Change Minecraft's language from the main menu or settings

Minecraft lets you switch languages without restarting the game or changing your system settings. Open Minecraft and go to the main menu. Click Options, then Language. A dropdown menu shows every language the game supports — select the one you want, and the text changes when ready. Close the options screen and you are done.

If you are in a world or game already, pause the game by pressing Escape (on Java Edition) or the menu button on your controller (on Bedrock Edition). Navigate to Settings, then Language, and pick your language the same way. The change takes effect right away without closing the game.

Minecraft supports over 100 languages, including regional variants like Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. The full list appears in the dropdown, so you can see exactly what is available before you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Language settings are in the Options or Settings menu, under a Language tab that shows a dropdown list of all supported languages.
  • You can change the language while playing a world or from the main menu, and the change takes effect when ready without restarting.
  • Minecraft supports over 100 languages, including regional variants for languages spoken in multiple countries.
  • Changing Minecraft's language does not change your Windows or Mac system language — only the game itself switches.

Java Edition versus Bedrock Edition

Java Edition and Bedrock Edition have the same language menu in the same place, but the path to get there differs slightly. In Java Edition, click Options from the main menu, then look for the Language button — it often shows a flag icon. In Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, Windows 11, and consoles), click Settings instead, then scroll down to find Language.

Both versions let you change the language mid-game without losing progress. The language you choose stays selected until you change it again, even if you close and reopen Minecraft.

What happens to your worlds and saves

Changing the language does not affect your worlds, inventory, or progress. All your saves stay exactly as they were. The only thing that changes is the text you see on screen — menu buttons, item names, chat messages, and tooltips all switch to your chosen language.

If you play on a multiplayer server or realm, other players see the chat messages you send in your language, but they see their own menus in their own language. The language setting is personal to your account and does not affect what other people see.

If your language is not in the list

Minecraft's language list is fixed to the languages the developers have translated the game into. If your language does not appear, you have a few options. You can check the Minecraft launcher to see if a language pack is available for read — some languages are optional add-ons rather than built-in. If it is still not there, the game may not have a translation for that language yet.

Some players use third-party mods or resource packs to add or change languages, but these are not official and may not work with every version of Minecraft. The safest approach is to pick the closest language available — for example, if your regional variant is not listed, the main language often is.

Changing language on different devices

The language menu works the same way on Windows, Mac, and Linux for Java Edition. On Bedrock Edition, the path is the same on Windows 10 and Windows 11, but on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, you access it through the pause menu and then Settings. Mobile versions (Pocket Edition on iOS and Android) also have a language setting in the main menu under Settings.

No matter which device you play on, the language you choose applies only to that copy of the game. If you play Minecraft on your phone and your computer, each one has its own language setting.

Reverting to English or another language

If you accidentally choose a language you do not read, you can switch back when ready. Go to the same menu — Options or Settings, then Language — and pick a different one. You do not need to restart the game or do anything else. If you cannot read the menu labels, look for the flag icons or scroll through the list until you find the language you want.

The language menu itself is always in English at the top, so you can navigate it even if the rest of the game is in another language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing Minecraft's language change my Windows or Mac language?

No. Minecraft's language setting is separate from your system language. Changing it in the game affects only Minecraft, not your computer's menus, settings, or other programs.

Can I play with friends if we use different languages?

Yes. Each player can set their own language independently. You will see menus and item names in your language, and your friends will see theirs. Chat messages appear in the language the sender typed them in.

What if I change my language mid-game and lose my place?

Changing the language does not affect your world or progress. You stay in the same location with the same inventory. Only the text on screen changes.

Is there a way to add a language that is not in the list?

Official languages are set by Mojang Studios and cannot be added through the normal menu. Some players use community-made mods or resource packs, but these are unofficial and may not work with all versions.