Change your Netflix language in account settings
Netflix lets you change the language of the interface — the menus, buttons, and text you see on screen — separately from the language of the shows and movies you watch. To change your interface language, go to your account settings, find the language option, and pick a new one. The change takes effect immediately across all your devices.
The exact steps depend on whether you're using a phone, tablet, computer, or TV. On a phone or tablet, open the Netflix app, tap your profile icon in the bottom right, select "Settings," then "Language," and choose from the list. On a computer, go to your account page at netflix.com, click "Account," scroll to "Settings," find "Language," and select a new one. On a TV, navigate to your profile settings through the app menu — the path varies by device, but you're looking for a settings or preferences section.
Key Takeaways
- Your interface language (menus and buttons) is separate from the audio and subtitle languages available for each show or movie.
- Change your interface language in account settings, and it updates across all devices you use Netflix on.
- To watch a show in a different language, select it from the audio or subtitle options on the show's detail page or while playing.
- Netflix offers different languages depending on your region and account type, and not every show is available in every language.
Find available audio and subtitle languages for individual shows
Changing the interface language is different from choosing what language you want to watch. Once you've picked a show or movie, you can select its audio language and subtitle language separately. On the show's detail page before you press play, look for an audio icon or language option — this shows you what languages the show is available in for sound.
Subtitles are usually a separate choice. While the show is playing, open the menu (usually by pressing a button on your remote or clicking on the screen), find "Subtitles" or "Captions," and pick a language or turn them off. If a language doesn't appear in the list, Netflix doesn't have that show in that language. Different shows have different language options — a popular series might be available in 20 languages, while a smaller title might only have English and Spanish.
What languages Netflix supports by region
Netflix doesn't offer the same languages everywhere. Your region determines which languages appear in your settings. If you're in the United States, you'll see English, Spanish, and a few others. If you're in India, you might see Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada alongside English. If you're in France, French will be the default, with English and other European languages available.
You can't add a language that isn't offered in your region through settings alone. If you want to watch content in a language not listed, your options are limited to shows that happen to have that language available — and you'd need to change your subtitle or audio selection on a per-show basis. If you move to a different country, your language options will update to match your new region after a few days.
Troubleshoot when a language isn't showing up
If you're looking for a language that should be available in your region but it's not appearing in your settings, try signing out of Netflix completely and signing back in. Sometimes the app or website doesn't load all available options until you refresh your session. On a phone or tablet, close the Netflix app entirely (not just minimize it), wait a few seconds, and open it again.
If a specific show isn't available in the language you want, that's a content licensing issue — Netflix has the rights to show that title in certain languages only. You can check what languages a show supports before you start watching by looking at the audio and subtitle options on its detail page. If Netflix's interface itself isn't displaying in your chosen language, check that you saved your language preference by going back to settings and confirming it's still selected.
Switch between multiple languages on one account
If multiple people use the same Netflix account, each profile can have its own interface language. Create separate profiles for each person, and each one can have a different language setting. When someone switches to their profile, the interface language changes automatically. This is useful for households where people speak different languages or are learning a new one.
To set up a profile with a different language, create a new profile in your account settings, then go into that profile's settings and choose its language. The main account holder's language won't change — only that specific profile will use the new language. Kids' profiles can also have their own language settings.
Use Netflix to practice a language you're learning
Many people use Netflix to practice languages by watching shows in the language they're learning, with subtitles in that same language or in English. Start by picking a show you've already seen in English — you'll understand the story better and can focus on the language. Change the audio to your target language and set subtitles to match.
Some shows are easier to follow than others. Children's shows and comedies tend to use simpler language and clearer pronunciation. Dramas with heavy accents or slang can be harder. You can pause and rewind as much as you need — Netflix doesn't penalize you for rewatching. If you want to track new words, keep a notebook nearby or use your phone to jot down phrases you want to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change Netflix's language on my TV if I don't have a remote?
Yes. Most smart TVs let you navigate Netflix using your phone as a remote through the Netflix app or your TV manufacturer's app. Open the app, find the remote control option, and use your phone to navigate to settings. Some TVs also support voice commands — say "Netflix settings" into your remote if it has a microphone.
Will changing my interface language affect what shows are recommended to me?
No. Netflix's recommendations are based on what you watch, not what language your menus are in. Changing from English to Spanish won't change which shows appear on your home screen. Your watch history and ratings stay the same regardless of interface language.
What if a show only has subtitles in one language but I want audio in another?
You can pick audio and subtitles independently. If a show has English audio and Spanish subtitles but not Spanish audio, you can watch it in English with Spanish subtitles. Netflix shows you what's available for each title — if a combination doesn't exist, it won't appear as an option.
Does Netflix charge extra to watch shows in different languages?
No. All languages available on your account are included in your subscription at no extra cost. Changing languages, watching with different subtitles, or switching between audio tracks doesn't affect your bill.
Can I set different languages for different devices?
Your account language is the same across all devices, but you can change it temporarily on any device and it will update everywhere. If you want different languages on different devices permanently, you'd need separate Netflix accounts. Each profile on one account shares the same interface language setting.