How to change keyboard language on iPhone

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To change the keyboard language on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards, then select 'Add New Keyboard' and choose your desired language. You can switch between keyboards while typing by tapping the globe icon on the keyboard.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before changing the keyboard language on your iPhone, ensure you have the following:
  • •An iPhone running iOS 10 or later.
  • •Access to the device's Settings app.
  • •No restrictions set on keyboard settings (check under Screen Time if applicable).
  • •Sufficient storage space to download additional language packs if needed.

Method 1: Changing Keyboard Language via Settings

This is the primary method for changing the keyboard language on your iPhone. Use this method when you want to add a new language or switch between existing languages.
  • •Step 1: Open the Settings app by tapping the gear icon on your home screen.
  • •Step 2: Scroll down and tap on 'General'.
  • •Step 3: Tap on 'Keyboard'.
  • •Step 4: Tap on 'Keyboards'. You will see a list of currently enabled keyboards.
  • •Step 5: Tap 'Add New Keyboard...'.
  • •Step 6: Scroll through the list and select the desired language. Tap on it to add.
  • •Step 7: To switch between keyboards while typing, tap the globe icon 🌐 on the keyboard until you reach the desired language.
  • •Step 8: To verify it worked, open any app that allows typing (e.g., Notes) and check if the keyboard changes when you tap the globe icon.
  • •Step 9: If it doesn't work, ensure the selected keyboard is enabled in the Keyboards list.

For iOS 15 and later

In iOS 15 and later, the process remains largely the same, but you may find additional language options or features.
  • •Step 1: Follow the same steps as above.
  • •Step 2: You may also find options for 'Predictive' text and 'Enable Keyboards' for specific languages.

For iOS 14 and earlier

The steps are similar, but some language options may not be available.
  • •Step 1: Follow the same steps as above.
  • •Step 2: If you don't see your desired language, check for iOS updates in Settings > General > Software Update.

Method 2: Changing Keyboard Language via Quick Access

This method is useful for quickly switching between languages without going through the Settings app.
  • •Step 1: While typing in any app, locate the globe icon 🌐 on your keyboard.
  • •Step 2: Tap the globe icon to cycle through the available keyboards.
  • •Step 3: The keyboard will change to the selected language. You can verify this by checking the layout or autocorrect suggestions.
  • •Step 4: If the globe icon does not appear, ensure multiple keyboards are enabled in Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while changing the keyboard language, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Keyboard not available' - Solution: Ensure the language is supported by your iOS version and is downloaded correctly.
  • •Issue: 'Globe icon not appearing' - Fix: Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and ensure multiple keyboards are enabled.
  • •Problem: 'Language not switching' - Workaround: Restart your iPhone and try again. If the issue persists, reset keyboard settings under Settings > General > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your typing experience with these advanced tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Double-tap the globe icon 🌐 - Quickly switch to the last used keyboard.
  • •Hidden feature: Enable 'Text Replacement' under Settings > General > Keyboard to create shortcuts for frequently used phrases in different languages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

To maximize your typing efficiency, regularly update your iPhone and explore different keyboard settings.