New (and old) languages are always fun to try. Using Amazon Fire, it is easy to boot. Find out here how to change the interface language on a Kindle Fire device, say from Chinese to English and then to Spanish.
First, Johann Says the “Dandelion” is Wilhelm’s Fault
In 1488, Johannes de Cuba mentions the name dens leonis (lion’s tooth) for a medicinal plant and attributes it to a surgeon named “Wilhelm.”
Today, of course, that plant is known as lion’s tooth—or dandelion from the French dent de lion, which means as much—in many a language, though we are no wiser about the name’s origin.
Speaking of languages, how about having your Kindle Fire say dent de lion or maybe Löwenzahn?
How to Change the Language on a Kindle Fire Device
Time needed: 2 minutes
To change the display language on your Kindle Fire device:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to the Keyboard & Language category (under Personal).
- Select Language near the top.
- Pick the desired device language under Choose Your Language.
Language spotting: Language are listed alphabetically (by English transcription) in their native language.
Example: You’ll find Spanish as Español and Japanese as 日本語 (sorted under “n” for “nihongo”).
Keyboard: This will also change the keyboard layout to the chosen language. You can still add and switch to different keyboards; see below. - Optional: Pick a regional date and time format under Choose Your Regional Format.
No regional format: You will see this choice only If the language is prominent in more than one region with differing conventions for time and date formatting.
Changing the Keyboard Language
To switch between keyboard layouts and languages on a Kindle Fire device:
- Tap and hold the language listed on the current keyboard’s Space bar.
Alternative: You can also tap the keyboard button in the lower right corner. - Tap the desired keyboard under Select a Keyboard.
Keyboard missing: See just below for adding languages and keyboard layouts.
Add a Language or Layout to the Kindle Fire Keyboard
To make a new language or keyboard layout available on your Kindle Fire:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to the Keyboard & Language category.
- Select Show/Hide Keyboards.
- Enable all keyboard layouts you want to use.
How to Change the Language on a Kindle Fire Device: FAQ
Will all apps use the Kindle Fire language?
Apps that support the language you have picked for the Fire device will use it.
Apps that do not support the language will use a fallback language.
(How to change the language on a Kindle Fire device tested with Fire OS 5.7; updated February 2024)