How do you change the dictation language on Apple TV?

Apple's support pages for Apple TV describe a Siri language, not a separate dictation language. To change the language Siri uses, go to Settings, select General, then Siri, and choose Language ¹. Apple does not say on these pages which language Siri dictation uses, so the Siri language is the setting to check first. The rest of this answer covers what else you can change, and what each setting controls.

Apple documents the Siri language, not a separate dictation language

Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD use the same language that you set up on the device for Siri ¹. Apple's Apple TV guide does not describe a second setting that picks a dictation language apart from Siri. If you expect one, you will not find it in these pages.

1. Open Settings on Apple TV, then select General.
2. Select Siri, then Language, and choose the language you want.

Changing the Siri language affects what Siri understands. It is the closest documented control to the dictation language on Apple TV.

Siri dictation is turned on or off under General

You turn Siri dictation on or off in Settings, under General, then Dictation ². If dictation is off, use the same path to turn it on.

Apple also notes that dictation may not be available in all countries or regions ³. If the option is missing, check your Apple TV's region before you assume a fault.

The keyboard language button appears only after you add languages

On the on-screen keyboard, the language button lets you switch the keyboard language, but it appears only in certain cases. Apple says the option appears only if you have added additional languages in Settings ⁴. If you do not see the button, add a language first, then look for it on the keyboard.

Apple's guide describes this button for the on-screen keyboard, which you use to type search terms and other text. Apple's pages do not say whether it changes what Siri dictation understands, so test a sentence after you switch.

It depends on what you need to do

• You want Siri and dictation to understand another language. Change the Siri language under General, then Siri, then Language ¹.
• You type into a search field or a password field with the on-screen keyboard. Add the language in Settings, then use the language button on the keyboard ⁴.
• Dictation is missing from the menu. Turn it on under General, then Dictation ², and check whether Apple lists your region as supported ³.
• Your language is not offered at all. Apple's Apple TV pages do not describe a way to add a language the device does not support. Read how to dictate in a language your device does not support.

What to do

1. Open Settings, select General, then Siri, and set the Language you need.
2. Go back to General, then Dictation, and make sure dictation is turned on.
3. Test one sentence in a text field, using a name, and check that the words come out in the right language.
4. If the language is still wrong, the Apple pages do not give a separate dictation setting to change, so use a device with a dictation language list, or try the methods in the question on unsupported languages.

For the steps on other devices, read how to change the dictation language on any device. To move between languages you already use on another platform, see how to switch dictation languages quickly. The wider topic is covered in our overview of dictation languages, accents and voice translation.