How to change the language on your Mac

Your Mac is a powerful machine, and one of its most versatile features is its ability to adapt to different languages. Whether you’re multilingual, learning a new language, or simply prefer to use your Mac in a different tongue, changing the language is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the steps, ensuring you can easily switch your Mac’s interface to your preferred language.   

Accessing System Preferences to change Mac language

The first step to changing your Mac’s language is to access System Preferences. You can do this by clicking on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and then selecting “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can find System Preferences in your Dock. Once the System Preferences window is open, look for the “Language & Region” icon, which usually resembles a globe. Click on this icon to proceed.  

Selecting your preferred language

Within the “Language & Region” pane, you’ll see a list of languages. This is where you can choose the language you want to use on your MacBook. The languages are usually listed alphabetically. If you don’t see your desired language immediately, you can click the “+” button below the list to add more languages. A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to browse and select from a wider range of options. Once you’ve found the language you want, select it and click “Add”.

Arranging language preferences

After adding a language, you can prioritise the order in which languages are used. The list of languages in the “Language & Region” pane represents your language preferences. Your MacBook will use the top language on the list as its primary language.

If an app or website doesn’t support the top language, it will then default to the next language on the list, and so on. To change the order, simply click and drag a language to your desired position in the list. This is particularly useful if you’re multilingual and want to prioritise certain languages for specific applications.

Setting region and calendar preferences

In addition to language, the “Language & Region” pane also allows you to set your region and calendar preferences. These settings affect things like date and time formats, currency symbols, and the first day of the week. Setting the correct region ensures that your Mac displays information in a format that is familiar to you. You can select your region from a drop-down menu. Similarly, you can choose your preferred calendar from the available options.   

Restarting your Mac for the changes to take effect

After you’ve selected your language preferences and made any necessary changes to your region and calendar settings, you’ll need to restart your Mac for the changes to take effect.

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Then, a pop-up window will usually appear, prompting you to restart. Click “Restart Now” to proceed. Once your Mac has restarted, you’ll notice that the interface, including menus, dialog boxes, and other text, will be displayed in your chosen language.   

Troubleshooting and further assistance

In most cases, changing your Mac’s language is a smooth and straightforward process. However, if you encounter any difficulties, Apple provides comprehensive support documentation on their website. You can also search online forums for solutions to specific problems. If you’re still unable to change your Mac’s language, consider contacting Apple Support directly for assistance.

Changing the language on your Mac is a simple yet powerful way to customise your computing experience. By following these steps, you can easily adapt your Mac to your preferred language and make it truly your own. Remember, you can always change mac language back at any time by repeating these steps.