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Quick Answer: How to Change Language on LG TV (TL;DR)Understanding LG TV Language Settings: Menu, Audio, Keyboard & MoreHow to Find Your LG TV webOS VersionQuick-Reference Table: LG TV Language Settings Path by webOS VersionHow to Change Menu Language on LG TV (webOS 6.0 and Later - 2021–2026 Models)How to Change Menu Language on Older LG TVs (webOS 5.0 and Earlier)How to Change Language on LG TV When the Menu Is in a Foreign Language (Icon Position Guide)→Icon-Based Navigation for webOS 6.0+ (2021–2026 Models)→Spanish-to-English Specific Path→Chinese/Japanese/Korean to English→Position-Counting Method for webOS 5.0 and EarlierHow to Change Audio Language on LG TV for Digital Broadcasts→Settings Menu Method→Quick-Access Method During Live TV→SAP (Secondary Audio Program)How to Change Subtitle and Closed Caption Language on LG TV→Broadcast Closed Captions (CC)→Streaming App Subtitles→USB Media SubtitlesHow to Change Keyboard and Voice Recognition Language on LG TV→On-Screen Keyboard Language→Voice Recognition LanguageHow to Change Language on Netflix, YouTube, and Other Apps on LG TV→Netflix→YouTube→Disney+→Amazon Prime Video→LG ChannelsTroubleshooting: LG TV Language Not Changing or Stuck in Wrong Language→Problem 1 - TV Stuck in Wrong Language (Can't Read Menu)→Problem 2 - TV Stuck on Language Selection Screen During Initial Setup→Problem 3 - Language Changes Don't Save / Language Resets After Restart→Problem 4 - Desired Language Not in List→Problem 5 - Language Changed but Apps Still Show Old LanguageFix: LG TV Language Option Greyed OutHow to Change Language on LG TV Without a Remote→Method 1 - Physical Buttons on the TV→Method 2 - LG ThinQ App (Smartphone)→Method 3 - USB Keyboard→Method 4 - Universal RemoteHow to Factory Reset LG TV to Fix Language Issues→webOS 6.0 and Later (2021–2026)→webOS 5.0 (2020)→webOS 4.5 and Earlier (2019 and older)→Icon-Based Path (When You Can't Read the Menu)→After the ResetLG TV Supported Languages by RegionTips to Prevent Language Issues on LG TVFrequently Asked Questions About LG TV Language Settings→How do I change my LG TV from Spanish to English when I can't read the menu?→Does changing my LG TV's language change the language on Netflix?→Why is the language option greyed out on my LG TV?→How do I change the audio language while watching live TV on LG TV?→Can I add a language that isn't in my LG TV's language list?→How do I change the language on my LG TV without a remote?→Will a factory reset fix my LG TV language settings problem?Conclusion: Changing Language on Your LG TV Made Simple
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How to Change Language on LG TV: Complete Guide for All Models & webOS Versions (2026)

Learn how to change menu, audio, keyboard, and subtitle language on any LG TV. Step-by-step instructions for webOS 5.0 through 25, plus fixes for stuck screens, greyed-out settings, and app language issues.

Aman Singh
Written by Aman Singh
Aman Singh
Written by

Aman Singh

Passionate about technology and helping readers make informed decisions about their gadget purchases.

Last updated on March 24, 2026

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra charge), which we use to fund new product tests. Learn more.

Quick Answer: How to Change Language on LG TV (TL;DR)

To change the language on an LG TV, press the Settings button (gear icon ⚙️) on your remote, select All Settings (three-dot icon), then navigate to General → System → Language → Menu Language. For older models (2020 and before), the path skips the System submenu: General → Language → Menu Language. Select your preferred language and the change takes effect immediately.

Can't read the menu because it's stuck in a foreign language? Follow the icons: ⚙️ gear → ⋯ three dots → 🔧 wrench → first option → first option → first option → pick your language.

Jump to your situation:

  1. Can't read the current menu language → Section 7: Icon Position Guide

  2. TV stuck on language screen during setup → Section 12: Troubleshooting

  3. Language option is greyed out → Section 13: Greyed Out Fix

  4. Netflix or app language is wrong → Section 11: App Languages

  5. Nothing works, need full reset → Learn how to reset lg tv to start fresh

  6. No remote available → See how to turn on lg tv without remote for alternative controls

These paths have been verified against LG's official support documentation (updated February 2026) across multiple webOS versions.


Understanding LG TV Language Settings: Menu, Audio, Keyboard & More

Before you start pressing buttons, it helps to know that LG TVs actually have several independent language controls. Mixing them up is the most common reason people end up frustrated.

Here's what each one controls:

  • Menu Language - The on-screen display language for all menus, settings, notifications, and system text. This is what most people need to change.

  • Audio Language - The spoken language track for digital broadcast content (over-the-air and cable channels that carry multiple audio tracks). This has zero effect on streaming apps.

  • Keyboard Language - The character set used by the on-screen keyboard when you search for content or type in text fields. You can actually enable multiple keyboard languages and switch between them.

Voice recognition language, for TVs with a Magic Remote and built-in microphone, follows the menu language automatically. Change the menu to English, and voice commands switch to English too.

One critical distinction that trips people up constantly: streaming app languages like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ are controlled within each app, not by the TV's system language. Changing your LG TV's menu to English won't touch your Netflix profile. We cover that in detail in Section 11.

If you're new to the brand and wondering is lg a good tv brand, their webOS platform offers comprehensive language support across all models. Every modern LG television is lg tv a smart tv running the webOS operating system. Unlike Samsung or Sony, LG does not use Android - if you're wondering is lg tv android, the answer is no. LG uses its proprietary webOS platform, but the language-change process is straightforward once you know the right path.

So why are you here? The most common reasons: you accidentally picked the wrong language during initial setup, you bought an open-box or second-hand TV that's set to a different language, or the language reverted after a firmware update or factory reset. All of these are fixable in under two minutes.


How to Find Your LG TV webOS Version

The navigation path to LG TV language settings differs depending on your webOS version. Picking the wrong instructions leads to a dead end, so take 30 seconds to identify your version first.

Method 1 - Check in Settings:

Go to Settings → General → About This TV. The software version and webOS version are displayed on this screen. On some models, pressing the Mute button three times on the remote also opens an information overlay. You can check how to find lg tv model number on the back label or in Settings → General → About This TV for additional identification.

Method 2 - Year-to-webOS mapping:

If you can't access the settings (perhaps because the menu is in a language you can't read), use this table based on your TV's year of manufacture:

Year of Manufacture

webOS Version

Language Settings Path

2025–2026

webOS 25

Settings → All Settings → General → System → Language

2024

webOS 24

Settings → All Settings → General → System → Language

2023

webOS 23

Settings → All Settings → General → System → Language

2022

webOS 22

Settings → All Settings → General → System → Language

2021

webOS 6.0

Settings → All Settings → General → System → Language

2020

webOS 5.0

Settings → All Settings → General → Language

2019 and earlier

webOS 4.5 or below

Settings → All Settings → General → Language

Important note about the Re:New program: As of early 2026, LG has been rolling out webOS 25 to 2022, 2023, and 2024 models through its Re:New upgrade program. According to FlatpanelsHD's reporting, the rollout began in late 2025 and has extended into Q1 2026, with firmware versions 33.21.85 and 33.22.15. Tom's Guide confirmed that supported models include OLED B2, C2, G2, B3, C3, G3, B4, C4, and G4 series. So if you have a 2022 or newer TV, you may already be running webOS 25 even though the TV wasn't originally sold with it.

If your TV hasn't received webOS 25 yet, learn how to update firmware on lg tv to check for available updates. It's also smart to how to update lg tv software before troubleshooting language issues, as firmware updates occasionally fix language-related bugs.

The definitive method is always checking in Settings. The model number decoding is approximate - it gets you close, but the settings screen gives you the exact version.


Quick-Reference Table: LG TV Language Settings Path by webOS Version

Here's a single-glance reference showing the exact path for every webOS version. Bookmark or screenshot this table - it's the fastest way to find your path.

webOS Version

TV Year

Settings Path

Key Difference

webOS 25

2025–2026 (+ updated older TVs)

⚙️ Settings → ⋯ All Settings → 🔧 General → System → Language → Menu Language

Standard newer path

webOS 24

2024

⚙️ Settings → ⋯ All Settings → 🔧 General → System → Language → Menu Language

Identical to webOS 25

webOS 23

2023

⚙️ Settings → ⋯ All Settings → 🔧 General → System → Language → Menu Language

Identical to webOS 25

webOS 22

2022

⚙️ Settings → ⋯ All Settings → 🔧 General → System → Language → Menu Language

Identical to webOS 25

webOS 6.0

2021

⚙️ Settings → ⋯ All Settings → 🔧 General → System → Language → Menu Language

Identical to webOS 25

webOS 5.0

2020

⚙️ Settings → ⋯ All Settings → 🔧 General → Language → Menu Language

No "System" submenu

webOS 4.5 and earlier

2019 and older

⚙️ Settings → ⋯ All Settings → 🔧 General → Language → Menu Language

No "System" submenu

The key takeaway: every LG TV from 2021 onward shares the same path through General → System → Language. The 2020 and older models skip the "System" submenu entirely and go straight from General → Language. The icons remain consistent across versions - gear (⚙️) for Settings, three dots (⋯) for All Settings, and wrench (🔧) for General.

After changing language, you may also want to know how to update apps on lg tv to ensure apps reflect your language preference.


How to Change Menu Language on LG TV (webOS 6.0 and Later - 2021–2026 Models)

This section covers the majority of LG TVs currently in use. If you purchased your TV in 2021 or later - whether it's an OLED, QNED, NanoCell, or standard UHD model - these steps apply. The process is identical across all LG TV product lines as long as they run webOS 6.0 or later.

Here's the step-by-step:

  1. Turn on your TV and press the Settings button (⚙️ gear icon) on the Magic Remote.

  2. Select All Settings - look for the three-dot icon (⋯) in the top-left corner of the screen. On some webOS versions, it appears at the bottom of the quick settings panel.

  3. Navigate to General - this is marked with a wrench icon (🔧). It's typically the fourth option from the top in the left sidebar.

  4. Select System - once inside General, System is usually the first option on the list.

  5. Select Language - again, usually the first option inside the System submenu.

  6. Choose Menu Language - this is the top option in the Language submenu.

  7. Select your desired language from the scrollable list. The change takes effect immediately - no restart needed.

If your Magic Remote isn't responding, learn how to pair lg remote to lg tv before proceeding with these steps.

A few things worth noting from testing across multiple webOS versions:

The language switch is instant. The moment you select a new language, every menu, notification, and system message updates. Voice recognition language also switches automatically on models equipped with the Magic Remote's built-in microphone.

On TVs running webOS 25, you have an additional option: voice commands. Press and hold the microphone button on the Magic Remote and say "Change language to English" (or your preferred language). The AI assistant processes the command and opens the language settings directly. This voice shortcut is new to webOS 25 and isn't available on earlier versions.

These steps work identically whether you have an LG C5 OLED, a G5 OLED, a QNED, or a budget UHD model. LG confirmed in their February 2026 support update that all TVs running webOS 6.0 or later share the same settings path for how to change language on lg tv.

If the voice feedback is distracting after the language change, see how to turn off voice on lg tv. You can also how to turn off voice command on lg tv if you prefer manual navigation only.


How to Change Menu Language on Older LG TVs (webOS 5.0 and Earlier)

If your LG TV was manufactured in 2020 or earlier, the settings path is slightly different. The critical difference: there's no "System" submenu between General and Language.

Follow these steps:

  1. Press the Home/Smart button on the remote to open the launcher bar at the bottom of the screen.

  2. Select the Settings gear icon (⚙️) - it's typically in the top-right corner of the launcher.

  3. Click the three-dot icon (⋯ All Settings) at the bottom of the quick settings panel that appears.

  4. Navigate to General - look for the gear-and-wrench icon (🔧). On webOS 5.0, it may appear as the third or fourth option in the sidebar.

  5. Select Language directly - there is no "System" submenu on webOS 5.0 and earlier. Language sits right inside General.

  6. Choose Menu Language and select your desired language from the list.

Key difference you need to remember: On newer TVs, the path is General → System → Language. On older TVs, the path is General → Language directly. If you follow a newer guide on an older TV, you'll look for a "System" option that doesn't exist and think something's broken. It's not - just skip that step.

For older models without a Magic Remote, use the joystick button on the back or bottom of the TV to access the settings menu. Long-pressing the joystick opens the power/input menu, and short-pressing navigates through menu options.

The factory reset path also differs on webOS 5.0: it's Settings → Support → Reset to Initial Settings, not General → System → Reset. Keep this in mind if you need to go the nuclear route.

If your remote isn't responding, you may need to how to program lg tv remote or use the physical buttons on the TV. If your older LG TV is still going strong, you might be curious how long does an lg tv last - many models remain functional for 7+ years with proper care.

Common older models where these steps apply include the LG 55LB6100 series, the 49UN71 series, and any LG TV with a model number ending in "20" or earlier year digits. For anything pre-2014 (before LG adopted webOS), the menu structure may differ further - those TVs used LG's older NetCast platform and the path was typically Settings → Option → Language.


How to Change Language on LG TV When the Menu Is in a Foreign Language (Icon Position Guide)

This is the section that saves you when you're staring at a screen full of text you can't read. The good news: LG uses the same icons regardless of the menu language. A gear icon is always a gear icon, whether your TV is set to English, Spanish, Chinese, or Arabic.

Icon-Based Navigation for webOS 6.0+ (2021–2026 Models)

Follow the icons, not the text:

  1. Press the ⚙️ gear button on your remote (the round button with a gear symbol).

  2. Select the ⋯ three-dot icon - it's in the top-left corner of the panel that appears. This opens All Settings.

  3. Navigate to the 🔧 wrench icon - this is General. It's the fourth icon from the top in the left sidebar.

  4. Choose the 1st option in the list that appears (this is System).

  5. Choose the 1st option again (this is Language).

  6. Choose the 1st option one more time (this is Menu Language).

  7. Select "English" - look for the word starting with "E" in Latin script. It typically appears near the top of the language list in most regions.

Spanish-to-English Specific Path

For users who landed here searching "lg tv stuck in spanish," here are the Spanish menu labels you'll see at each step:

Configuración → Todos los ajustes → General → Sistema → Idioma → Idioma del menú → English

The word "General" actually looks the same in Spanish, which helps. "Sistema" is System, and "Idioma" is Language.

Chinese/Japanese/Korean to English

If your menu is in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean characters, the icon method is even more valuable because you can't match any Latin text. Follow the icon positions exactly as described above. When you reach the language list, "English" will be the only option written in Latin alphabet among Asian character sets - it stands out immediately.

Position-Counting Method for webOS 5.0 and Earlier

On older TVs, the sidebar layout is different:

  1. Press the ⚙️ gear button on the remote.

  2. Select the ⋯ three-dot icon at the bottom of the quick settings panel.

  3. Navigate to the 3rd or 4th icon in the sidebar (General/wrench).

  4. Choose the 4th or 5th item in the list (Language - this varies slightly by region).

  5. Select the 1st option (Menu Language) and choose your language.

This icon-based method works for changing from ANY language to ANY other language - it's universal. Similarly, if your remote isn't working, you can how to change input on lg tv without remote using physical buttons on the TV itself.

If icon navigation fails entirely (maybe a software glitch is preventing menu access), the last resort is to how to reset lg tv to factory settings, which triggers the initial setup wizard where the very first question is language selection.


How to Change Audio Language on LG TV for Digital Broadcasts

Audio language settings only apply to digital broadcast content - over-the-air channels and cable/satellite feeds that carry multiple audio tracks. This setting has absolutely no effect on streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+.

Settings Menu Method

For webOS 6.0 and later: Settings → All Settings → General → System → Language → Audio Language

For webOS 5.0 and earlier: Settings → All Settings → General → Language → Audio Language

You can set both a primary and secondary audio language preference. Your TV automatically selects the primary language if it's available in the broadcast, falling back to the secondary if not. Most US broadcasts carry English as primary with Spanish as an alternate track.

Quick-Access Method During Live TV

Here's a shortcut that most guides miss entirely: while watching live TV, press the "…" (More Actions) button on your Magic Remote. An overlay menu appears with an Audio Language option right there - no need to dig through the full settings menu. This is the fastest way to switch audio tracks on the fly.

SAP (Secondary Audio Program)

For US broadcast content specifically, SAP is the feature that enables alternate-language audio tracks on supported channels. Access it via the More Actions button during live TV. If a show is supposed to have Spanish audio but you're only hearing English, check whether the broadcaster is actually transmitting a multi-language signal - not all channels support SAP.

If you're hearing a narrator describing on-screen actions instead of foreign-language audio, that's a different setting entirely. Learn how to turn off audio description on lg tv to disable the accessibility narrator.

Audio language options depend on your broadcast source. If you need more channels, see how to get local channels on lg tv without antenna. To ensure you're receiving all available channels with multi-language audio, how to scan channels on lg tv to refresh your channel list.


How to Change Subtitle and Closed Caption Language on LG TV

Subtitles and closed captions on LG TVs fall into three separate scenarios, and mixing them up is a common source of confusion.

Broadcast Closed Captions (CC)

For over-the-air and cable content: Settings → Accessibility → Closed Caption → On

Once enabled, choose your CC mode. CC1 provides primary-language captions (usually English in the US), while CC2 provides secondary-language captions (often Spanish). CC3 and CC4 are used less frequently but may carry additional languages on some broadcasts. Closed captions are embedded in the broadcast signal itself - if the broadcaster doesn't include them, your TV can't generate them.

Streaming App Subtitles

For Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and other streaming apps: press the Down arrow on your remote during playback, or select the speech bubble icon that appears in the playback controls. Choose Audio & Subtitles and select your preferred subtitle language.

Subtitle availability depends entirely on the content provider, not the TV. If a specific language isn't listed, that show or movie simply doesn't offer it in your region.

USB Media Subtitles

For locally stored media played through the TV's built-in media player: the subtitle file must share the exact same filename as the video file and be placed in the same directory. Supported subtitle formats include .srt, .smi, .sub, .ass, and .ssa. For example, if your video file is "movie.mp4," the subtitle file should be "movie.srt."

The quick toggle method works across all playback sources on newer webOS versions: pressing the Down arrow during any playback brings up the subtitle options overlay.

If you want to disable subtitles entirely, see how to turn off subtitles on lg tv. To turn off broadcast captions specifically, learn how to turn off closed caption on lg tv.


How to Change Keyboard and Voice Recognition Language on LG TV

On-Screen Keyboard Language

The keyboard language is separate from the menu language. You can have an English menu with a Spanish keyboard, or any other combination. This matters when you're searching for content in a different language than your system language.

To change it: navigate to the same Language submenu as menu language (General → System → Language on webOS 6.0+, or General → Language on webOS 5.0) and select Keyboard Language.

Here's a tip most people don't know: you can enable multiple keyboard languages simultaneously. When typing, a small globe icon appears on the on-screen keyboard. Tapping it cycles through your enabled languages instantly - no need to go back into settings each time. This is particularly useful for bilingual households.

Voice Recognition Language

Voice recognition automatically follows your menu language selection. Change the menu to English, and the voice recognition switches to English too. No separate configuration needed.

On some models, you can select specific dialects within a language - for example, English (US) versus English (UK). The dialect selection affects voice recognition accuracy, so choose the one that matches your accent for the best results.

One important limitation: voice recognition is only available on models that come with the Magic Remote and built-in microphone. Budget LG TVs with standard IR remotes don't support voice commands at all.

For hands-free voice control in your preferred language, you can also how to connect lg tv to alexa. Similarly, how to connect lg tv to google home for multi-language voice assistant support.


How to Change Language on Netflix, YouTube, and Other Apps on LG TV

This trips up more people than any other language setting on LG TVs. The key principle: streaming app languages are managed independently within each app's settings. Changing the TV's system language does not change Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, or any other app language.

If you need to install a streaming app first, learn how to download apps on lg tv.

Netflix

Netflix language is profile-based - changes apply only to the specific profile you edit.

  1. Open Netflix on your LG TV.

  2. Navigate to the profile selection screen (press Back repeatedly until you see "Who's Watching?").

  3. Highlight your profile and select the Edit (pencil) icon.

  4. Choose Language and select your preferred display language.

  5. Select Done to save.

For audio and subtitles during playback: pause the video and select the Audio & Subtitles option from the playback controls. According to Netflix Help Center, available languages vary by title.

If Netflix shows the old language after updating, try to how to clear netflix cache on lg smart tv to force a refresh.

YouTube

  1. Open YouTube on your LG TV.

  2. Select your profile icon, then navigate to Settings (gear icon).

  3. Select Language and choose your preference.

  4. Also check the Location setting - if content recommendations seem wrong for your region, this is likely the culprit.

Disney+

  1. Open Disney+ and select your profile icon.

  2. Go to App Settings → App Language.

  3. Select your preferred language.

Amazon Prime Video

  1. Open Prime Video and navigate to Settings.

  2. Select Language and choose your preference.

LG Channels

LG's built-in free streaming channels typically follow the TV's system language setting. No separate configuration needed - change the TV menu language and LG Channels updates automatically.

For apps not pre-installed, see how to add apps to lg smart tv. Some streaming services require sideloading - for example, how to get spectrum app on lg tv.


Troubleshooting: LG TV Language Not Changing or Stuck in Wrong Language

This is where things get real. If the basic steps above didn't solve your problem, you're likely dealing with one of these five specific issues. We've organized them from most common to least common.

Problem 1 - TV Stuck in Wrong Language (Can't Read Menu)

Solution: Use the icon position guide from Section 7 above. Follow icons, not text.

Faster alternative: Download the LG ThinQ app on your smartphone (iOS or Android). Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV, pair the devices, and use the app as a remote. The app interface uses your phone's language, making navigation easy even when the TV is stuck in a foreign language.

Last resort: Factory reset (covered in Section 15).

Problem 2 - TV Stuck on Language Selection Screen During Initial Setup

This happens more often than you'd expect, especially with brand-new TVs.

Causes: Remote not paired, dead batteries, or hardware initialization glitch.

Fixes (try in this order):

  1. Power cycle - Unplug the TV from the wall for 60 seconds. Plug it back in and power on. The setup wizard should restart from the beginning.

  2. Replace remote batteries - Fresh batteries solve this surprisingly often.

  3. Re-pair the remote - Press and hold the OK button on the remote while pointing it at the TV for about 5 seconds. A pairing notification should appear.

  4. Use physical buttons - The joystick button on the back or bottom of the TV can navigate the setup screen.

  5. Use the ThinQ app - Install it on your phone and use it as an alternative remote.

Problem 3 - Language Changes Don't Save / Language Resets After Restart

Most likely cause: Store/Demo Mode is active. Floor models and open-box purchases are often stuck in Demo Mode - learn how to get lg tv out of demo mode for a complete walkthrough.

Fix: Navigate to General → Devices → Home/Store Mode (or General → System → Home/Store Mode on some versions) and switch to Home Mode. Restart the TV.

If your TV has other instability issues like why does my lg tv keep turning off, a firmware update may resolve multiple problems simultaneously. Go to Settings → Support → Software Update.

As a last resort, how to factory reset lg tv to return all settings to default.

Problem 4 - Desired Language Not in List

Cause: Regional language restriction. This is a hardware-level limitation.

⚠️ No fix available. LG TVs ship with a fixed language set determined by the sales region. No firmware update, factory reset, or workaround can add languages that aren't included for your region. If you bought a TV from an international retailer and your language isn't listed, the TV was manufactured for a different market.

Prevention: Always verify the supported language list before purchasing from international retailers or overseas sellers.

Problem 5 - Language Changed but Apps Still Show Old Language

Cause: Apps use independent language settings - covered in Section 11. Change the language within each app individually.


Fix: LG TV Language Option Greyed Out

If you're tapping "Language" in settings and nothing happens because the option is greyed out, you're dealing with one of four specific causes. This issue is frequently reported in user forums but poorly documented by LG or any other guide.

Cause 1 - A Streaming App Is Running in the Foreground

When Netflix, YouTube, or another app is active, LG locks certain system settings including language. Fix: Press the Home button to return to the webOS home screen first, then navigate to Settings → Language. The option should be selectable again.

Cause 2 - Store/Demo Mode Is Active

TVs in Store Mode restrict settings changes to prevent customers from reconfiguring display units. Fix: Go to Settings → General → Devices → Home/Store Mode and switch to Home Mode. Restart the TV. If you can't read the menu, follow the icon path: ⚙️ → ⋯ → 🔧 → look for "Devices" or "TV Management" (usually the 3rd or 4th option under General).

Cause 3 - A Parental Lock or PIN Is Restricting Settings

Some LG TVs lock settings behind a PIN code. Fix: When prompted, try the default PIN "0000" or enter your custom PIN. If you've forgotten your PIN, learn how to reset lg tv password to regain access. You can also how to change password on lg tv after resolving the greyed-out issue.

Cause 4 - Firmware Bug

Rare but documented. Fix: Update firmware via Settings → Support → Software Update. If no update is available, try a power cycle - unplug the TV for 60 seconds, plug it back in.

If none of these fixes work, a factory reset (Section 15 below) is your last option.


How to Change Language on LG TV Without a Remote

Lost your remote? Broken Magic Remote? These four alternative methods get you into the language settings without one.

Method 1 - Physical Buttons on the TV

Most LG TVs have a joystick-style button on the back panel (lower-right area) or on the bottom edge. A short press opens the quick menu, and directional pushes navigate through options. Long-pressing usually opens the power/input menu. From the quick menu, you can access Settings and navigate to Language. The joystick navigation is slower than a remote, but it works.

Method 2 - LG ThinQ App (Smartphone)

This is the easiest remote alternative. Yes, can i use my phone as a tv remote lg - the ThinQ app turns your smartphone into a full-featured remote.

  1. Download the LG ThinQ app (free on iOS and Android).

  2. Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.

  3. Open the app and follow the pairing prompts to how to add tv to lg thinq.

  4. Use the app's virtual remote to navigate Settings → Language.

You'll need WiFi access first - here's how to connect lg tv to wifi without remote and make sure WiFi is enabled by learning how to turn on wifi on lg tv.

Learn how to control lg tv with phone for detailed step-by-step ThinQ setup instructions.

Method 3 - USB Keyboard

Plug a standard USB keyboard into any USB port on your TV. Use arrow keys to navigate menus and Enter to select options. This works on most webOS TVs and provides faster navigation than the physical joystick button.

Method 4 - Universal Remote

Any programmable universal remote that supports LG TVs can be used. See our guide on how to program universal remote to lg tv for detailed pairing instructions. You can also how to pair universal remote to lg tv using automatic code search.


How to Factory Reset LG TV to Fix Language Issues

A factory reset is the nuclear option. Use it only when language settings are completely unresponsive, icon-based navigation has failed, or you purchased a second-hand TV with unknown settings.

⚠️ Warning: Factory reset erases EVERYTHING. All installed apps, account logins, saved passwords, Wi-Fi configurations, and picture/sound preferences will be deleted. This cannot be undone. Only proceed if other methods have failed.

A factory reset is different from a how to hard reset lg tv (power cycle). A power cycle simply restarts the TV without erasing data. Before factory resetting, try a simple how to reboot lg tv first - this may resolve the issue without data loss. You can also how to restart lg tv using the remote's power options menu.

webOS 6.0 and Later (2021–2026)

Settings → All Settings → General → System → Reset to Initial Settings → Enter PIN (default: 0000) → Choose Reset All or Reset All Except Network Settings.

The "Reset All Except Network Settings" option is useful - it keeps your Wi-Fi credentials while wiping everything else, saving you from re-entering your network password.

webOS 5.0 (2020)

Settings → All Settings → Support → Reset to Initial Settings

Note the different location: it's under Support on webOS 5.0, not under General → System.

webOS 4.5 and Earlier (2019 and older)

Settings → All Settings → General → Reset to Initial Settings

Icon-Based Path (When You Can't Read the Menu)

For webOS 6.0+: ⚙️ gear → ⋯ three dots → 🔧 wrench → last or near-last option in the System submenu → confirm with PIN (0000) → select first reset option.

This is trickier to navigate blind since "Reset to Initial Settings" is at the bottom of a long menu. Count your way down or look for the option that triggers a PIN input prompt.

After the Reset

The TV restarts and launches the initial setup wizard. The very first screen asks for language selection. Choose carefully this time. From there, you'll re-select your region, agree to terms, connect to Wi-Fi, and reinstall your apps. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

Factory reset paths were verified against LG's official factory reset support page, which was updated in early 2026.


LG TV Supported Languages by Region

LG TVs are manufactured with a fixed set of supported languages determined by the sales region. This is worth understanding before you spend 30 minutes troubleshooting a "missing language" that was never there in the first place.

Region

Typical Languages Available

North America

English, Spanish (Latin American), French (Canadian)

Western Europe

English + most EU languages (varies by country of sale - German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, etc.)

Eastern Europe

English + local languages (Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, etc., depending on country)

Asia

Often limited to local language + English (varies widely by country)

Middle East

Arabic, English, French, Turkish

Latin America

Spanish, Portuguese, English

This cannot be changed. No firmware update, factory reset, service menu hack, or workaround can add languages that aren't included for your TV's designated region. This is a permanent, hardware-level limitation.

How to check your supported languages: Navigate to Settings → General → System → Language → Menu Language and scroll through the complete list. What you see is what you get.

Buying advice: Verify the supported language list before purchasing, especially from international retailers, Amazon third-party sellers, or when buying open-box or refurbished TVs. The manufacturing region often determines the default language set - where lg tv made affects which languages are pre-loaded.


Tips to Prevent Language Issues on LG TV

A few minutes of prevention saves hours of frustration:

  1. Choose language carefully during initial setup. The language selection screen is the very first question for a reason - take your time on it. An accidental mis-tap here is the #1 cause of language problems.

  2. Keep firmware updated. Firmware updates can fix language-related bugs and improve stability. Check periodically via Settings → Support → Software Update. While you're at it, how to clear cache on lg tv to improve overall performance.

  3. Enable parental lock if children access the TV. Settings changes, including language, can be PIN-protected. This prevents accidental language switches when little hands grab the remote.

  4. Bookmark this guide. Screenshot the quick-reference table from Section 4 so you'll have the right settings path ready next time without searching.

  5. Check language settings before buying open-box or second-hand TVs. Verify the TV's region and current language before completing the purchase. A TV that's region-locked to Korean language support won't help you much in an English-speaking household.


Frequently Asked Questions About LG TV Language Settings

How do I change my LG TV from Spanish to English when I can't read the menu?

Press the gear icon (⚙️) on your remote, select the three-dot icon (⋯), navigate to the wrench icon (🔧), choose the first option three times in succession, and select "English" from the language list. The icons are universal across all languages, so you can navigate by position without reading any text. See Section 7 above for the full icon-based walkthrough - this method works for changing from any language to English, not just Spanish. If the icon method fails entirely, a factory reset (Section 15) forces the setup wizard to restart.

Does changing my LG TV's language change the language on Netflix?

No. Changing your LG TV's system language does not affect Netflix or any other streaming app. Each app manages its own language settings independently through profile-based controls. To change Netflix's language on your LG TV, open the app, navigate to the profile selection screen, select the edit (pencil) icon on your profile, choose Language, and update your preference. Changes apply only to that specific Netflix profile.

Why is the language option greyed out on my LG TV?

The language option is greyed out because a streaming app or input source is active in the foreground, the TV is in Store/Demo Mode, or a parental PIN lock is restricting settings changes. Press the Home button first to exit any running app, then try again. If that doesn't work, check General → Devices → Home/Store Mode and switch to Home Mode. Try the default PIN "0000" if prompted. See Section 13 for the complete four-cause troubleshooting guide.

How do I change the audio language while watching live TV on LG TV?

While watching live TV, press the "…" (More Actions) button on your Magic Remote. An overlay menu appears with an Audio Language option - select it and choose your preferred language. This quick-access shortcut switches audio languages without navigating through the full settings menu. This only works with digital broadcasts that carry multiple audio tracks.

Can I add a language that isn't in my LG TV's language list?

No. LG TVs come with a fixed set of languages determined by the sales region. This is a hardware-level limitation that cannot be changed through settings, firmware updates, or factory resets. If your desired language isn't listed, your TV was manufactured for a different regional market. Always verify available languages before purchasing from international retailers.

How do I change the language on my LG TV without a remote?

You have several options: (1) Use the physical joystick button on the back or bottom of the TV to navigate to Settings and change the language. (2) Download the LG ThinQ app on your smartphone and use it as a virtual remote - learn how to connect iphone to lg tv for setup guidance. (3) Connect a USB keyboard to the TV's USB port and use arrow keys plus Enter to navigate menus. (4) Program a universal remote for your LG TV. You can also check if your TV has wireless connectivity for additional options - does lg tv have bluetooth for related connectivity details.

Will a factory reset fix my LG TV language settings problem?

Yes, a factory reset fixes most LG TV language problems by returning all settings to default and triggering the initial setup wizard where you select your language fresh. However, this erases all installed apps, account logins, saved passwords, and custom settings. Use it only as a last resort after trying the targeted fixes in Sections 12 and 13 above. You can explore alternative options like how to screen mirror on lg tv for accessing content while troubleshooting.


Conclusion: Changing Language on Your LG TV Made Simple

Whether you have a brand-new LG TV running webOS 25 or an older model on webOS 5.0, changing the language takes under two minutes once you know the correct path. The three scenarios you'll encounter most often are the straightforward menu language change (Sections 5 and 6), navigating a foreign-language menu by icon position (Section 7), and troubleshooting when something isn't working as expected (Sections 12 and 13).

The key takeaway: use the quick-reference table in Section 4 as your go-to resource. It covers every webOS version in one glance, and the icon descriptions work regardless of what language your TV is currently displaying.

LG's webOS platform handles language settings well across the board. If you're exploring the LG ecosystem further, you might want to check whether is lg a good tv for your needs, or discover what is the best lg tv currently available. For now, bookmark this guide - you'll thank yourself the next time someone accidentally sets the TV to a language you can't read.

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