How to Use iPhone Translate App

Learn to use iPhone's built-in Translate app for real-time conversations, text translation, and offline language support on iOS devices.

Open the Translate app. Tap the Translate app icon on your home screen or search for 'Translate' in Spotlight. The app comes pre-installed on iOS 14 and later. If you don't see it, swipe down from the middle of your home screen and type 'Translate' to locate it.
Select your languages. Tap the language buttons at the top of the screen to choose your source and target languages. The left button is the language you're translating from, and the right button is the language you're translating to. Tap the swap icon in the middle to reverse the translation direction.
Enter text to translate. Type your text in the text field at the bottom of the screen, then tap 'Go' or the translate button. The translation appears instantly above your original text. Tap the play button next to either text to hear the pronunciation.
Use voice translation. Tap the microphone icon at the bottom of the screen to speak your phrase. The app automatically detects which language you're speaking and translates it to your target language. The translated text appears on screen with audio playback available.
Access conversation mode. Tap 'Conversation' at the bottom of the main screen to enter full-screen conversation mode. Speak naturally and the app detects which language you're using, then displays the translation prominently. Tap anywhere on the screen to speak again.
Use camera translation. Tap the camera icon to translate text in real-time through your camera viewfinder. Point your camera at signs, menus, or documents and the translation overlays on the original text. Tap the shutter button to capture and translate a still image.
View translation history. Tap 'Favorites' at the bottom of the main screen to see your recent translations and saved phrases. Tap the star icon next to any translation to save it as a favorite. Swipe left on any item to delete it from your history.