Changing Language & Region Settings on Mac

Your Mac can be customized to match the language, region, date format, time format, number format, and measurement system you use every day. If you recently purchased a Mac in another country, switched to a different language, or simply want dates and numbers to appear in a familiar format, you can change these settings from System Settings.

The process is fairly simple, even if you are using a Mac for the first time. However, some options can be confusing because language and region settings are located together and can affect different parts of macOS.

In this guide, you will learn how to change the language and region on Mac, add another language, change the preferred language order, adjust date and number formats, and understand what happens after you make these changes.

Let’s go into depth!

Changing Language & Region Settings on Mac [Complete Guide]

macOS lets you separately control your preferred language and region. The language determines how macOS and supported apps display text, while the region controls formats such as dates, numbers, currency, and measurements.

For example, you can keep macOS in English while selecting a different region so that dates, currency, and measurements follow that location’s conventions. You can also add multiple languages and arrange them according to your preference.

The exact appearance of the settings can vary slightly depending on your macOS version, but the overall process is similar.

Step 1: Open System Settings on Your Mac

Start by opening System Settings, which is where Apple places most of the options used to customize your Mac.

Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen. From the menu that appears, select System Settings. A new window will open with different categories arranged in a sidebar.

If you are using an older version of macOS, you may see an option called System Preferences instead. The location and names of some settings can be different in older versions, but you are looking for the language and region controls.

Take a moment to look through the sidebar rather than changing unrelated settings. This helps you avoid accidentally modifying another part of your Mac.

Step 2: Open Language & Region Settings

Once System Settings is open, scroll through the sidebar and select General. You will see several general customization options on the right side of the window.

Click Language & Region. This page contains the controls you need to change the language used by macOS and the regional formats used on your Mac.

You should now see sections related to Preferred Languages, Region, Calendar, Temperature, Measurement system, and other regional preferences.

If you are completely new to Mac, do not worry if the page looks unfamiliar. You do not need to change everything here. You can modify only the settings you actually want to change.

Step 3: Change the Region

To change your Mac’s region, find the Region option on the Language & Region page.

Click the current region to open the available choices. Search for or select the region you want to use.

Changing the region can affect how macOS displays information such as dates, times, numbers, currency, and measurements. For example, different regions can use different date orders and decimal separators.

If your primary goal is simply to make your Mac follow the formatting conventions of the place where you live, changing Region may be all you need to do.

After selecting a new region, macOS may automatically adjust some related formatting options. Review the page afterward to make sure everything looks the way you expect.

Step 4: Add a New Language

If you want to use another language on your Mac, go to the Preferred Languages section.

Click the Add Language button. A list of available languages will appear. You can search for the language you want instead of manually scrolling through the entire list.

Select your preferred language and click Add.

macOS may ask whether you want to use the newly added language as your primary language. If you select that option, macOS may change the language used for supported system menus, buttons, and other interface elements.

If you are only experimenting with another language, you can add it without making it your primary language.

Step 5: Change the Preferred Language

Adding a language does not necessarily mean that macOS will immediately use it everywhere. The order of your Preferred Languages is important.

Your preferred language list tells macOS which language to use first when an app or system feature supports more than one of your selected languages.

To change the order, return to Preferred Languages and move the language you want to prioritize to the top of the list. Depending on your macOS version, you may be able to drag the language into the desired position.

For example, if English is at the top and Spanish is below it, macOS will generally prioritize English where both languages are supported.

This feature is particularly useful if you regularly use multiple languages and want different apps to select an appropriate language automatically.

Step 6: Adjust Date, Number, and Measurement Formats

Changing the region can automatically change several formatting options, but you can also review them manually.

On the Language & Region page, look for settings related to date format, number format, calendar, temperature, and measurement system.

For example, you can choose whether temperature is displayed in Celsius or Fahrenheit and select the measurement system that makes the most sense for you.

These settings can make everyday information easier to understand. If dates or numbers suddenly appear differently after changing your region, this is the section you should check.

You do not have to change every available option. Keep the defaults if they already match your preferences.

Step 7: Change the Keyboard Language Separately if Needed

One important detail is that changing your Mac’s language does not necessarily change your keyboard input language.

If you want to type using another language or keyboard layout, you may need to configure an Input Source separately.

Open System Settings, select Keyboard, and look for the Text Input or input source settings available in your macOS version. From there, you can add another keyboard layout or input method.

This is useful when you want to type characters or symbols that are not available on your current keyboard layout.

You can switch between available input sources using the input menu or the appropriate keyboard shortcut shown in your Mac’s settings.

Step 8: Check the Changes After Restarting or Reopening Apps

After changing your language settings, some applications may not immediately update. Certain system elements or apps may need to be closed and reopened before the new language becomes visible.

If macOS asks you to restart or log out, follow the instructions. Save your work first so you do not lose anything.

After signing back in, check common areas such as System Settings, menus, buttons, and supported applications to confirm that the language and regional settings are working correctly.

If only one particular application continues displaying the previous language, that app may have its own language preference.

FAQs

Can I change the language on my Mac without changing the region?

Yes. Language and Region are separate settings. You can select one language while using a different region for date, number, currency, and measurement formats.

Will changing the region delete my files?

No. Changing your Region does not normally delete your personal files, applications, photos, or documents. It changes how macOS presents regional information.

Can I add multiple languages to my Mac?

Yes. You can add multiple languages under Preferred Languages and arrange them according to your preference.

Why did my date format change after changing the region?

The region controls regional formatting, including how dates and numbers are normally displayed. Selecting another region can therefore change the date format automatically.

Does changing the Mac language change the keyboard layout?

Not necessarily. Your keyboard input source is managed separately, so you may need to add or change an input source if you want to type in another language.

Can I change back to my previous language?

Yes. Return to System Settings > General > Language & Region and move your previous language back to the top of the preferred language list or select it as your primary language.

Summary

Changing the Language & Region settings on Mac is a straightforward way to personalize how macOS displays text, dates, numbers, currency, temperatures, and measurements. Start by opening System Settings, go to General > Language & Region, and then adjust the Region or Preferred Languages according to your needs.

You can also add multiple languages, change their priority, customize regional formats, and configure keyboard input sources separately. 

If you are new to macOS, make changes one at a time and check the results after each adjustment. 

This makes it much easier to understand what each setting does and return to your previous configuration if necessary.