Why is my Google in Chinese?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

If your Google account language is set to Chinese and you were not expecting this change, there could be a few reasons why this has happened. Here are some possible explanations:

1. Accidental language change: It’s possible that the language setting in your Google Account was unintentionally changed. Sometimes, while exploring settings or using certain features, you may have inadvertently modified the language preference.

2. Shared device or account: If you share a device or Google Account with someone who prefers Chinese as their language, it is possible that they changed the language setting, causing it to reflect on your account as well. This can happen if you are using a shared computer or if multiple users have access to the same device.

3. Malicious activity: In rare cases, if someone gains unauthorized access to your Google Account, they may intentionally change the language settings as a form of harassment or to cause inconvenience. This scenario is less likely, but it’s important to ensure the security of your account by using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.

To resolve the issue and change your Google Account language back to your preferred language, you can follow these steps:

1. Open your Google Account: Go to the Google Account homepage (https://myaccount.google.com) and sign in with your credentials.

2. Navigate to the Language settings: Look for the “Data & Personalization” or “Personal info & privacy” section in your account settings. Under this section, you should find the language settings.

3. Select your preferred language: In the language settings, you will see a drop-down menu or a list of available languages. Choose the language you want to use for your Google Account.

4. Save the changes: After selecting your preferred language, remember to save the changes by clicking on the “Save” or “Apply” button. This will update your account language settings.

If, after following these steps, your Google Account language doesn’t match the language you selected, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. This can help resolve any caching issues that might be causing the language setting to persist incorrectly.

To clear cache and cookies in most popular browsers:

1. Google Chrome: Go to the Chrome menu (three dots in the top-right corner) and select “Settings.” In the “Privacy and security” section, click on “Clear browsing data.” Make sure to select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files,” then click “Clear data.”

2. Mozilla Firefox: Go to the Firefox menu (three horizontal lines in the top-right corner) and select “Options.” In the “Privacy & Security” section, scroll down to the “Cookies and Site Data” section and click on “Clear Data.” Make sure to select “Cookies and Site Data” and “Cached Web Content,” then click “Clear.”

3. Safari: Go to the Safari menu (top-left corner) and select “Preferences.” In the “Privacy” tab, click on “Manage Website Data.” Then, click “Remove All” and confirm your choice.

4. Microsoft Edge: Go to the Edge menu (three horizontal dots in the top-right corner) and select “Settings.” Under the “Privacy, search, and services” section, click on “Choose what to clear.” Make sure to select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files,” then click “Clear.”

After clearing your cache and cookies, revisit the Google Account page and follow the steps mentioned earlier to set your preferred language. This should ensure that the language change takes effect.

If your Google Account language is set to Chinese unexpectedly, it could be due to accidental changes, shared device or account settings, or even malicious activity. By accessing your Google Account settings and selecting your preferred language, you can revert the language back to what you desire. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies might also help resolve any issues with the language change.