Change WhatsApp language It can be useful for many reasons. Whether you prefer to communicate in another language, share a device with someone who speaks a different language, or simply want to practice new vocabulary in your daily life, knowing how to change the display language in WhatsApp will help you further personalize your experience using the world's most popular messaging app.
However, this setting isn't always as straightforward as you might expect. It largely depends on your operating system, WhatsApp version, and regional settings. We'll explain below. step by step and with all the details How to change the WhatsApp language on Android, iOS, WhatsApp Web, and other systems like KaiOS. We also cover how to change the keyboard language, tips for avoiding common errors, and alternatives if your system doesn't allow native language switching.
Is it possible to change the WhatsApp language? Limitations and considerations
Although many users expect to find an internal option in WhatsApp to change the interface language, This function depends especially on the operating systemTraditionally, WhatsApp configured its language based on the system language, thus synchronizing the app's menus and buttons with the rest of the device.
Important: WhatsApp has implemented the option to change the language from within the app on some recent Android devices, although this is still not available in many regions and versions, requiring a system-level language change for the app to adopt the new language.
The ability to change the language from WhatsApp is more common in regions where several official languages coexist, as is the case in some Asian countries, but in Spain, most of Latin America and the United States, you can only change the language. changing the language of your phone or tablet.
Also, it is important to note that This limitation also affects WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop: The interface adopts the language of the linked mobile phone or operating system. Below, we'll see how to apply these changes correctly depending on the device.
How to change the language of WhatsApp on Android
On most Android devices, changing the WhatsApp language requires changing the system language settings. With recent versions of Android (starting with Android 13), an additional option has been added to change the language specific to each app, including WhatsApp and other supported apps.
Change WhatsApp language by changing the system language (all Androids)
- Access the Settings of your device.
- Look for the section System or directly Language and input (name may vary depending on manufacturer and customization layer).
- En Language and region choose Languages.
- Add the desired language using the option Add a language.
- Drag the selected language (usually using a three-line icon or similar) to the first position to make it the primary system language.
- The WhatsApp interface (and all compatible apps) will automatically switch to the newly selected language.
Tip: There's no need to restart your device; the switch is instantaneous. Avoid choosing languages with unfamiliar alphabets or characters, as you may have difficulty switching back if you don't remember the corresponding process.
Change only the WhatsApp language (Android 13 or higher)
- Opens WhatsApp and tap on the three dots icon (options menu).
- Choose Settings and look for the option App language.
- Choose the desired language from the list and confirm.
- WhatsApp will display its interface in the selected language, regardless of the general system language.
Not all Android 13 devices have this feature enabled, as it depends on the version of WhatsApp and the manufacturer's custom layer.
What happens if you change the language to one you don't know?
If you select an unfamiliar language and don't know how to go back, you can search for video tutorials for your device model or perform a factory reset. Remember that Restoring the device deletes all unsynced data, so always make a backup first.
Additional Notes on Android
- Some manufacturers, such as Samsung or Xiaomi, may locate the language option in different areas of the settings.
- If you have multiple user accounts on the device, changing the language affects only the current user.
- The option to change only the WhatsApp language is also available on some devices with custom skins, although the access path may vary.
How to change the language of WhatsApp on iPhone and iOS
On iOS devices (iPhone and iPad), WhatsApp uses the primary system language, so there is no in-app option to change the language only on WhatsApp (at least in most regions at the time of writing this guide).
- Open the application Settings from the iPhone or iPad.
- Choose General admission.
- Go to Language and region.
- Press on IPhone language o IPad language (depending on the device).
- Choose the new language from the list and confirm by tapping on Switch to .
- The device will reboot briefly (log out and apply the language change).
Once the process is complete, WhatsApp will display the interface in the selected language, just like the rest of iOS apps and menus.
Bonus Tip: Add Additional Languages and Keyboards to iOS
- En Settings > General > Keyboard, enter the option Keyboards.
- Choose Add new keyboard and choose the language you want.
- While using WhatsApp, switch between keyboards using the globe icon while typing messages.
This way, you can write on WhatsApp in different languages without having to change the system's general language settings.
How to change the WhatsApp language on KaiOS devices
Phones with Kaios (like the Nokia 8110 or similar) also allow you to use WhatsApp and, in many cases, You can change the language of the application from WhatsApp itself.:
- Opens WhatsApp and access Settings.
- Choose Language.
- Choose your preferred language from the list and confirm.
If you can't find the language option in WhatsApp for KaiOS, change the language in the general settings of the device, which will affect WhatsApp and other features.
How to change the language of WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop
WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop depend on the language set on the linked mobile phone.Therefore, to change the language of WhatsApp Web, you must change the language on your mobile device and then update the web or desktop program.
Basic steps for WhatsApp Web
- Change the language in your mobile settings.
- Reload the WhatsApp Web page in your browser.
- If it doesn't change, log out and log back in to WhatsApp Web.
Note: Android 13 lets you change the WhatsApp language individually., so WhatsApp Web will display in that specific language if it is different from the general system language.
Change the language of WhatsApp Web from iPhone
- Sign in Settings > General > Language and region and select your preferred language.
- Reload the WhatsApp Web page to see the changes reflected.
Change the keyboard language in WhatsApp
The menu language and keyboard language in WhatsApp are independent. To write messages in another language, you must ensure the keyboard is set to the correct language, which you can configure through the keyboard app you use (Gboard, SwiftKey, the iOS keyboard, etc.).
Steps to change the keyboard language on Android
- Open any chat in WhatsApp and tap on the text field.
- Tap the globe or keyboard icon to switch between installed languages.
- If the language you need is not listed, go to How to change the keyboard in WhatsApp and add new languages to the keyboard from there.
On iOS
- When the keyboard is visible, press and hold the globe icon and select the desired language.
- To add new languages, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Add New Keyboard and choose the language to install.
This way, you can write messages in multiple languages without changing the language of the WhatsApp interface.
Things to keep in mind when changing the WhatsApp language
- Changing the language affects the entire interface.: Menus, notifications and push messages will adopt the new language.
- Conversations and sent messages do not change language, since they depend on what you write.
- In some languages, certain emojis, icons, or features may vary or be limited.
- The keyboard settings are independent and must be adjusted separately.
Risks and warnings: WhatsApp clones and third-party apps
Some users resort to unofficial versions of WhatsApp to access additional customization options, such as changing the interface language without affecting the rest of the system. However, these apps (clones or MODs) pose a real risk of banning or suspending your account, as well as posing a threat to your privacy and data.
WhatsApp itself can detect the use of third-party apps and temporarily or permanently suspend your account. It's recommended not to resort to these methods if you value the security and continuity of your WhatsApp number.
Alternatives: Telegram and other messaging apps with independent language switching
Telegram It is one of the few messaging applications that allows you to change the interface language completely independently of the system languageThis makes it an interesting alternative if you need to converse or move between languages frequently.
- Open Telegram and go to Settings.
- Choose Language.
- Select the language for the interface and menus. The change is immediate; you don't need to restart the app.
This flexibility makes Telegram more convenient and versatile for people who use multiple languages on a daily basis.
Frequently asked questions about changing the language on WhatsApp
- Can I use WhatsApp in a language other than the system language?
On recent versions of Android (Android 13 and later) and some KaiOS systems, yes. Otherwise, you'll need to change the system language. - Does changing the language affect my chats or history?
No. Messages already sent or received remain the same, only the interface changes. - Can I install more languages on my device?
Yes, you can add all available languages from the system settings. - How do I change the autocorrect or dictionary?
Adjust the keyboard language from your keyboard settings so you'll have autocorrect, suggestions, and emojis that match your chosen language. - What do I do if WhatsApp appears in a language I don't understand?
Use visual tutorials for your device model or ask someone who knows the language to help you return to your usual language. - Can you change the language on WhatsApp Web without touching your phone?
No, you must first change the language on your mobile device for it to be reflected in WhatsApp Web.
Changing the WhatsApp language on any device is a simple process if you follow the proper steps. Whether for personal, professional, or learning a new language, mastering these options guarantees a personalized and much more comfortable experience in your daily use of the app.
