Change your Google Maps language in settings
Google Maps uses the language setting from your Google account, not your phone's language. To change it, open Google Maps on any device, tap your profile picture in the top right corner, select Settings, then tap Language. Choose from the list of available languages — Google Maps supports over 100 languages, though some regions have fewer options than others.
The change takes effect immediately across all your devices where you're signed into that Google account. If you're using Google Maps without signing in, the app defaults to your phone's system language instead, and you'll need to change your phone's language settings to affect Maps.
Key Takeaways
- Google Maps language comes from your Google account settings, not your phone's language, so changing one doesn't automatically change the other.
- You access language settings through your profile picture menu in the Maps app, then navigate to Settings and Language.
- The language change applies to all devices signed into your account, including the web version of Google Maps.
- If you use Maps without signing in, your phone's system language determines what you see, and you must change that in your phone's settings instead.
Where to find the language menu on your phone
On Android and iPhone, the process is nearly identical. Open Google Maps and look for your profile picture — a small circle in the top right corner of the screen. Tap it once. A menu appears with several options including Settings, Your places, and Help & feedback.
Tap Settings. The next screen shows several categories. Scroll down until you see Language — it's usually near the bottom, below options like Navigation settings and Notifications. Tap Language to see the full list of available options for your region.
Changing the language on Google Maps web
If you use Google Maps in a web browser on a computer, the process is slightly different. Sign in to your Google account, then go to google.com/maps. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Settings.
On the left side of the Settings page, you'll see a menu with options like Map display, Navigation settings, and Language. Click Language to see available options. Your choice syncs to the Maps app on your phone within a few minutes.
What happens when you change the language
Changing your Google Maps language affects the interface — the menus, buttons, and labels you see on screen. Street names, business names, and place names may also appear in your chosen language when available, though some locations use their official local names regardless of your setting.
Search results and directions work the same way in any language. If you search for "coffee" in English or "café" in French, you'll get the same results. The language setting doesn't change which places appear on the map or how routes are calculated — only how the app presents information to you.
When your phone language and Maps language don't match
You might intentionally keep them different. For example, you could set your phone to English but Google Maps to Spanish if you're learning the language. Or you might travel and want your phone in the local language but Maps in English for navigation.
If you notice Maps is showing in a language you didn't choose, check whether you're signed into your Google account. If you're not signed in, Maps uses your phone's system language. Sign in with your Google account to use your Maps language preference instead. On iPhone, also check that you haven't restricted app permissions — if Maps can't access your account settings, it may fall back to your phone's language.
Languages available in your region
Google Maps supports different languages depending on where you are. Most major languages like Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Japanese, and Arabic are available worldwide. Smaller languages and regional variants may only be available in certain countries.
If you don't see your language in the list, it may not be supported yet in your region, or it may be listed under a different name. For example, "Chinese (Simplified)" and "Chinese (Traditional)" are separate options. If you're looking for a specific regional variant, check whether it appears as a separate choice before assuming it's unavailable.
Troubleshooting language changes that don't stick
If you change the language but Maps keeps reverting to another language, first check that you're signed into your Google account. Open your profile menu and look for your email address at the top — if you see "Sign in" instead, you're not logged in. Sign in, change the language again, and the setting should persist.
If you're signed in and the language still won't change, try closing and reopening the Maps app. On Android, you can also go to your phone's Settings > Apps > Google Maps and tap Storage > Clear cache. This removes temporary files without deleting your saved places or history. Then open Maps again and change the language. On iPhone, the equivalent is to delete and reinstall the app, though this is rarely necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing Google Maps language change my phone's language?
No. Google Maps language and your phone's system language are separate settings. Changing one doesn't affect the other. Your phone's language controls everything else on your device — your messages, email, calendar — while Maps language only affects the Maps app itself.
Can I use Google Maps in a language my phone doesn't support?
Yes. Your phone's language options are limited by your device manufacturer, but Google Maps supports over 100 languages. You can set Maps to any supported language regardless of what languages your phone offers. Just sign into your Google account in Maps and choose the language you want.
What if I want different languages on different devices?
You can't do this with a single Google account — the language setting syncs across all devices. If you need Maps in different languages on different devices, you'd need to use separate Google accounts on each device, which also means separate saved places and search history.
Will changing the language affect voice navigation?
Yes. When you change your Maps language, voice navigation also switches to that language if it's available. Not all languages support voice guidance — check your language's options in the Navigation settings menu to see which voice options are available.
Why does Google Maps show some place names in English even though I set it to another language?
Official place names, street names, and business names often stay in their local language or the language the business chose. Google Maps respects official names and branding. Your language setting changes the interface and labels, but not the official names of places themselves.