Choose display languages for multilingual web pages

Firefox Firefox Last updated: 4 days ago

Firefox gives you control over two different types of language settings:

  • Display language — the language used for Firefox’s menus, settings, and interface
  • Website translation — automatic or optional translation prompts for websites in other languages
  • Preferred content languages — used to choose the language of multilingual websites (when available)

These are managed in separate parts of Firefox Settings, and they can be used together or independently.

Version note: This article applies to Firefox version 110 and later. Some options may look different in older versions.

To change the language for Firefox's menus, notifications and interfaces, see Use Firefox in another language.

Change Firefox’s display language (menus and UI)

You can use Firefox in another language by installing a language pack or by using your operating system’s language setting (macOS and Linux).

  1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and select Settings (or Preferences, in some cases).Click the menu button Fx89menuButton and select Settings.
  2. In the General panel, go down to Language.
  3. Under Language, click Set Alternatives.
  4. Choose your preferred language from the list.
  5. Click OK, then Restart Firefox to apply the change.
Tip: If your language isn't listed, click Search for more languages to download and install a language pack.
firefoxlanguagedisplay

Firefox uses the system language by default. To change it:

  1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and select Settings (or Preferences, in some cases).Click the menu button Fx89menuButton and select Settings.
    1. In the General panel, go down to Language & Region.
  2. Add or drag your preferred language to the top of the list.
  3. Restart Firefox.
Note: Language packs are not used on macOS. Firefox follows the system language.

Set preferred website content languages

Some websites support multiple languages. Firefox can request your preferred languages when sites offer localized content. To manage this list:

  1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and select Settings (or Preferences, in some cases).Click the menu button Fx89menuButton and select Settings.
  2. In the General panel, go down to Language
  3. Click Choose next to Choose your preferred language for displaying pages
  4. In the popup:
    • Use Add to select more languages
    • Use Remove to delete unwanted entries
    • Use Move Up / Move Down to change priority
  5. Click OK
    firefoxlanguagedisplaysettings
Note: Firefox will use the top-listed language when available. If not, it checks the next in the list.

Troubleshooting common issues

I still see websites in the wrong language

  • Check your preferred content language list
  • Clear site-specific cookies that may be remembering language settings:
    • Go to the site
    • Click the lock IG lock shield Fx149UnifiedTrustIcon-Secure icon and click Clear cookies and site data

Firefox says it can’t update languages

This may be caused by:

  • Network restrictions (firewall or proxy)
  • Corrupted language pack
  • Permission issues on your system

Try these fixes:

  • Disable your firewall or proxy temporarily
  • Restart Firefox as administrator (Windows)
  • Remove and re-add the language pack

Related articles



These fine people helped write this article:

AliceWyman, Tonnes, Joni, Flavius Floare
Illustration of hands

Volunteer

Grow and share your expertise with others. Answer questions and improve our knowledge base.

Learn More

Related Articles

todo: title

Use Firefox in another language

Firefox lets you display menus, notifications, messages and other parts of the Firefox interface in different languages. Tip: To choose a...