Traveling somewhere you don’t speak the language? Your iPhone already has a built-in tool that makes translating signs, menus, and packaging effortless — and it’s hiding in your Camera app.
Most people still open Google Translate or a separate translator app, but you actually don’t need any of them. Your iPhone’s Live Text feature can translate anything instantly, right from your viewfinder.
How to Translate Text With Your Camera
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Open the Camera app.
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Point it at the text you want to translate.
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Wait for the yellow box to appear around the words.
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Tap the icon that pops up.
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Select Translate — and watch the text switch into your language.
You can copy the translated text, have it read aloud, save it, or open it in the Translate app for more options.
Why This Feature Is So Useful
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Perfect for travel, restaurant menus, and signs
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Works instantly — no screenshot needed
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Uses Apple’s built-in translation system
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Supports major languages like Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Italian, German, and more
If the feature isn’t showing up, go to Settings → Camera → Show Detected Text and turn it on.
More Translation Tools on iPhone
iOS also includes:
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The full Translate app
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Camera translation inside the app
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Live Translate, which can translate conversations in real time via text, calls, FaceTime, or even AirPods
Your iPhone basically doubles as a pocket interpreter — no extra downloads required.
