Force Android DateUtils.getRelativeDateTimeString() to ignore the device locale?

Force Android DateUtils.getRelativeDateTimeString() to Ignore Device Locale

Android’s DateUtils.getRelativeDateTimeString() function provides a convenient way to display relative dates and times in a user-friendly format. However, it’s sensitive to the device’s locale, potentially leading to inconsistencies when displaying dates in a specific format across different regions.

This article will delve into the methods to force DateUtils.getRelativeDateTimeString() to ignore the device locale and consistently display dates in your desired format, regardless of the user’s region.

Overriding Locale Behavior

Using a Specific Locale

The most direct method is to explicitly provide the desired locale to the getRelativeDateTimeString() function:

import java.util.Locale;
import android.text.format.DateUtils;

// ...

// Set the desired locale (e.g., English)
Locale locale = Locale.ENGLISH;

// Get relative date/time string in the specified locale
String relativeDateString = DateUtils.getRelativeDateTimeString(
    context,
    timeInMillis,
    DateUtils.MINUTE_IN_MILLIS,
    DateUtils.WEEK_IN_MILLIS,
    DateUtils.FORMAT_ABBREV_RELATIVE);

// Use the formatted string as needed
// ...

Setting a Default Locale

If you want to use a specific locale for all date formatting throughout your application, you can set it as the default locale:

import java.util.Locale;

// ...

// Set the desired locale as the default for the application
Locale.setDefault(Locale.ENGLISH);

// Now all date formatting, including DateUtils, will use this locale
// ...

Understanding Locale Impact

The getRelativeDateTimeString() function uses the device’s current locale to determine the following:

• Date/Time Format: The way dates and times are displayed (e.g., MM/dd/yyyy vs. dd/MM/yyyy).
• Relative Time Units: The units used to describe the time difference (e.g., “a few seconds ago” vs. “in 2 minutes”).
• Language: The language used in the formatted string.

Comparison

Considerations

While overriding the locale can ensure consistent date formatting, it’s important to consider the user experience:

• User Preferences: Respecting user preferences regarding language and locale can enhance user satisfaction.
• Localization: When localizing your app for different regions, it’s often beneficial to adapt date formatting to align with the target audience’s expectations.