Change Google Search language in your browser

The fastest way to change what language Google Search shows you is to switch it in your browser settings. This affects only your searches on Google.com — it does not change your entire computer or phone to a different language.

On a computer, go to google.com and look at the bottom of the page. Click the language link (it shows your current language, like "English"). A list of languages appears. Click the one you want. Google remembers this choice the next time you visit, as long as you use the same browser and do not clear your cookies.

On a phone or tablet, the process is slightly different because the bottom links are hidden. Tap the three-line menu icon (called a hamburger menu) in the bottom right corner of the Google Search page. Scroll down and tap "Settings". Tap "Languages" and choose the language you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Changing the language at the bottom of google.com affects only your search results, not your entire device.
  • Your Google Account language setting is separate — changing one does not change the other.
  • On a phone, use the three-line menu and tap Settings to find the language option.
  • If you want Google services like Gmail and YouTube to show in a different language, you must change your account language in your Google Account settings, not on the search page.

Change language in your Google Account settings

If you are signed into a Google Account, you can set a language for all Google services — Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, and others. This is separate from your Google Search language and overrides it when you are signed in.

Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in if you are not already. On the left side, click "Personal info". Scroll down to "Language" and click it. A list of languages appears. Click the one you want and then click "Select".

This change takes effect immediately for all Google services you use while signed into that account. If you use Google on multiple devices, the language follows you because it is tied to your account, not your device.

What happens when you change your language

When you change your Google Search language, the search results themselves stay the same — you are not translating web pages. Instead, Google's interface changes: buttons, menus, and labels appear in your chosen language. The websites you find still appear in their original language.

If you want to search for something in a language different from your Google interface language, you can still type in any language. Google recognizes what language you typed and shows results in that language, regardless of your settings.

Changing your account language also changes the language of notifications, emails from Google, and error messages. Some features may take a few minutes to update across all your devices.

Switching back to English or another language

You can change your language as many times as you want. If you changed it by mistake or want to switch to a different language, follow the same steps: go to google.com and click the language link at the bottom, or go to myaccount.google.com and change it in Personal Info.

If you cannot find the language link at the bottom of google.com, you may be in a country where Google shows different options. Try scrolling all the way to the bottom of the page, or use the three-line menu on a phone.

Language settings on Google Chrome

Your Chrome browser also has its own language setting, which is different from your Google Account language. If you want Chrome itself (not just Google Search) to display in a different language, you need to change your Chrome language separately.

On a computer, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Chrome. Click "Settings", then "Languages" on the left side. Click "Language" and choose the language you want. You can also turn on "Display Google Chrome in this language" to change the entire browser.

On a phone, open Chrome and tap the three-dot menu. Tap "Settings", then "Languages". Choose your language. Note that changing Chrome's language on your phone usually changes your entire device language, not just the browser.

Troubleshooting language changes that do not stick

If you change your Google Search language and it keeps switching back, your browser cookies may be set to clear automatically. Cookies are how Google remembers your language choice. Check your browser settings to see if cookies are being deleted when you close the browser.

If you are signed into a Google Account and changed your account language but Google Search still shows a different language, try signing out and back in. Sometimes the change needs a fresh login to take effect across all services.

If you are using a work or school Google Account, your administrator may have locked the language setting. Contact your IT department or account administrator if you cannot change the language, even after following these steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my Google language change my entire computer language?

No. Changing your Google Search language or Google Account language affects only Google services. Your computer, phone, or browser language stays the same unless you change it separately in your device settings. Google language and device language are independent.

Will my language choice follow me to other computers?

If you change your Google Account language, yes — it follows you to any device where you sign in. If you only changed your Google Search language on one browser, it stays on that browser and device only, because it is saved in your browser cookies.

Can I use Google Search in one language while my account is in another?

Yes. You can type your search in any language, and Google shows results in that language. Your account language controls the interface (buttons and menus), not the language of your searches or results.

What if Google does not have my language?

Google Search supports over 100 languages. If your language is not listed, you can try a related language or dialect. You can also search in English and use your browser's built-in translation tool to translate results into your language.

Does changing my language affect my search history?

No. Your search history is not affected by language changes. Changing the language only changes how Google's interface looks and what language Google sends you notifications in. Your saved searches and activity remain the same.