Change iPhone Language to English: Step-by-Step Guide

This changes the language used for many iPhone menus, alerts and built-in apps. It does not automatically change the language of every third-party app, website or keyboard. You’ll need access to Settings; if the current language is unfamiliar, use the visual landmarks below. Menu names and paths can differ slightly by iOS version.

What You’ll Need

Your iPhone, unlocked so you can open Settings.
A moment to confirm the language change. Keeping the phone charged or connected to power is sensible if its battery is low.

Step-by-Step

Open Settings. Find the gray gear icon on the Home Screen or in the App Library and tap it. If you cannot read the current labels, look for the gear icon. You can also swipe down on the Home Screen to open Search and search for Settings, though the search language may follow your current iPhone language.
Open General. In Settings, scroll down and tap General. On many iOS versions, it appears beside a gray gear icon in the main list. The exact position can vary as settings are added or rearranged.
Choose Language & Region. Scroll within General and tap Language & Region. If you have difficulty identifying it, look for a section mentioning language or region, often with a globe-style icon. Menu labels and placement may differ slightly by version.
Add English. Tap Add Language or the control for adding a language, then select English. If a list of countries or regional varieties appears, choose the one you want, such as English (United States), English (United Kingdom) or another available option. These choices can affect spelling, date formats and other regional conventions.
Make English the iPhone language. When prompted, choose the option to use English as the primary iPhone language. If the prompt offers choices such as keeping the current language or switching to English, select the switch option. The iPhone may briefly apply the change and return you to the Home Screen.
Check the result. Open Settings again and confirm the menus are now in English. If they are not, return to General > Language & Region and check that English is at the top of the preferred language list or is selected as the iPhone language. The path can vary slightly by iOS version.

Common Mistakes

Adding English without selecting it. Simply adding English to the language list may not change the whole iPhone interface. Follow the prompt to use English, or make it the primary language in Language & Region.
Changing the region instead of the language. Region controls formats and regional conventions; it does not, by itself, translate iPhone menus. Choose English as the language. Set the region separately only if you want its formats to match a particular place.
Expecting every app to change. Some apps use a language setting of their own or do not offer English. Check that app’s settings if its interface remains in another language.
Choosing the wrong English variety. English is offered with regional options. Pick the variety that best matches your preference; changing it is not required to use English.
Confusing the keyboard with the system language. A keyboard controls the languages available while typing. Changing or adding an English keyboard does not necessarily change menus, alerts or app interfaces.

Tips

Use the language list to manage preferences. You can add more languages and arrange preferred languages if you use more than one. iOS may use the next language in the list when an app does not support the first one.
Keep the region that suits you. You can use English with a region that matches where you live or the formats you prefer. Language and region are related settings, but they serve different purposes.
Check typing separately. If you want to type in English, open Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and add an English keyboard if needed. The menu path may differ slightly by iOS version.
Remember the original language. If you are navigating an unfamiliar interface, note the current language or use the gear and globe-style icons as landmarks. You can select another language later from Language & Region.

Troubleshooting

English is not in the list: In Language & Region, use the add-language control and scroll or search the available language list for English. Make sure you select a language entry, not just a region.

The iPhone still displays another language: Reopen Language & Region and verify that English is selected as the iPhone’s primary language, not merely listed as an additional preference. If a confirmation prompt appeared, check that you chose the option to switch to English.

Only one app remains in another language: The app may have its own language preference or may not support English. Look in the app’s settings; if there is no language choice, the app may follow its own available-language rules.

Settings labels are hard to recognize: Use the Settings gear icon, then look for General and the language or globe-related entry. If your iOS version presents different labels or organization, use Settings search for “Language” if available, or consult Apple Support for instructions for your version.

The phone asks you to confirm a choice: Read the options carefully and choose the one that makes English the primary iPhone language. Do not select an option that only keeps English in the list if your goal is to translate the system interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my iPhone language delete anything?

No. Changing the system language changes the interface language; it is not a reset and should not remove your photos, messages or apps.

Will this change the language of Siri?

Not necessarily. Siri’s language is managed separately in Siri settings. Check the Siri options in Settings if you want its spoken language to be English; menu paths may differ slightly by iOS version.

Does changing the iPhone language change the App Store country?

No. The system language and the country or region associated with an Apple Account are separate. Changing the language does not by itself change your account’s store country.

Can I switch back later?

Yes. Return to Settings > General > Language & Region and select your preferred language. The menu path may differ slightly by iOS version.

Why is an app still in another language?

Some apps have their own language setting, support only certain languages, or do not follow the iPhone’s system language. Check the app’s settings or available language options.

Sources: Apple Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.