Change Android Language Japanese To English A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you struggling with your Android device displaying everything in Japanese and you'd prefer English? Don't worry, it's a common issue and easily fixable! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of changing the language settings on your Android device from Japanese to English. Whether you accidentally switched the language or simply purchased a device set to Japanese by default, this article will provide you with clear instructions and helpful tips to get your phone or tablet back to your preferred language.

Understanding Android Language Settings

Before diving into the instructions, it's helpful to understand how Android handles language settings. Android uses a system-wide language setting, meaning that changing the language in your device settings will affect the language displayed in most apps, menus, and system notifications. This makes it a central control point for your overall user experience. Additionally, some apps may have their own independent language settings, allowing you to use different languages for different applications. However, the system-wide setting is usually the primary determinant.

Navigating the language settings can be tricky if you can't read the current language. This guide will provide visual cues and step-by-step instructions to help you navigate even if everything is displayed in Japanese. We'll focus on the most common Android interfaces, but keep in mind that some slight variations may exist depending on your device manufacturer and Android version.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Language

Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to change your Android device's language from Japanese to English:

Step 1: Accessing the Settings Menu

The first step is to access the Settings menu. This is usually represented by a gear or cogwheel icon. You can find this icon on your home screen, in your app drawer (the screen that lists all your installed apps), or by swiping down from the top of your screen to access the notification shade and then tapping the settings icon.

If you're having trouble finding the icon because it's labeled in Japanese, look for the visual cue – the gear or cogwheel. Once you've located it, tap the icon to open the Settings menu.

Step 2: Finding the Language Settings

Once you're in the Settings menu, you need to find the language settings. This can be a little tricky since the labels are in Japanese. Look for an icon that resembles a globe or the letter "A". This is the general indicator for language-related settings.

If you're unsure, you can also try scrolling through the list of settings options. The language settings are often listed under categories like "General Management," "System," or simply "Language & Input." The specific wording may vary slightly depending on your Android version and manufacturer, but the globe or "A" icon is a consistent visual cue.

Tap on the option that you believe corresponds to the language settings.

Step 3: Selecting "Languages"

Within the language settings menu, you'll likely see a few different options. Look for an option that says "言語" (Gengo) – this is the Japanese word for "Languages." It might also be represented by the globe icon again.

Tap on this "言語" option to proceed to the language selection screen.

Step 4: Adding English to the Language List

On the language selection screen, you'll see a list of currently installed languages. If English is already in the list, you can simply tap and drag it to the top of the list to make it the primary language (we'll cover this in the next step). However, if English is not in the list, you'll need to add it.

Look for a button that says "言語を追加" (Gengo o Tsuika) – this means "Add language" in Japanese. It's often located at the bottom of the screen or in the top right corner. Tap this button.

Step 5: Choosing English

A list of available languages will appear. Scroll through the list until you find "English." There may be different variations of English listed, such as "English (United States)," "English (United Kingdom)," etc. Choose the version that best suits your preferences. Tapping on your desired version of English will add it to the language list.

Step 6: Setting English as the Primary Language

Now that English is in your language list, you need to set it as the primary language. This will tell your Android device to display everything in English.

In most Android versions, you can do this by tapping and dragging the "English" option to the top of the list. The language at the top of the list is the primary language. Once you've dragged English to the top, your device should immediately switch to English.

In some cases, you may need to tap and hold the "English" option and then drag it to the top. Alternatively, there might be a menu option (represented by three dots or a settings icon) that allows you to set the language order.

Step 7: Verifying the Language Change

Once you've set English as the primary language, your device should immediately start displaying everything in English. Navigate back to your home screen or open some apps to verify that the language change has been successful.

If some apps are still displaying in Japanese, they may have their own independent language settings. You'll need to check the settings within those specific apps to change their language.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the steps above should work for most Android devices, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

• Can't find the Settings icon: If you can't find the Settings icon, try swiping down from the top of your screen to access the notification shade. The Settings icon is often located in the top right corner of the notification shade.
• Can't find the Language settings: If you're having trouble finding the language settings, try searching for "language" in the Settings menu. Most Android devices have a search bar at the top of the Settings menu that you can use to quickly find specific settings.
• English is already in the list but not working: If English is already in the language list but your device is still displaying Japanese, make sure that English is at the very top of the list. The language at the top of the list is the primary language.
• Some apps are still in Japanese: As mentioned earlier, some apps have their own independent language settings. You'll need to check the settings within those specific apps to change their language. Look for language options within the app's settings menu.
• Accidentally changed the language to something else: If you accidentally changed the language to something other than English, you can follow the same steps outlined in this guide, using visual cues (the globe or "A" icon) to navigate the menus.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Restart your device: After changing the language settings, it's a good idea to restart your device. This can help ensure that the changes are fully applied and that all apps are displaying in the correct language.
• Check app-specific language settings: As we've mentioned, some apps have their own language settings. If you're using an app that's still displaying in Japanese, check the app's settings menu for language options.
• Use a translation app: If you're struggling to navigate the menus because you can't read Japanese, you can use a translation app like Google Translate to help you. Google Translate has a feature that allows you to translate text in real-time using your phone's camera.
• Consider a factory reset (as a last resort): If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps and you're still unable to change the language, you can consider performing a factory reset on your device. A factory reset will erase all data on your device and restore it to its original factory settings. Make sure to back up your important data before performing a factory reset. This should definitely revert the language to its default, but it's a drastic measure to be used only when all else fails.

Conclusion

Changing the language on your Android device from Japanese to English is a straightforward process, and by following these steps, you should be able to get your device back to your preferred language in no time. Remember to use the visual cues provided, and don't hesitate to troubleshoot if you encounter any issues. With a little patience, you'll be navigating your Android device in English again! This detailed guide should help even if you're completely unfamiliar with Japanese, allowing you to confidently change your device's language settings and regain control over your Android experience. This process not only improves usability but also enhances your overall satisfaction with your device. Don't let a language barrier hinder your mobile experience; follow these instructions, and enjoy your Android device in English today!