Changing the language settings on a Mac allows you to customize both the system interface and keyboard input to your preferred language. This process involves accessing the Language & Region settings in System Settings (or System Preferences in older macOS versions) and adjusting the order of preferred languages. The changes apply to the macOS user interface, built-in apps, and formatting for dates, times, and numbers. For keyboard input, you can add multiple languages and switch between them using shortcuts or the on-screen globe icon.

Key steps and features include:

• Accessing Language & Region via Apple menu > System Settings > General ^[1]
• Adding or rearranging preferred languages, with the top language becoming the primary system language ^[1][3][5]
• Restarting the Mac to apply changes fully ^[3][5]
• Customizing keyboard input sources in System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources ^[4][9]

Changing Mac Language Settings

System Language and Region Settings

To change the primary language of your Mac’s user interface, start by opening System Settings (or System Preferences in macOS Monterey and earlier). This section covers how to set your preferred language for the operating system, apps, and regional formatting.

The process begins with navigating to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Language & Region ^[1]. Here, you can add languages, rearrange their priority, and customize regional formats. The top language in the Preferred Languages list determines the language used across macOS and supported apps. If your desired language isn’t listed, you can add it by clicking the + (Add) button and selecting from the available options ^[1][7]. After adding a language, drag it to the top of the list to set it as the primary language. Changes may require a restart or logging out and back in to take full effect ^[3][5][8].

Key actions in this section include:

• Adding a new language by clicking + (Add) and selecting from the list ^[1]
• Reordering languages by dragging them in the Preferred Languages list, with the top language becoming the default ^[1][7]
• Customizing regional formats (e.g., date, time, currency) under the Region section ^[1]
• Applying language settings to the login window by enabling the option "Use language and region for the login window" ^[1]

For users who purchased a Mac in a non-English-speaking country, macOS allows switching the system language without reinstalling the OS. The language packs are pre-installed, so no additional downloads are required unless you need offline translation features ^[7].

Keyboard Input Language Settings

Changing the keyboard input language is separate from adjusting the system language. This allows you to type in different languages without altering the macOS interface language. To manage input sources, navigate to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources (or System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources in older macOS versions) ^[4][9].

Start by clicking the + (Add) button to add a new input language. You can select from a wide range of languages, including variants like U.S. English, British English, or Spanish (Latin America) ^[4][9]. Once added, the languages appear in the menu bar, and you can switch between them using the globe icon (bottom-left of the keyboard on MacBooks) or a keyboard shortcut ^[4][6]. The default shortcut is Command-Space or Option-Command-Space, but this can be customized in Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Input Sources ^[9].

Key features of keyboard input language settings:

• Adding input languages via System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources > + (Add) ^[4][9]
• Switching between languages using the globe key or a customizable shortcut ^[4][6][9]
• Reordering input sources by dragging them in the Input Sources list, which affects the default language when switching ^[6]
• Enabling or disabling the input menu in the menu bar for quick access ^[9]

For users who frequently switch between languages, macOS offers a quick tap to toggle between the last two used languages or a long press to display all available input sources ^[6]. This flexibility is particularly useful for multilingual users who need to type in multiple languages without changing system-wide settings.