How to Change the Language on the Amazon App: An In-Depth Tutorial for Unlocking Localized Shopping
Have you ever found yourself exploring Amazon’s endless digital aisles only to discover product listings lost in translation? Or wondered if switching your Amazon app to another language would reveal deals and features exclusive to that region? Localizing the primary language used within the Amazon mobile app unlocks all kinds of possibilities – from shopping with enhanced clarity to immersing yourself in a new linguistic landscape.
And thankfully, Amazon provides users granular control over the translations applied within the mobile experience. In just a few taps, you can configure your personalized language preferences. Read on as we explore the intricacies of app localization and walk through exactly how to convert Amazon‘s interface into the tongue of your choosing.
Why Amazon Mobile Language Localization Matters
Amazon dedication to linguistic localization has helped fuel their dominance as the world’s largest online retailer. The site proudly services customers across 185 different countries – supporting shoppers that speak dozens of languages.
In fact, over half of Amazon app users employ a language other than English while navigating the marketplace:
| Language | % of Amazon App Users |
|---|---|
| English | 44% |
| Spanish | 15% |
| Hindi | 10% |
| Portuguese | 8% |
| German | 5% |
| All Others | 18% |
And Amazon’s commitments to translation depth keeps growing. The localization team recently added support for Armenian, Georgian, Kazakh, and Persian. That brings the total number of active languages up to 21 different options.
So why does language localization matter so much to Amazon’s mobile experience? There are a few key reasons:
- Reduces Friction for Global User Base – Amazon attracts consumers worldwide. Supporting native languages removes a major pain point to foster more sales.
- Customized Regional Experiences – Language choice alters search algorithm biases, promotional visibility, product pricing and more. Shoppers see options tailored specifically to local markets.
- Enhances Understanding – Listings featuring unfamiliar products are more easily understood in native tongues. Less translations confusion equals smarter purchases.
- Encourages Immersion – Changing store languages assists with learning new languages more quickly through practical usage.
Switching the primary app language pays dividends regardless of your location or linguistic background.
Next let’s peel back the curtains and see how Amazon technicians make localized translations possible…
Behind the Scenes: How Amazon Localizes Apps
Building a single app to gracefully support languages as distinct as Polish, Turkish, Tamil and Vietnamese is no small undertaking. Amazon pours tremendous resources into platform globalization using advanced localization technology solutions.
So what exactly goes into converting Amazon‘s web and mobile properties?
- Text Translation – Amazon maintains a Globalization Services team consisting of over 5,000 full-time translators and linguists. They diligently translate site text into target languages.
- Software Localization – Beyond mere text swaps, software strings require adjustment to support foreign characters/formatting/layouts.
- Local Market Testing – Extensive quality assurance validation is done to ensure regional variations display properly in all locales.
- Regular Updates – New languages are continually localized while existing translations receive continuous improvements.
This broad initiative also extends beyond Amazon‘s own digital platforms and into the technology solutions powering their logistics and supply chain. Everything from fulfillment center machinery to delivery driver instructions is multilingual.
These sweeping internationalization efforts allow buyers and sellers to seamlessly interact regardless of their tongue.
By the Numbers: The Scale of Amazon‘s Localization Team
To grasp the sheer magnitude of Amazon‘s localization programs, observe their output metrics:
- 300+ million words translated annually
- >100 language combinations supported
- 2,000+ linguists and engineers maintaining translations
- 14 million translation changes per month
The fruits of this globalization labor manifest clearly while using Amazon apps abroad. We‘ll highlight some of the changes next.
How Shopping Differs When Using Foreign Language Apps
The Amazon mobile experience transforms significantly when switching language environments. Beyond simple text translations, the entire shopping journey shifts to emphasize local specialties.
For example, here‘s how searching for popular products in India (Hindi language) might differ from the United States (English):
| Product Category | India Variances |
|---|---|
| Electronics | More budget phone models like Xiaomi, Vivo, and Micromax |
| Media | Bollywood films surface ahead of Hollywood blockbusters |
| Home & Kitchen | Spice blends, pressure cookers and electrical kettles rank higher |
| Toys & Games | More traditional games like Carrom boards and cricket bats |
As this table demonstrates, switching into local languages surfaces product results catering specifically to regional buyer preferences. This helps international shoppers discover relevant items quickly.
Beyond visibility differences, activating alternate languages also unlocks exclusive perks. Next we‘ll explore special deals only available through localized apps.
Unique Benefits of Using Foreign Language Apps
Particular Amazon country sites feature special products and promotions aimed directly at domestic markets. These offerings rarely appear on English versions.
For example, Indian Hindi app users may encounter deals like:
- Movie rentals for only ₹9 (~$0.12 USD)
- Prime subscription ₹179 (~$2.50) per month pricing
- Medical insurance from reputable providers like Care Health and Aditya Birla
- First grocery order discounts or prize promotions from Amazon Fresh
Meanwhile, Japanese users find locally-tailored promotions involving:
- Japanese music subscriptions like Amazon Music Unlimited Family Plan
- Free mangas, magazines and books from top Japanese publishers
- Special pricing on Japanese cosmetics and skincare items
- Restaurant delivery services through Amazon Food
Uncovering these hidden gems provides further motivation to activate alternate languages.
Up next we‘ll cover the step-by-step process for modifying settings…
How to Change Amazon App Language (Android and iOS)
Ready to start accessing all Amazon has to offer in another tongue? Thankfully they made the process extremely quick through the mobile app settings menu.
Let‘s examine how to change languages on both Android and iOS devices.
Switching Language on Android Apps
- Launch the Amazon Android app
- Tap the ☰ menu button in the upper left corner
- Select thesettings icon
- Choose
Country and Language - Tap on your desired language
That‘s all it takes! The app will now reload with translated text and optimized regional results.
Switching Language on iOS Apps
- Launch the Amazon iOS app
- Tap the profile icon in the bottom right
- Select
Settings - Choose
Country and Language - Tap on your desired language
Just like that, your iPhone or iPad will initialize the new tongue.
The process works the same whether you installed the app natively or through the App Store.
And remember – if you ever want to return menus and listings back to English, just repeat the steps and choose English before saving changes.
Now let‘s address an important question…
Does Language Setting Also Change Amazon Prime Video?
Since Prime Video lives within the main Amazon apps, you may wonder if altering the primary app language also transfers over.
The answer is no – Amazon Prime Video utilizes independent language settings from the rest of the app.
This allows the flexibility to consume media in one tongue while shopping in another. Or matching Prime Video‘s dialect to your unique language immersion goals.
To be clear though, both platforms make switching languages simple with just a few quick taps or clicks.
Now let’s tackle some common troubles that arise…
Troubleshooting Amazon App Language Issues
Despite Amazon’s best efforts, occasionally app language changes don’t apply perfectly across every screen. When noticing foreign language conversion quirks, try these troubleshooting fixes:
On Android:
- Confirm your OS supports the chosen locale
- Enable App Translation in system Language & Input settings
- Clear Amazon app cache/data then restart phone
- Check for app updates and install latest version
On iOS:
- Verify your iPhone/iPad supports latest iOS version
- Toggle region to related country then revert back
- Change iOS device language itself under General settings
- Try deleting and reinstalling the Amazon app
In most cases completing one or more of these steps resolves any lingering translation bugs. Typically caused by device limitations rather than issues with Amazon‘s localization code itself.
If problems persist even after troubleshooting, contact Amazon customer support. Their technical team actively monitors language issues and quickly diagnoses root causes.
Hopefully you now feel confident navigating to the Amazon app settings and activating languages suited to your cross-border shopping needs!
Let’s wrap up with some final thoughts…
Translating Amazon Opens Gateways to Global Commerce
Amazon’s meticulous mobile app localization methods empower consumers worldwide to shop confidently in their own dialect. Finding products, evaluating listings, and completing purchases all become more effortless.
Switching languages also unlocks regional exclusives, bolsters cultural immersion, and reveals niche item segments matching local tastes.
Yet perhaps most importantly, breaking down translation barriers fosters community through shared commercial experiences.
So whether you’re a native speaker seeking familiarity, a visitor embracing new cultures, or an expat longing for a taste of home – changing Amazon app languages bridges all distances.
