Use Google Translate with Your Smartphone Camera - The Online Mom (2023)

Use Google Translate with Your Smartphone Camera - The Online Mom (1)

By Tracey Dowdy

Last summer, when my daughter completed her study abroad program, I had the opportunity to travel with her throughout Spain and France. She had been studying Spanish and living with native Spanish speakers, so our adventures in Barcelona were language-barrier free. However, my French is very basic and très rouillé – very rusty.

I opened every conversation in Bordeaux and Paris with, “Excusez moi, je parle Français comme un enfant,” which translates as, “Excuse me, I speak French like a child.” This generally prompted a laugh, and we’d switch to English. However, my conversation opener wasn’t much help if I came across unfamiliar words in the train station or on a menu, two places you don’t necessarily want to go with a roll of the dice.

Thank God for Google Translate. I’ve long used it for translation in my work, but this trip showcased its diversity and ability to translate everything from handwritten notes to street signs.

A recent update to the Google Translate camera toolhas added 60 additional languages for a total of 88 languages in its database. One of the best features of this update is the app’s ability to detect what language is being used. This is particularly helpful if you’re translating similar yet distinctly different languages like Spanish and Portuguese.

Here’s how to use Translate text using your phone’s camera:

  • Download the app on iTunes or the Google Play Store.
  • Tap yourCameraicon, and once you’ve noted the features available, tap Continue.
  • You’ll need to give Google Translate permission to access your camera. If you have privacy concerns, you can always go in and manually change your settings when you’re not using the app.
  • Once you’ve given permission, your in-app camera will open.
  • Change the languages at the top toDetecting Languageand the language you want to be your default/preferred language.
  • Point your camera at the text you want to translate.
  • If you want a still frame of the text, TapPause translation.
  • When you’re ready, select Continue Translationand move to the next set of text to be translated.

You can also pull up a picture from your phone’s camera roll to be translated.

  • Open the Google Translate app
  • Select the Cameraicon.
  • TapImport in the bottom right corner.
  • Select the photo.
  • Use your finger to highlight the text to be translated.
  • Alternatively, you can tap theScanicon. This allows you to snap a picture translate with a swipe of your finger.

Tracey Dowdy isa freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey onTwitter.

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FAQs

How do I use Google Translate with camera? ›

To translate text with your camera:
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Translate app .
  2. Choose the language you want to translate to and from. From: Choose a language or tap Detect language . ...
  3. On the app home screen, tap Camera . To translate text from an image you've already captured: tap All Images .

How do you do the Google Translate trick? ›

So translate.google.com. I can paste what I had it will translate it to other languages. I can

Can I translate with my phone camera? ›

Translate text using your phone's camera

It's as easy as pointing your camera at the text to get translations. 1. If you don't have the Google Translate app, download it now. It's available on Android and iPhone.

What is Google camera translate? ›

You can translate words to your preferred language using the Camera app. Learn how to use Google Lens to get information about your surroundings. Camera from Google is only available on Android devices. At the bottom, tap Translate.

How do you use Google Translate? ›

Turn Tap to Translate on or off
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Translate app .
  2. At the top right, tap Menu Settings .
  3. Tap Tap to Translate. Enable. For Android 10 and up: Tap Paste . For Pixel 6 and up: To get quick translations, you can turn on Show floating icon.

Can you translate from a picture? ›

You can use your phone's camera to translate text in the Translate app. For example, you can use your camera to translate signs or handwritten notes.

What app can translate text from a picture? ›

Google Translate

Point your camera at the text and press the camera button. Tap Select All and use your finger to highlight the word or phrase that you'd like to have translated. You can also import photos into the app.

How do I translate text on my phone? ›

To translate text instantly using your camera, tap Search with your camera then tap Translate at the bottom. Now, point your camera at the text you want to translate, and it will translate it into English. You can also change the language it translates text to by tapping the box at the top.

How do I install Google Translate on my Android phone? ›

Download & use Google Translate
  1. Step 1: Download the Google Translate app. To get started, download the Google Translate app for Android. ...
  2. Step 2: Set up Google Translate. Tip: In version 6.10 and up, you can use a Dark theme in the Translate app.

Can you use Google Translate on a picture? ›

This application provides users with tools to translate between languages and they now include an image option; users take a photograph of a sign, piece of paper, or other form of written text and receive a translation in the language of their choice.

Is there a free camera translator? ›

Microsoft Translator is a free translation application that supports over sixty languages for online and offline use. The app for iOS and Android can be used for translating text, voice, conversations, camera photos and screenshots.

Can you use Google Translate offline? ›

When you're traveling somewhere without access to the internet or don't want to use your data plan, you can still use the Google Translate app on Android and iOS when your phone is offline.

How do I make Google Translate have a stroke? ›

And jokes em KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK KK oakes.

What happens to text Google Translate? ›

Google translate doesn't proof-read your text, but rather just delivers the output. Still, this usually isn't adequate for your needs if you intend to use the translated text for your personal or business needs.

How do I save Google Translate? ›

Save your translation history
  1. On your computer, sign in to Google Translate.
  2. Click History .
  3. From the right side panel, choose the entries you want to save.
  4. Click Star translation .

What is the use of translate app and how it works? ›

Google Translate supports more than 100 languages. It translates texts, websites, documents, photos, and speech in close to real-time. Thanks to the Google Translate app for iOS and Android, interpreters and translators virtually fit in your pocket and can be used both online and offline on your smartphone or tablet.

How do I edit Google Translate? ›

To improve your language, you can assess or suggest changes to translations in Google Translate. Click to assess the translation, or choose Suggest an edit. Enter a new translation in the text box. Click Submit.

What are the features of Google Translate? ›

Functions. Google Translate can translate multiple forms of text and media, which includes text, speech, and text within still or moving images. Specifically, its functions include: Written Words Translation: a function that translates written words or text to a foreign language.

What is the best photo translator? ›

Android | iOS

Overall, Google Translate is at the top of its class, having top-notch inter-language capabilities. The app currently recognizes 38 languages for instant camera work. You'll have the option of pointing your camera at any text or written material in the real world.

How can I convert image to text? ›

Convert an image file
  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com.
  2. Right-click on the desired file.
  3. Click Open with. Google Docs.
  4. The image file will be converted to a Google Doc, but some formatting might not transfer: Bold, italics, font size, font type, and line breaks are most likely to be retained.

How do I translate a scanned image? ›

To translate a picture in real-time, first, open Google Translate on your phone. Tap the “Camera” button in the Translate app; it is beneath the text box, near the bottom of the screen. Your camera view will open. At the top, select the languages you wish to translate your picture from and to.

What is photo translation? ›

Image translation is the machine translation of images of printed text (posters, banners, menus, screenshots etc.).

Where is the camera in Google Translate? ›

The new look has all three camera translation features conveniently located on the bottom of the app: “Instant” translates foreign text when you point your camera at it. "Scan" lets you take a photo and use your finger to highlight text you want translated.

Is there an app that can translate someone talking? ›

In some languages, you can translate both sides of a spoken conversation with the Google Translate app. You can also use your Pixel Buds to get real-time translations.

How can I translate in English? ›

Translate text
  1. On your computer, go to Google Translate.
  2. In the text box on the left, enter the word or phrase you want to translate.
  3. To select a different language: Small screens: Click the language at the top. ...
  4. Choose what you want to do: Listen: To hear the translation out loud, click Listen .

What is the best free Translator app for iPhone? ›

  • Google Translate – Text, Photo & Voice Translator. Price: Free. App Store Rating: 4.4. ...
  • Dialog – Voice and Text Translator. Price: Free (with in-app purchases) ...
  • Translator – Photo, Text, Speech Translator. Price: Free. ...
  • iTranslate Voice – Speak & Translate in Real-Time. Price: Free. ...
  • SayHi Translate – Voice translator. Price: Free.
6 Jun 2022

How do I use Google Translate on messenger? ›

Say if you want to translate that you'll notice that it didn't automatically translate it to english

How do I use Google Translate offline on Android? ›

Download languages without Wi-Fi
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Translate app .
  2. Tap Menu Settings. Data usage.
  3. Tap Downloaded languages. To always confirm before you download without Wi-Fi: Tap Ask before downloading. To always use mobile data when you can't use Wi-Fi: Tap Use Wi-Fi or mobile network.

How do I set up Google Translate? ›

Turn translation on or off for a specific language
  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More. Settings.
  3. At the bottom, click Advanced.
  4. Click Languages. Language.
  5. Next to the language you'd like to use, click More . ...
  6. Turn Offer to translate pages in this language on or off.

What is the best free offline translator? ›

Google Translate

It is free to download, boasting an impressive 59 languages on its offline app and even more online.

Can I scan and translate? ›

Luckily, you can use the Google Translate app on your phone to scan the sign and translate it into your native language. This wikiHow will teach you how to use your camera to scan with Google Translate on Android, iPhone, or iPad.

How can I translate a video with voice? ›

How to translate a video?
  1. Upload your video. ...
  2. Select the language of the video. ...
  3. Choose "Transcription" or "Subtitles". ...
  4. Choose "Machine generated" or "Human made". ...
  5. Receive your transcript/subtitles. ...
  6. Select "Translation" and choose your language. ...
  7. Click on "Export" and choose your preferred file format.

How do I use Google Translate to translate a video? ›

So you could type in here or paste. Any text over here and it will translate it to the language of

Why is there no camera on Google Translate? ›

Locate and open Google Translate from the list of available apps. Choose Permissions. Make sure that the Camera permission is granted to Google Translate. For the sake of troubleshooting, grant all permissions and check for improvements.

Is there a free app to translate languages? ›

Microsoft Translator comes with many of the same features included with Google Translate, like speech, text, image and conversation translation capabilities, and it's free to use and download. However, Microsoft Translate includes fewer languages — only around 90+ to Google Translate's 108.

What translator can I use offline? ›

The Google Translate app makes it easy to get by in a country where you don't speak the local language, even when you don't have Wi-Fi. With Google Translate's offline feature, you can translate languages on your mobile phone or tablet from anywhere —as long as you've done a little set-up before going offline.

Is Google Translate free to use? ›

Google Translate is a free service provided by Google that translates words, phrases, and even entire texts in over 100 languages.

Why is Google Translate not working offline? ›

Launch Google Translate and click on Settings >> Data Usage. Make sure it's set to use Wi-Fi or mobile network as the case may be for you. Go back to the offline translation page and you should be able to download those offline language files now.

Where is the camera button on Google Translate? ›

To launch the camera translation feature, just tap the “Camera” icon on the left under the standard translation box. Tip: Before switching to the camera mode, it's helpful to ensure that your language selections are correct. Tap the “Camera” icon on the left to switch to the camera translation mode.

How do I use Google Translate on my iPhone camera? ›

Translate text in photos
  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Translate app .
  2. Beneath the text box, tap Camera .
  3. You can choose to translate text from an image on your phone, or from text that you find through your camera. ...
  4. At the top, select the languages that you want to translate to and from.

Can I translate with my iPhone camera? ›

On supported models, you can translate text using the iPhone camera. Open the Camera app , then position iPhone so that the text appears on the screen. Select the text to translate, then tap Translate. to see more options.

How do I use Google Translate on my iPhone? ›

On your iPhone or iPad, touch and hold the Home screen. Search for the Google Translate app and tap it.

Does Google Translate camera work? ›

Once the camera is open, Translate scans the picture, and then asks you to highlight what to translate. The new Google Translate instant camera works immediately when users “Aim at text,” with the language pairing listed at the top of the screen and a shortcut to “Pause translation” below.

How do I translate a scanned image? ›

To translate a picture in real-time, first, open Google Translate on your phone. Tap the “Camera” button in the Translate app; it is beneath the text box, near the bottom of the screen. Your camera view will open. At the top, select the languages you wish to translate your picture from and to.

How do I install Google Translate on my Android phone? ›

Download & use Google Translate
  1. Step 1: Download the Google Translate app. To get started, download the Google Translate app for Android. ...
  2. Step 2: Set up Google Translate. Tip: In version 6.10 and up, you can use a Dark theme in the Translate app.

Which app translates using the camera? ›

Microsoft Translator

Microsoft has a phenomenal camera translator in their translation app. Just tap on the camera icon to take a picture of some text for an instant translation. From there, the app will scan the photo and translate the words. You can also upload pictures for translation.

What app can translate text from a picture? ›

Google Translate

Point your camera at the text and press the camera button. Tap Select All and use your finger to highlight the word or phrase that you'd like to have translated. You can also import photos into the app.

Can you use Google Translate offline? ›

When you're traveling somewhere without access to the internet or don't want to use your data plan, you can still use the Google Translate app on Android and iOS when your phone is offline.

How do u translate on iPhone? ›

How to Translate Text in Apple's Translate App
  1. Launch the Translate app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap the top-left button and select the language of the text that you want translated.
  3. Tap Done.
  4. Tap the top-right button and select the language that you want the text translated into.
  5. Tap Done.
22 Jul 2020

How can I translate a picture on my iPhone to English? ›

Open the Photos app and select a photo, or select an image online. Touch and hold a word and move the grab points to adjust the selection. Tap Translate. You might need to tap Continue, then choose a language to translate in, or tap Change Language.

Does Apple have a Translate app? ›

Pick Your Translator

Google Translate is in its 15th year and available on the web, as a Chrome browser extension and as an Android and an iOS app. Apple released its Translate app last year for the iPhone and added it to last month's iOS 15 update for the iPad.

What is the use of translate app and how it works? ›

Google Translate supports more than 100 languages. It translates texts, websites, documents, photos, and speech in close to real-time. Thanks to the Google Translate app for iOS and Android, interpreters and translators virtually fit in your pocket and can be used both online and offline on your smartphone or tablet.

How do I use Google Translate on WhatsApp? ›

Step 2: Use Google Translate From Any App on Your Android
  1. Open any app. For example, WhatsApp. ...
  2. A Google Translate icon is displayed on the top right of the app. Tap on it for the translation.
  3. As you can see, the translated version of the message text is displayed with the help of Google Translate.
14 Jul 2021

How do I use Google Translate in Excel? ›

Translate words or phrases in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint
  1. In your document, spreadsheet or presentation, highlight the cell or text you want to translate.
  2. Select Review > Translate.
  3. Select your language to see the translation.
  4. Select Insert. The translated text will replace the text you highlighted in step 1.

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