Lorene Melone
How To Switch Discord Language Settings in 2025
Changing the language in Discord is usually pretty straightforward, but sometimes it throws a curveball. Especially if you accidentally pick something *completely* unreadable or if the interface isn’t behaving as expected. It’s not always clear where everything is, especially with all those menu options, and sometimes Discord just doesn’t want to switch languages smoothly. Here’s a rundown of what’s worked after messing around with various setups.
Step 1: Access User Settings
First, you gotta get into the User Settings. Find that gear icon next to your username at the bottom left corner. On some setups, clicking that opens a menu, but on others, it’s a tiny pop-up. Click it. If your app is a bit quirky or you’re on the web version, make sure you’re logged in.
- Open Discord, log in if you haven’t already.
- Click the gear icon near your name at the bottom left.
- This should open the User Settings menu.
Step 2: Find the Language Option
Once you’re in the settings menu, scroll down the sidebar. The layout can differ depending on whether you’re on desktop or mobile, but for desktop, it’s usually under App Settings. Sometimes, it’s buried under a submenu called Appearance or just lumped with other options like Accessibility.
- Expand or scroll through the App Settings menu.
- Click on Language. Yes, it’s usually right there, but on older versions or if Discord updates, it might move around.
Step 3: Pick Your Language
This part can be annoying if your interface already shows gibberish, but the list of languages is straightforward. Usually, you just select from a dropdown or click on the desired language to switch immediately.
- Choose your language from the list. If you’re like me, you might accidentally click something else — so double-check.
- Most of the time, Discord will switch on the spot, no restart needed. Sometimes, on slower machines or if your app is a bit sluggish, it might flicker or hang for a second, then switch.
Doing it this way helps because the switch impacts all of Discord—the menus, notifications, everything in that language. But be aware, it won’t change the language of your friends’ messages, only your interface.
Handling Accidental Changes
If you end up in a language you can’t read (been there, done that), don’t panic. The Language option stays in the same spot—just follow the settings menu visually, and you’ll spot the same Language menu again. Or, if all else fails, try closing and reopening Discord. Sometimes, a quick restart makes the interface behave better.
Note: On some setups, changing languages on the first try might not stick right away. If that happens, restarting the app or even your machine could help.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- This method is usually the go-to for switching languages quickly.
- If Discord refuses to switch languages or keeps reverting, make sure you’re running the latest version (download the latest Discord– if in doubt, reinstall).
- Sometimes clearing cache and data or resetting app preferences helps, especially if things seem stuck.
Additional Techie Tips
For the more advanced folks, you can tweak Discord’s language via configuration files or command line, but that gets messy pretty quick and usually isn’t necessary. If you’re running Discord as a standalone app on Windows, check %appdata%/Discord/ for config files or consider uninstalling and reinstalling with a fresh setup that defaults to your preferred language.
On Linux, configs are often in ~/.config/discord/. Editing a JSON setting might work (just make sure to back it up first). But honestly, the GUI method covers most cases.
Conclusion
Changing the language isn’t rocket science — if everything’s functioning normally. But if it acts funky or you accidentally pick something unreadable, just remember: the option’s always in the same spot. Reboot or reinstall if needed. Because of course, Discord has to make it harder than necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch languages back and forth easily?
Absolutely. The toggle is right there in the same menu. Just pick what you want, and it changes instantly — unless Discord is having a bad day.
Will changing my language settings affect my friends?
Nah, only your interface. Their chat remains in their chosen language unless they change it themselves.
Are there other ways to change language?
If the GUI isn’t cooperating, some folks have tried editing config files or using command line switches, but honestly, that’s more hassle than it’s worth unless you’re super techy. Just keep your app updated, and it should be fine.
Summary
- Access User Settings through the gear icon
- Scroll or navigate to Language
- Select your preferred language and let it switch
- If it doesn’t work, restart Discord or your PC
- Keep your app updated for fewer weird bugs
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Fingers crossed this helps.