Overview
Intercom supports multi-language experiences across:
Help center articles
Messenger interface
AI agent (Fin) responses
Automated messages and bots
This guide covers setup, translation workflows, and best practices.
Supported Languages
Intercom supports 45+ languages for the Messenger interface. Fin can understand and respond in all major languages, even if your knowledge base is only in one language.
Commonly used languages:
Language | Code |
English | en |
French | fr |
German | de |
Spanish | es |
Italian | it |
Portuguese | pt |
Dutch | nl |
Japanese | ja |
Chinese (Simplified) | zh-CN |
View the full list in Settings → Workspace → Localization.
Messenger Localization
The Messenger automatically displays in your customer's browser language.
Configuring Messenger Languages
Go to Settings → Messenger → Languages
Select which languages to enable
Customize translated strings if needed
What Gets Translated
Element | Auto-Translated | Customizable |
UI elements ("Send", "Back") | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Default greetings | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Bot messages | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (manual) |
Help center link text | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Custom Translations
Override default translations for brand voice:
Go to Settings → Messenger → Languages
Click on a language
Edit specific strings
Save changes
Example: Change the default French "Comment pouvons-nous vous aider?" to a more casual "Une question? On est là!"
Help Center Localization
Offer your knowledge base in multiple languages.
Setting Up Multi-Language Help Center
Go to Help Center → Settings → Languages
Click Add language
Select languages to support
Set your default (primary) language
Translation Workflow
For each article, you'll need to create translations:
Option 1: Manual translation
Open an article
Click the language dropdown
Select Add translation
Write or paste translated content
Publish
Option 2: Auto-translate then review
Open an article
Click Translate → Auto-translate
Select target language
Review and edit the output
Publish
Important: Always review auto-translations. They're a starting point, not final copy.
Managing Translations
Track translation status in Help Center → Articles:
Status | Meaning |
✅ Published | Translation live |
🟡 Draft | Translation in progress |
⚪ Missing | No translation yet |
🔄 Outdated | Original updated since translation |
Language-Specific Collections
You can organize content differently per language:
Same structure, translated content (recommended)
Different articles per region (for market-specific content)
Mixed approach (shared core content + regional additions)
AI Agent (Fin) Language Settings
Fin can respond in multiple languages, with or without translated knowledge base content.
How Fin Handles Languages
Scenario | Fin's Behavior |
Customer writes in French, KB is English | Fin translates KB content and responds in French |
Customer writes in French, KB has French version | Fin uses French KB, responds in French |
Customer switches languages mid-conversation | Fin adapts to the new language |
Configuring Fin's Languages
Go to Fin AI Agent → Settings → Languages
Enable languages Fin should support
Set response language preference:
Match customer's language (recommended)
Always respond in [specific language]
Language Quality
Fin performs best when:
Knowledge base content exists in the target language
Custom instructions are provided in each language
Brand terms are defined per language
Tip: For high-volume languages (e.g., French and German for Swiss businesses), invest in proper KB translations. For long-tail languages, Fin's auto-translation works well.
Automated Messages & Bots
Customize automated messages for each language.
Translating Bot Flows
Open the bot in Automation → Bots
Click Languages in the top bar
Select a language to translate
Translate each message block
Save and activate
Outbound Messages
For proactive messages and campaigns:
Create separate messages per language, OR
Use audience rules to filter by language:
Browser language
User language attribute
Company location
Detecting Customer Language
Intercom detects language automatically via:
Method | Reliability |
Browser language | High — uses browser settings |
User attribute | High — if you pass |
IP geolocation | Medium — assumes language from country |
Message content | High — Fin detects language from text |
Setting Language via API
Pass language when identifying users:
Intercom('update', { language_override: 'fr' });This ensures the Messenger and Fin use French regardless of browser settings.
Best Practices
Start Small
Don't translate everything at once:
Start with your top 10-20 articles
Add languages based on customer demand
Monitor analytics for each language
Keep Translations in Sync
When you update an article:
Update translations within 1-2 weeks
Use the "Outdated" filter to find stale translations
Consider a translation review workflow
Consistent Terminology
Create a glossary for translators:
English | French | German |
Dashboard | Tableau de bord | Dashboard |
Subscription | Abonnement | Abonnement |
Workflow | Flux de travail | Workflow |
Regional Considerations
Language isn't just translation:
Date formats — DD/MM/YYYY vs. MM/DD/YYYY
Currency — Show local currency where possible
Cultural references — Adjust examples and idioms
Formality — French "tu" vs. "vous", German "du" vs. "Sie"
Quick Setup Checklist
[ ] Messenger languages enabled
[ ] Help center languages configured
[ ] Priority articles translated
[ ] Fin language settings configured
[ ] Bot flows translated
[ ] Language detection method chosen
[ ] Glossary created for translators
Need Help?
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +41 79 741 86 13
Need help setting up multi-language support? We offer knowledge base localization as part of our implementation packages. We partner with Crowdin.