How to Add Multilingual Support in iOS & Android Apps?

Imagine this: A user in Paris opens your app. They love the design, scroll through the product list… but every word is in English. They hesitate. They bounce.

Now multiply that by every non-English-speaking customer you’re trying to reach. You lose a lot of customers, right? So, it’s better you learn how to make app support multiple languages as soon as possible. Don’t worry, we are here to explain you everything step-by-step. Stay tuned.

In today’s global app economy, language is the first barrier to trust. And if your app only speaks one, you’re not just missing out on users, you’re leaving growth on the table. Fortunately, you have this multilingual mobile app guide that will show you how to overcome the obstacle.

Mobile apps with multilingual support don’t just feel “nicer” to use, they convert better. They retain better. They scale across markets without needing a separate build for each region. For small businesses and startups, this isn’t just about inclusion. It’s about expansion.

When you add multilingual support in Android app, you solve this issue for your Android app.

Similarly, for iOS devices support, you need to add multilingual support in iOS app.

The good news? You don’t need a massive dev team to make your app multilingual. Really? Then, how to make app support multiple languages?

Whether you’re building with code or a no code app builder like Twinr, adding language support has now become easier – and smarter – than ever.

This guide shows you how to do it right, step by step.

What “Multilingual Support” Actually Means in Mobile Apps

Let’s get one thing straight: multilingual support is more than just translating text.

At its core, it means your app can:

• Detect or allow users to select their preferred language
• Display content in that language without breaking the design
• Handle things like dates, currencies, and number formats correctly
• Respect local customs like right-to-left (RTL) layout for Arabic or Hebrew

In short, your app becomes culturally and linguistically familiar to every user, no matter where they are.

This isn’t the same as full localization or internationalization (i18n), which includes things like legal compliance and region-specific services. But multilingual support is a huge first step, especially for e-commerce, news, and service apps trying to build trust fast.

And if you think only big brands can afford it, think again. There are now no-code tools, translation APIs, and pre-built localization libraries that make this possible for teams of any size.

Step 1: Plan Your App’s Language Strategy

Before you dive into coding or uploading translations, slow down. The first step is having a clear idea about how to make app support multiple languages. Then you plan accordingly. Follow the steps given below:

Ask yourself:

Who are your top users today, and where are they located?

Use Google Analytics, Firebase, App Store Connect, or Shopify Analytics to identify where your traffic comes from. If you see, most users are using Apple devices, then add multilingual support in iOS app.

Which languages matter most to your audience?

If 40% of your users are in Mexico or Spain, Spanish should be your first addition. For Southeast Asia, Bahasa Indonesia or Tagalog might make sense.

Do you need to localize just text, or more?

For e-commerce apps, product descriptions, checkout flows, and push notifications matter. For SaaS, it’s onboarding, settings, and support content.

What content will need updates with every release?

Avoid adding dozens of languages from the start. Begin with 2 or 3 core languages, keep it manageable, and scale with demand.

Also, consider cultural context, not just language. For example, a red “Buy” button might convert in the U.S. but may symbolize danger in parts of Asia. These subtle UX cues matter.

Pro Tip: Use an internal spreadsheet or localization tool to list every UI string you want to translate, grouped by screen. It’ll save hours down the road.

Step 2: Choose the Right Language Implementation Method

Now that you’ve planned which languages to support, it’s time to choose how to make app support multiple languages. There are three main ways apps handle multilingual content:

Manual coding (for custom-built apps)

This involves using localization files (.strings in iOS, strings.xml in Android) that store each UI text element in multiple languages. The app detects the user’s device language and loads the appropriate strings.

This gives you full control, but it requires dev resources to update content and maintain consistency across languages. For example, for Android users, it will add multilingual support strings in Android app. For Apple users, it will add multilingual support strings in iOS app.

Translation APIs (like Google Translate API or Lokalise)

If you’re using a CMS or have dynamic content, APIs can help serve translations on the fly. However, machine translation is rarely perfect. These tools are better for backend-powered apps than for user-facing content where nuance matters.

No-code and low-code builders with built-in multilingual support

Platforms like Twinr or Tapcart offer visual tools where you can upload translations per screen or element. You can preview layouts in each language and update without touching code, ideal for SMBs and DTC brands.

If you’re using Shopify or WooCommerce as a backend, ensure your content fields are structured properly – many translation plugins (like Weglot or TranslatePress) also integrate with mobile app builders, making app localization for iOS and Android seamless across platforms.

“The earlier you bake multilingual support into your app structure, the easier it’ll be to scale later.” – App Growth Collective, 2024 Report

Step 3: Create & Manage Your Translation Files

Once you’ve picked a method, the next step is to actually create your translations and organize them properly. This multilingual mobile app guide will help you to perform everything in a step-by-step format.

Start with these practical steps:

• Export your UI copy into a spreadsheet or translation management tool. Group them by feature or screen: login, cart, checkout, etc. This helps both translators and app testers stay aligned.

• Work with native translators. Don’t rely fully on Google Translate. Use professional translation services like Gengo, Lokalise, or even Fiverr Pro for key markets.

• Use consistent keys and placeholders. For example, write “checkout_button_text” instead of “btn1”. This makes it easy to reuse text without breaking your app logic.

• Keep fallback logic. If a translation is missing or unavailable, the app should default to your primary language gracefully, not display broken text or empty screens.

If your platform supports it, use a real-time preview to check for layout issues. Some languages (like German or Hindi) can expand UI text by 30–50%. Always leave room in your design for word growth.

Pro Tip: Add developer notes for context. If your translator sees “Start,” do they know if it’s “Start shopping” or “Start workout”? Context ensures accuracy.

Step 4: Test Multilingual Functionality on Real Devices

Adding languages is one thing. Making sure they actually work for your users is another.

Multilingual testing should cover:

• UI rendering in each language: Check buttons, menus, labels, and notifications on both iOS and Android. Text truncation is common with longer words.

• Right-to-left (RTL) layout support for Arabic, Hebrew, etc. Make sure the UI flips as expected.

• Font rendering and encoding. Not all fonts handle non-Latin characters well. Test for missing glyphs or broken spacing.

• Locale-specific formatting: Does your app show dates, prices, and phone numbers in the local format (e.g., ₹1,999 vs. $1,999)?

Use tools like BrowserStack or Firebase Test Lab to test on multiple devices without needing a dozen phones.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget push notifications. They need to be tested for encoding and proper formatting in all languages. Nothing kills UX like a broken notification.

Step 5: Let Users Control Language Preferences

Auto-detecting a user’s language is useful, but don’t stop there. Give users the power to change it.

Here’s how:

• Add a language switcher inside your app’s settings menu (or during onboarding). Keep it simple and icon-based where possible.

• Use ISO-standard language names, users should see “Español” instead of “Spanish” when browsing in Spanish. Use native scripts and names. That’s how you add multilingual support in iOS app.

• Persist their choice even if their device language changes. Save preferences in user profiles (or local storage) to avoid switching back unexpectedly.

Also, give users a sense of control. A user travelling in France with their phone in French might still prefer to shop in English, especially if it’s their native language. So, you need to add multilingual support in Android app for better user experience. 

Bonus Tip: If you’re using Twinr or other no-code platforms, adding a language selector is usually a toggle or component. Some even support auto-translation fallbacks with manual overrides.

Step 6: Update & Maintain Translations Over Time

Multilingual support isn’t a one-and-done task. It’s an ongoing part of your product lifecycle.

Here’s how to stay on top of it:

• Create a translation workflow. Whenever new features or screens are added, flag which strings need translation and assign a due date.

• Version your language files, and back them up. Especially if multiple people are editing the content.

• Review translations quarterly. User feedback might highlight unclear phrases or cultural missteps. Iterate as needed.

• Monitor untranslated content using analytics. Track which language users see by default, high fallback rates may indicate gaps in your language support.

If your app is localized into 4+ languages by using the app localization for iOS and Android methods, consider using a translation management system (TMS) like Phrase, Lokalise, or Crowdin to streamline collaboration.

Benefits of Offering a Multilingual App Experience

Adding language support isn’t just for “big companies.” Here’s what it can unlock for any small business or DTC brand:

• Wider market reach. You can sell in new regions without creating new apps.

• Higher conversion rates. Users are more likely to purchase when content feels familiar.

• Stronger retention. Multilingual onboarding and support reduce drop-off from confused users.

• Better app store performance. Localized app store descriptions can boost visibility and installs in regional markets.

A CSA Research study showed that 76% of consumers prefer to buy products with information in their native language, and over 40% won’t buy at all if it’s not available.

If your competition is still English-only, you’ve got a real edge.

No-Code Tools That Make Multilingual Apps Easy

If you’re using a no-code app builder like Twinr, the process becomes even smoother. Here’s how to make app support multiple languages using these simple techniques:

• Drag-and-drop translation UI – upload translations per screen or copy existing layouts and switch the language manually.

• Auto-fallbacks for missing strings – keeps your app running even if some content isn’t translated yet.

• Pre-built language switchers – no coding needed to add a toggle or dropdown.

• Real-time previews – see how the app looks in different languages before publishing updates.

This is game-changing for Shopify or WooCommerce store owners who want to add multilingual support in Android app without a dev team.

Most platforms also integrate with translation plugins like Weglot or tools like Google Translate API, giving you hybrid control between automation and precision.

The Final Note

Multilingual support isn’t just a technical feature; it’s a strategic advantage.

In today’s global app ecosystem, users expect personalized experiences that go beyond design. They want to feel understood. And language is the fastest, clearest way to make that happen.

Whether you’re a small business expanding overseas or a DTC brand serving bilingual customers at home, adding multilingual functionality helps you convert better, retain longer, and differentiate without spending more on ads or product changes.

And thanks to today’s no-code tools, it’s no longer a heavy lift. You don’t need to code every string or manage five different app versions. You just need the right workflow, and a commitment to making your users feel at home.

So don’t just localize. Humanize. Speak your users’ language, literally.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. Do I need to publish a separate app for each language?

No. Most modern app builders and frameworks support multiple languages in a single app. Users can add multilingual support in Android app by switching languages inside the app, or the app can auto-detect their device language.

Q2. What’s the difference between translation and localization?

Translation is converting words from one language to another. Localization goes further: adapting phrasing, design, and even images to feel culturally relevant to the user.

Q3. Can I use Google Translate to localize my app?

You can, but be cautious. Google Translate is fast, but not always accurate. It’s best used for internal drafts or fallback text, not for your final UX. It’s better to add multilingual support in Android app.

Q4. How do I test multilingual support without a QA team?

Use tools like Firebase Test Lab, BrowserStack, or even set your device language manually to add multilingual support in iOS app. If you’re using no-code tools, they usually offer a real-time preview in different languages.