Translate

Translate Signs Using Your Smartphone Camera

You can use your phone’s camera to translate signs, menus, labels, posters, or any printed text — instantly and right on your screen!

On iPhone (iOS)

🛠️ Tool: Apple Live Text + Translate

📍 Available in: Camera app and Photos app (iOS 15 and up)

Icon Description:

  • 🅰️ Text icon in the bottom-right of the screen when text is detected

  • 🌍 Translate icon appears when you tap the text (resembles a globe or two-letter symbols)

✅ How to Use:

  1. Open the Camera app and point it at the sign or printed text.

  2. When text is detected, a yellow outline will appear around the words.

  3. Tap the Live Text (🅰️) icon in the corner.

  4. Tap Translate from the pop-up menu.

  5. iPhone will instantly translate the text into your chosen language.

  6. You can also take a photo, open it in the Photos app, tap the text, and choose Translate.

Requirements:

  • iPhone XR or newer

  • iOS 15 or later

  • Internet connection required for full translation

On Android (Google Pixel, Samsung, etc.)

🛠️ Tool: Google Translate App + Google Lens

📍 Available as a standalone app or built into Google Lens

Icon Description:

  • 🎥 Camera icon in Google Translate

  • 🔍 Google Lens icon (a small camera with colored dots/corners)

✅ How to Use (Method 1 – Google Translate):

  1. Open the Google Translate app.

  2. Tap the Camera icon (🎥).

  3. Point it at the sign or printed text.

  4. Google will instantly overlay the translation on top of the original text.

  5. You can pause or freeze the screen to better read the translation.

✅ How to Use (Method 2 – Google Lens):

  1. Open the Google app or Google Lens directly (can also be found in the Camera app on some Android phones).

  2. Tap the Lens icon (🔍 small square camera with colored frame).

  3. Select the Translate tab from the options at the bottom.

  4. Point your camera at the sign or text — the translated version appears live over the original!

Requirements:

  • Android 8.0 or newer

  • Google Translate or Google Lens installed

  • Internet connection required for most languages

Extra Tips

  • 📸 Save the translation: Take a screenshot for later reference.

  • ✏️ Copy text: After scanning, you can copy and paste the translation into other apps.

  • 🗣️ Listen: Google Translate also offers a listen button to hear the translated text aloud.

  • 🌍 Offline translation: Download languages in the app settings for travel use without Wi-Fi.

“There are only two types of people, those that are awestruck by the beauty of the world and those who have not yet traveled far enough.”
— Wendy Brant