Google Translate is one of the most popular translation apps. It works on Android phones and mostAndroid tabletsand is compatible with iPhones. The app is packed with features, including the ability to download language packs offline,automatic language detection, and more.
One of our favorite features is the app’s camera mode. When you point your phone to any written text, Google Translate instantly translates it into the language of your choice. It’s particularly useful when traveling, allowing you to understand directions or a menu without typing anything. The feature is available on Android and iOS. We focus on iOS for this guide.
Translating live content using your iPhone’s camera with Google Translate
The most commonly used option is the one that lets you translate a live image from your iPhone’s camera in real time. Although this feature is impressive and usually very effective, it doesn’t require much effort, as it’s designed to be seamless and easy to use.
Interacting with translated text
In addition to having Google Translate work with the entire image, you can refine what to do with the text.
How to use Google Translate to transcribe and translate voice to text
Translate conversations, speeches, and phrases
Improve your translation results
While Google Translate’s camera feature is particularly convenient, especially when traveling, it isn’t perfect and may not always work optimally. To ensure you get the best results, turn off your camera’s flash and provide the source language when possible instead of letting Google detect it automatically. It often struggles with uncommon fonts. For the best results, translate text that is in clear, common fonts.
Communicate more easily with Google Translate
In addition to translating live documents and text from images, Google Translate offers plenty of options to help you get around and communicate with people when you’re traveling, even if you don’t speak the local language. Check out our detailed guide onhow to use Google Translate to the fullestand travel with peace of mind.
