  • Changing your language preference updates all Facebook interface text, but not the content your friends post.
  • Facebook offers over 100 languages, and you can set a primary language plus a secondary language as backup.
  • The change takes effect immediately across all your devices once you save it.
  • If you accidentally change to a language you do not read, you can reverse it by finding the same menu and selecting a different option.

Steps to change your language on desktop

On a computer, start by clicking the downward arrow icon in the top right corner of Facebook. A dropdown menu appears with several options. Scroll down until you see "Settings & privacy", then click it. A submenu opens — click "Settings" from that submenu.

Once you are in Settings, look at the left sidebar. You will see "Language and region" listed there. Click it. The main panel on the right shows your current language and a list of available languages below it. Click on the language you want to use. Facebook saves your choice immediately — you do not need to click a separate save button. The interface refreshes and displays in your new language.

Steps to change your language on mobile

On iPhone or Android, open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down to "Settings & privacy" and tap it, then tap "Settings". Scroll down the settings list until you find "Language and region" and tap it.

A list of languages appears. Tap the one you want. The app updates immediately, and all text switches to your chosen language. If you are using Facebook in a web browser on your phone rather than the app, follow the same steps as desktop — the layout is slightly different on smaller screens, but the menu locations are the same.

What happens if you set a secondary language

Facebook lets you choose a primary language and optionally a secondary language. The secondary language acts as a fallback — if Facebook cannot display something in your primary language, it shows it in the secondary language instead. This is useful if you are bilingual or if you want a backup when Facebook has not translated certain new features yet.

To add a secondary language, go to Language and region in Settings, and look for an option to add another language (the exact wording varies by device and region). Select your secondary choice and save. You can change or remove the secondary language anytime by returning to the same menu.

How to translate posts and comments from other people

If a friend posts in a language you do not read, Facebook can translate it for you without changing your account language. Hover over or tap a post written in another language, and you will see a "See translation" option appear. Click or tap it, and Facebook shows you a translation below the original text. This works for most posts and comments, though some languages or very new posts may not have translations available yet.

The translation feature is separate from your language setting. Using it does not change what language Facebook displays to you — it only translates that specific post. Your account language stays the same, and other posts continue to appear in their original language.

Troubleshooting if the menu looks different

Facebook updates its interface regularly, so the exact location of language settings can shift slightly between regions and devices. If you cannot find "Language and region" in Settings, try searching for it — some versions of Facebook have a search box in Settings that lets you type "language" to jump directly to that section.

If you changed your language to one you cannot read and now cannot navigate the menus, look for the downward arrow or hamburger menu icon in the top right or bottom right corner. The menu structure stays the same even if the text is unreadable. Count down to the fourth or fifth item (Settings & privacy is usually near the bottom), tap it, then count to find Settings. Once in Settings, Language and region is typically near the bottom of the list. Tap the first language option you see and select English or your preferred language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my language affect what my friends see?

No. Your language setting only changes what you see on your own screen. Your friends see Facebook in whatever language they have set for their own accounts. Your posts, comments, and profile appear to them in the language they chose, not in your language.

Can I use different languages on different devices?

Yes. Each device syncs to your Facebook account separately, so you can set English on your phone and Spanish on your computer. When you log into Facebook on a new device, it defaults to your primary language setting, but you can change it on that device without affecting your other devices.

What if Facebook does not have the language I want?

Facebook supports over 100 languages, but not every language in the world. If your language is not listed, you can set a secondary language that is closest to it, or use English as your primary language and rely on the translation feature for posts from friends who write in your language.

Will changing my language affect my privacy settings or data?

No. Language is purely a display preference. Your privacy settings, saved data, photos, and all account information remain exactly the same. Changing the language does not reset any of your preferences or security settings.

How do I change the language back if I made a mistake?

Follow the same steps you used to change it the first time. Go to Settings & privacy > Settings > Language and region, and select your correct language. The change takes effect immediately. If you cannot read the current language, use the menu structure to navigate by position rather than reading the text.