How to Change the Language in NotebookLM (Now Gemini Notebook)
Topics: #notebooklm how to change language #notebooklm how to change the language #gemini notebook change output language #notebooklm audio overview language all keywords ↓
In this guide
- Output language vs interface language
- Change the output language on a computer
- Change the language on Android or iPhone
- Change the interface (menus) language
- Get an Audio Overview in a specific language
- Use different languages in one notebook
- Troubleshooting
- Related settings worth knowing
- Language tips for multilingual households and classes
- Does the output language affect quality?
- Quick reference
- Summary
- FAQ
Did NotebookLM answer in the wrong language, or generate a podcast in a language you didn't expect? NotebookLM (now Gemini Notebook) has two separate language settings: the output language for everything it generates, and the interface language for menus. This short guide shows how to change both on computer and mobile, and how to fix the most common problems.
Output language vs interface language
| Setting | What it changes | Where to change it |
|---|---|---|
| Output Language | Chat responses, study guides, reports, Audio Overviews and other generated content | Gemini Notebook → Settings → Output Language |
| Interface language | Buttons, menus and labels | Google Account language (and browser language) |
By default, the output language follows your Google Account's preferred language, which is why many people get answers in a language they never chose.
Change the output language on a computer
- Open Gemini Notebook in your browser (old NotebookLM links redirect there).
- At the top right, select Settings.
- Choose Output Language.
- Select your preferred language from the list.
- Ask a new question or generate new Studio content to see the change.
Tip: Changing the setting doesn't translate content that already exists. Regenerate Audio Overviews, reports or flashcards after switching.
Change the language on Android or iPhone
Google's help says the Android app uses your device or browser language. To choose an output language manually:
- Open your phone's browser and go to Gemini Notebook.
- Tap Settings → Output Language.
- Select your language.
Alternatively, change your device's language. Availability in the apps can vary while features roll out, so if an option is missing, use the browser version.
Change the interface (menus) language
- Go to your Google Account → Personal info → General preferences for the web → Language.
- Set your preferred language.
- Reload Gemini Notebook. If it doesn't update, check your browser's language settings too.
Get an Audio Overview in a specific language
Audio Overviews are generated in the language selected under Output Language. To make a podcast in Spanish, Arabic or Japanese, set Output Language first, then generate. Your sources can be in any supported language. Gemini Notebook can discuss English sources in another language and vice versa, which is very useful for language learners. More audio options are in our podcast guide.
Use different languages in one notebook
The Output Language setting applies broadly, but you can still ask for a specific language in a chat prompt:
Answer in French. Summarize source 3 in 5 bullet points.For Studio outputs, add the language to the customization box when available (for example "Write the study guide in Spanish"). Results can vary, so the Settings option is the most reliable method.
Troubleshooting
Answers are still in the old language
Start a new question after changing the setting, and reload the page. Older chat messages won't change.
My language isn't in the list
Google lists 80+ supported output languages in the browser. If yours is missing, it may not be supported yet. Use the closest supported language or ask in chat.
The audio mixes languages
Sources in several languages can sometimes cause mixing. Regenerate with a clear instruction in the customization box, or use sources in one language.
Chinese variants
Language support details change over time. Check the current list in Google's help center if you need a specific variant.
Related settings worth knowing
- Audio Overview format and length: customize before generating.
- Source selection: tick only the sources you want included.
- Notebook sharing: collaborators see generated content in the language it was created in.
Language tips for multilingual households and classes
Gemini Notebook is popular with families and teachers who work in more than one language. A few practical patterns:
- Same sources, two outputs: generate a study guide in English, switch Output Language to Arabic or Spanish, and generate it again. Each family member can read in their strongest language.
- Bilingual classes: teachers can upload one lesson text and create Audio Overviews in two languages so every student can follow.
- Check key terms: technical words don't always translate well. Ask in chat: "List the 10 key terms in this source with translations and a one-line definition in each language."
Does the output language affect quality?
Gemini Notebook works in 80+ languages, but quality isn't identical in every language. Widely used languages generally give the most natural results. If you notice awkward phrasing, try:
- Asking a follow-up question for clarification in the same language.
- Generating the content in English first, then asking for a careful translation in chat.
- Having a fluent speaker review anything you'll share publicly, such as a class handout or a published podcast.
For learners, the language setting is also a learning tool. See our guide on how to use NotebookLM to learn a language for a full study routine built around output languages, flashcards and Audio Overviews.
Quick reference
| I want to… | Do this |
|---|---|
| Get chat answers in Spanish | Settings → Output Language → Spanish |
| Make an Audio Overview in Arabic | Set Output Language to Arabic, then generate a new Audio Overview |
| Change menus to French | Google Account → Language → French, then reload |
| Use another language just once | Ask in the chat prompt ("Answer in German") |
Summary
To change the language in NotebookLM (now Gemini Notebook), use Settings → Output Language for answers and Audio Overviews, and your Google Account language for menus. On mobile, use the browser version to pick an output language manually. After switching, regenerate any content you need in the new language.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change the language of NotebookLM answers?
Open a notebook, click Settings at the top right, choose Output Language and select a language. Chat responses, study guides and Audio Overviews will use it.
Why is my Audio Overview in the wrong language?
Audio Overviews use the Output Language setting, which defaults to your Google Account's preferred language. Change Output Language, then generate a new Audio Overview. Existing audio isn't translated.
How do I change the menus (interface) language?
The interface follows your Google Account and browser language. Change your preferred language in your Google Account settings and reload the page.
Can I change the language in the mobile app?
According to Google's help, the Android app uses your device or browser language. To pick an output language manually, open Gemini Notebook in your phone's browser and use Settings > Output Language.
How many languages are supported?
Google's help center says Gemini Notebook is available in 80+ output languages in the browser.
Does the output language change my sources?
No. Your uploaded sources stay in their original language. Only the content Gemini Notebook generates, such as answers, study guides and Audio Overviews, follows the Output Language setting.
Can I change the voices in Audio Overviews?
Google's help lists options for format, language, length and a custom prompt for Audio Overviews. Specific voice selection isn't a documented standard option, so focus on format and instructions to shape the result.