Quick Answer
Go to Settings > Advanced > Languages and inputs > Languages to add a new display or typing language, and Inputs to add a keyboard layout like a different physical layout or an on-screen input method for typing in another script. Once added, switch between active input methods instantly from the shelf using the input method icon or a keyboard shortcut.
Understanding Language vs Input Settings
ChromeOS separates “language” (what language menus, spell-check, and translation use) from “input methods” (how you physically type — layout, script, or on-screen keyboard). You can have your Chromebook’s interface in English while adding a French or Japanese input method for typing in another language, without changing the whole system language. Understanding this split avoids confusion when the option you want isn’t where you expected it.
Fix Steps
Step 1: Add a new display language
Go to Settings > Advanced > Languages and inputs > Languages, click “Add languages,” and select from the list. This affects menus, spell-check, and Google Translate suggestions when browsing in that language.
Step 2: Add an input method for typing
In the same section, click “Inputs” and then “Add input methods” to add a keyboard layout or script-specific input method — this is what you need to actually type in another language, separate from just adding it as a display language.
Step 3: Switch between input methods
Once you have more than one input method added, click the input method icon in the shelf (or press the designated switch shortcut) to cycle between them without going back into Settings each time.
Step 4: Set a default and reorder your input list
Drag input methods into your preferred order in the Inputs settings page — the top one becomes your default at startup, with others available via the quick switcher.
Step 5: Remove unused languages or inputs
Clean up the Languages and Inputs lists periodically by removing entries you added but don’t actually use, which keeps the quick-switch menu shorter and easier to navigate.
Still Not Working?
If a specific input method behaves oddly (wrong characters, missing keys), try removing and re-adding it — some third-party or less common input methods occasionally need a fresh setup after a ChromeOS update. If keys are physically unresponsive rather than typing the wrong character, that’s a hardware issue — see Chromebook keyboard not working instead.
FAQ
Will changing the display language affect apps I’ve already installed?
Most apps follow the system language automatically once you switch it, though some Android apps manage their own language setting separately inside the app itself.
Can I use a physical keyboard with a different layout than my input method?
Yes, the input method setting determines what characters appear on-screen regardless of your physical keyboard’s printed layout, though matching them makes typing far more intuitive.
Do I need to restart my Chromebook after adding a language?
No, new languages and input methods are available immediately after adding them — no restart required.
