Ubuntu 18.04 Doesn't actually change the language for input

Question

I am trying to type in Arabic as well as in English. I set up the Arabic keyboard using the following steps:

Settings -> Region & Language -> + -> Arabic

I also added Arabic (QWERTY) just to check.

After doing that I get the little switcher on the top right. The problem is when I switch the language it keeps typing in English. Anyone know what is going on? I am very confused!

In my case, it didn't work even after restarting. the language icon is there but still types in English. Anyone solved it? — libphy, Mar 19 '19 at 00:40

score 47 · Answer 1 · edited Oct 09 '19 at 12:32

47

It is probably a bug from GNOME, I don't know, but restarting GNOME works. (You won't lose your open apps or the arrangement in virtual desktops.)

Press Alt+F2 and then write r and then press Enter.

edited Oct 09 '19 at 12:32

Eliah Kagan

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answered Jun 23 '19 at 00:42

JorgeeFG

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works perfectly, شكرا, but what the `r` command means – Basheer AL-MOMANI Jan 07 '20 at 13:46
@BasheerAL-MOMANI I guess it is r for restart – JorgeeFG Jan 07 '20 at 15:06
@JorgeeFG I did restart ubuntu but didn't work. restarting GNOME as you mentioned worked like a charm! – Kassem Feb 27 '20 at 01:15
@BasheerAL-MOMANI It will force write changes. – M. Rostami Mar 01 '20 at 16:06
I'm doing this on every boot. Is there a more permanent solution? – Arkanoid Jul 27 '20 at 13:40
@Arkanoid if you use multiple languages, I don't know, until they fix the problem. If you're using just one, take a look at language settings and remove unnecessary ones – JorgeeFG Jul 27 '20 at 20:03
I'm experiencing the same issue in pop_os 20.10. This is definitely NOT related to gnome desktop. At least that's what the Gnome devs told me. – ThanosFisherman Oct 29 '20 at 10:51
From time to time (~2 times a week) my language switcher also stops working (Ubuntu 20.04, 20.10). Previously I had to restart the system but now I have a quicker solution thanks to this answer. I hope this annoying bug will be fixed some day. – 4LegsDrivenCat Nov 23 '20 at 14:10

score 7 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 17 '18 at 16:02

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you should restart I had the same exact problem and after a restart, it worked

answered Sep 17 '18 at 16:02

Ali Amarloo

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nice, had the same exact issue, didn't knew from where the problem was, restarted and it got solved :D thanks! – Eek Oct 18 '18 at 07:56

Ubuntu 18.04 Doesn't actually change the language for input

2 Answers2