Many banking apps first show a language that is not the one you want — English instead of German, for example, or the other way around. Maybe you would rather use the app in your own language. Maybe you changed something by accident and cannot find your way back. Do not worry: the language of an app — a small program on your phone that lets you check your bank account, for example — can almost always be changed. It only takes a few minutes, and you cannot break anything by trying. If a step looks different on your phone than described here, just go slowly and look for similar words or symbols.
There are two ways to change the language. Some banking apps have their own language setting inside the app. Others automatically follow the language set for your whole phone — this is called the system language. We will show you both ways.
Way 1: Change the language directly in the banking app
Try this way first. Many banking apps offer their own language option.
- Open your bank's app by tapping the icon with your bank's logo on your home screen.
- Enter your PIN if asked, or unlock the app with your fingerprint or face.
- Look for the menu — usually an icon with three small horizontal lines, often in the top left or bottom of the screen.
- Tap that menu icon.
- In the list that opens, look for the word "Settings" — often shown with a small gear-shaped icon.
- Tap "Settings".
- Inside Settings, look for an option called "Language".
- Tap "Language".
- Choose the language you want from the list by tapping it once.
- Leave the settings by tapping the back arrow or the "X" in the top corner. The app will now show the new language.
This setting is completely safe. It only changes how text is displayed — your money, your data, and your account are never affected.
Way 2: Through your phone's system language
Some banking apps do not have their own language option. Instead, they automatically follow the language set for the whole phone. In that case, you change the language not in the banking app, but in your phone's general settings. This will also affect all your other apps.
On an Android phone (for example, Samsung, Google, or Huawei):
- Tap the "Settings" icon on your home screen — usually a grey gear.
- Scroll down and tap "General management" or "System" (the exact name depends on your phone's manufacturer).
- Tap "Language" or "Language and input".
- Tap "Languages" or "Add a language".
- Choose the language you want from the list.
- Drag that language to the top of the list with your finger, if it does not move there automatically.
On an iPhone (Apple):
- Tap the "Settings" icon on your home screen — a grey gear.
- Scroll down and tap "General".
- Tap "Language & Region".
- Tap "iPhone Language".
- Choose the language you want from the list.
- Confirm the change by tapping the button that appears — it will say something like "Change to [language name]". Your iPhone will briefly restart the language — this is normal and takes only a few seconds.
Afterwards, open the banking app again. In most cases, it will now show the new language automatically.
What to do if something does not work
- The app has no language option of its own: This is normal. Use Way 2 instead and change your phone's system language.
- The app does not follow the system language: Close the app completely — swipe it away from the list of recently used apps — and open it again. Some apps only pick up the new language after a full restart.
- The language you want is not in the list: Not every bank offers every language. Check your bank's website, or call the customer service number printed on your bank card, to ask which languages are supported.
- You are not sure if you did something wrong: Changing the language is purely a display setting. It can never transfer money, close an account, or share your data. Feel free to explore different menu items — you cannot damage anything.
Important: You will never need to share a code sent by text message, or read one aloud over the phone, to change your language. If someone calls claiming they need such a code to "change your language" or "fix a problem with the app", hang up. Then call your bank back using the number printed on the back of your bank card. A real bank never asks for a text message code to change a language setting.
If you are still looking for a bank with an especially easy-to-use app, you can browse an overview of personal accounts at /en/personal-accounts.