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How to translate in-person conversations with AirPods

by Tyler Stephen

When someone nearby speaks to you in a different language, Live Translation with AirPods lets you hear what they’re saying in your preferred language. The translated dialogue also appears on your iPhone.

Before you start, you need both languages downloaded on your iPhone: the one the other person is speaking and the one you want to translate it to.

You can reply in your preferred language, too. And when both people are wearing supported AirPods, each of you hears a translation of the conversation in the language of your choice.

Note: Live Translation with AirPods is supported on AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, or AirPods Max 2 paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models or later. Apple Intelligence isn’t available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.* Your iPhone must have the latest version of iOS, and AirPods must have the latest firmware.

Download languages you want to use with Live Translation

To use Live Translation, you need to download the language the other person is speaking and the language you want to translate it to. For example, if you want to translate a conversation from Spanish to English, you should download both Spanish and English. After the languages are downloaded, all processing takes place on your iPhone, where your conversation data remains private, according to Apple.

The Languages screen in AirPods Translate settings showing a list of downloaded and supported languages.

  1. Wear your AirPods, and make sure they’re connected to your device.
  2. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  3. Tap the name of your AirPods near the top of the screen.
  4. Below Translation, tap Languages (if you don’t see that option, first tap Live Translation [Beta]). Then tap the language you want to download.
  5. The icon to the right of the language shows the download progress.

To delete a downloaded language, swipe left, then tap the Delete button.

Set up and start Live Translation

The Translate app on iPhone showing the Live Translation screen. The screen shows two pop-up menus for choosing the other person's language and your language, and a button to start Live Translation.

  1. Wear your AirPods, and make sure they’re connected to your device.
  2. Start the Translate app on your iPhone.
  3. Tap Live at the bottom of the screen. Choose your languages:

    • Their Language: The language the other person is speaking.
    • Your Language: The language you prefer to hear in your AirPods.
  4. To start Live Translation, do one of the following:

    • Use your AirPods: Press and hold the stem on both AirPods at the same time. If you have AirPods Max 2, press and hold the listening mode button.
    • Use Siri: Ask Siri something like, “Hey Siri, start Live Translation.”
    • Use the Translate app: Go to the Translate app on your iPhone and tap Live at the bottom. Then tap Start Translation.
    • Use Control Center on your iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center and tap Translate.
    • Use the Action button on your iPhone: You can change the Action button to start Live Translation.

    When you start Live Translation, Adaptive Audio is turned on (if it’s not already on).

Use Live Translation with AirPods

As someone speaks, your AirPods can translate for you. When you reply in your preferred language, the Translate app can display the translation or play the translated audio through your iPhone speaker.

Each participant hears a translation of the conversation in their chosen language when both people wear supported AirPods.

Note: Both people need the latest firmware on supported AirPods, an iPhone 15 Pro or later with iOS 26 or later. Features may vary by country or region.

  1. Set up and start Live Translation.

    If you’re in a noisy environment, you can use the microphone on your iPhone to improve the translation input quality.

  2. Do any of the following:

    • Listen to a person speak: Your AirPods automatically translate what the person says into your preferred language.

      You can also view a transcript of what they said in the Live tab of the Translate app on your iPhone.

    • Respond to a person: Speak your response. Then use the Live tab in the Translate app on your iPhone to show the person you’re speaking with a transcript, or tap the Play button to play a translation on your iPhone speaker.

      If the person you’re speaking with has supported AirPods and has set up and started Live Translation, they can also listen to your response using their AirPods.

  3. To stop Live Translation, tap the Delete button.

*Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence–enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions.

Tag: Translate
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How to see translations during phone calls on iPad

by Kevin Hollington

During a call in the Phone app with someone who speaks a different language, you can use Live Translation—powered by Apple Intelligence—to hear and read the translation in your preferred language.

Live Translation works for one-on-one calls in languages like English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Apple Intelligence is available on iPad models with M1 or later and on iPad mini (A17 Pro). It isn’t available in all languages or regions, and usage limits may apply.

Before using Live Translation, download the input and output languages you expect to use on calls. See Download languages.

Go to the Phone app on your iPad.

  1. During a phone call, tap the More button and tap Live Translation.
  2. Choose the caller’s language and your preferred language.
  3. Tap Start Translation.

Note: Live Translation in the Phone app is available for one-on-one calls in English (UK, U.S.), French (France), German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Japanese, and Korean. Apple Intelligence on iPadOS 27 or later is available on an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad models with M1 or later. Apple Intelligence is not available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.*

*Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence–enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions.

See also

Tags: Phone, Translate
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How to translate in-person conversations with iPad

by Emily Long

In the Translate app, you can type or simply speak to see translated text in chat bubbles while talking to someone in a different language. In the face-to-face view, each person can see the conversation from their own side.

Conversations work for downloaded languages even without an internet connection, and words are translated as you type or speak. You can also play the audio translation, and with Auto Translate, iPad can tell when you start and stop speaking.

Translate an in-person conversation

You’ll see translated text bubbles from both sides of the conversation on iPad, and for downloaded languages, conversations still work without an internet connection or when using on-device translation.

The Conversation tab, showing chat bubbles and their translations.

  1. Open the Translate app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Conversation.
  3. Do one of the following:

    • Type: Tap “Enter text,” type a phrase (or paste text), then tap the Done button.
    • Speak: Tap the Listen button and then say a phrase.

    Note: Words are translated as you type or speak.

  4. To play the audio translation, tap the Play button. To adjust the playback speed, touch and hold the Play button, then choose a speed.

Quick tip: For added convenience, tap the More Options button and choose any of the following:

  • Play translations: Automatically play the audio translations.
  • Auto Translate: Translate the conversation without tapping the microphone button. iPad automatically detects when you start speaking and when you stop.
  • Detect Language: The languages spoken are automatically detected.

Switch to the face-to-face conversation view

When chatting face-to-face, each person can see the conversation from their own side.

  1. Open the Translate app on your iPad.
  2. Tap View, then tap Face to Face.

See also

Tag: Translate
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How to translate words and phrases on iPad

by Abigail Shilets

In the Translate app, you can type or speak words and phrases and translate them to another language. Download languages to translate entirely on your iPad, even without an internet connection.

You can play the audio translation, look up the translation in the dictionary, show it in full screen, or copy it. You can also save your favorite translations, and they stay up to date across devices signed in to the same Apple Account.

Note: Translation is available for supported languages.

The Translate screen, showing phrases translated from English to Chinese, Japanese to Arabic, French to German, and English to Spanish. Along the top, from left to right, are the Show Sidebar, Translate, Camera, Conversation, Favorites, and More buttons.

Translate a word or phrase

  1. Start the Translate app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the languages to choose what to translate from and to.

    To swap languages, tap the Language Swap button.

  3. Do one of the following:

    • Type: Tap “Enter text,” type a phrase (or paste text) and tap Next.
    • Speak: Tap the Listen button and then say a phrase.

    Note: Words are translated as you type or speak.

  4. When the translation is shown, do any of the following:

    • Play the audio translation: Tap the Play button.
    • Adjust the playback speed: Touch and hold the Play button and choose a speed.
    • Show the translation in full screen: Tap the Enter Full Screen button.
    • Look up the translation in the dictionary: Tap the Dictionary button.
    • Copy the translation: Tap the Copy button.
    • Delete the translation: Swipe left, then tap the Delete button.

Save and view your favorite translations

  1. Start the Translate app on your iPad.
  2. To save a translation as a favorite, tap the Favorites button.
  3. To review your favorites, tap Favorites.

Note: The Translate app syncs your favorite translations across your devices where you’re signed in to the same Apple Account, so they’ll stay up to date.

See also

Tag: Translate
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How to use the camera in the Translate app on iPad

by Emily Long

In the Translate app, use the camera view to translate text around you—for example, a restaurant menu or street signs. You can also translate text in photos from your photo library.

As you move the camera, text is translated in real time, and you can choose a different language. When you freeze the image, you can zoom in to see the overlaid translations, and copy, save, or play a translation.

Note: Translation is available for supported languages.

The Camera screen showing a menu at a restaurant with text translated from Spanish to English.

Translate text around you with the camera

  1. Open the Translate app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Camera and then hold your iPad so that the text appears on the screen.

    Note: As you move the camera, text is translated in real time.

  3. Tap a language to choose a different one.
  4. Tap the Take Picture button to freeze the image and then do any of the following:

    • Switch languages: Tap a language and then choose a different one.
    • Get a closer look: Zoom in to see the overlaid translations.
    • Copy, save, or play the translation: Tap an overlaid translation to see the details. Tap an option.

Translate text in a photo from your library

  1. Open the Translate app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Camera, tap the Photo Library button, and then select a photo that contains text.
  3. Do any of the following:
    • Switch languages: Tap a language and then choose a different one.
    • Share or save the translated image: Tap the Share button, then choose an option.

See also

Tag: Translate
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How to translate text in apps on iPad

by Kevin Hollington

You can select any text to translate in apps such as Notes, Mail, and supported third-party apps. When you enter text, you can even replace what you wrote with a translation.

You can choose the languages you want to translate from and to, and hear the original text or its translation spoken. You can also download languages to translate on your iPad, use Live Text with your iPad camera, and translate words and phrases.

Note: Translation is available for supported languages.

  1. Go to an app like Notes or Mail on your iPad.
  2. Select the text you want to translate and tap Translate.

    If you don’t see Translate, tap the Show More Items button to see more options.

  3. Tap the Language Menu. Choose the languages you want to translate your selected text from and to.
  4. To hear the text spoken, tap More. Tap the Gray Play button on the original text or its translation.
  5. Swipe down to see options for any of the following:

    • Replace your original, editable text with the translation: Tap Replace with Translation.
    • Translate on your iPad: Tap Download Languages.

Note: Not all options are available with all translation apps.

See also

Tag: Translate
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How to change your Translate settings on iPad

by Stacey Butler

You can customize your preferences for the Translate app in Settings. Download languages, use on-device translation, or choose a different default translation app.

On-device translation keeps processing on your iPad instead of Apple servers, even without an internet connection. With Automatic, translations may be processed on Apple servers when the languages aren’t downloaded. With Always, translations are always processed on your iPad using your downloaded languages, which also work for Live Translation and offline use.

Here’s how to change your Translate settings on iPad.

Download languages

Download languages for on-device translation, Live Translation, or offline use.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Apps, tap Translate, and tap Languages.
  3. Tap the Download button next to the languages you want to download.

Choose when to use on-device translation

Your translations are processed on your iPad, not on Apple servers, when you use on-device translation, even without an internet connection.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Apps and then tap Translate.
  3. Set On-Device Translation to one of the following options:
    • Automatic: Translations are processed on your device when the languages are downloaded; otherwise, translations may be processed on Apple servers.
    • Always: Translations are always processed on your device using your downloaded languages.

Choose a default translation app

If you have multiple translation apps, you can change the default.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Apps and then tap Translate.
  3. Tap Default Translation App, then choose an app.

See also

Tag: Translate
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How to translate text and voice on Apple Watch

by Kevin Hollington

In the Translate app, you can translate text and voice into any supported language. You can also download languages to translate entirely on a device, even without an internet connection.

When you travel to a location with a language that’s different from your Apple Watch, Translate appears as a suggested widget in the Smart Stack. Your words translate as you type or speak, and you can play the audio translation and save translations as favorites, too.

Note: Translation is available for supported languages.

Translate text or your voice

A screen in the Translate app showing an English phrase at the top translated to Spanish at the bottom.

  1. Open the Translate app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Tap the language you want to translate your selected text to.

    To swap languages, tap the Swap button.

  3. Tap the Microphone button, then say a phrase.

    To translate with the keyboard, tap the More button, scroll down to Mode of Input, then tap Keyboard.

    Note: Words are translated as you type or speak.

  4. When the translation is shown, do any of the following:

    • Play the audio translation: Tap the Play button.

      To automatically hear the translation, tap the More button, then tap Play Translations.

    • Save the translation as a favorite: Swipe left and tap the Favorite button.
    • Delete the translation: Swipe right and tap the Delete button.

View your favorite translations

  1. Open the Translate app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Tap the Favorites button and then turn the Digital Crown to view your saved translations.

    To remove a translation from your favorites, swipe left, then tap the Unfavorite button.

Note: Your favorite translations show up in the Translate app on any iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch that’s signed in to your Apple Account.

Review words with multiple meanings

If a word you’re translating has several meanings, you can choose the one you want, and for words with grammatical gender variations, you can select feminine or masculine translations.

Note: Translations automatically default to the gender-neutral form of a word when gender hasn’t been specified.

  1. Start the Translate app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Tap the Microphone button, then say a phrase.

    To translate with the keyboard, tap the More button, scroll down, tap Preferred Input, then tap Text.

    Note: Words are translated as you type or speak.

  3. When available, do any of the following:

    • Choose a different meaning: When available, tap the light-colored word to select the intended meaning.
    • Choose grammatical gender translations: When available, tap the light-colored word to select a feminine or masculine translation.

Download languages

You need to download both the input and output languages to enable offline translation.

Note: When using Apple Watch with cellular service, cellular data charges may apply.

  1. Start the Translate app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Tap the More button and tap Downloaded Languages.
  3. Tap a language you want to download.

Change Translate settings

  1. Open the Translate app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Tap the More button and then do any of the following:
    • Automatically play translations: Tap Auto-Play Translations.
    • Change the playback speed: Tap a speed.
    • Change the mode of input: Tap Preferred Input and tap Voice or Text.

See also

Tag: Translate
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How to translate in-person conversations with iPhone

by Dave Johnson

In the Translate app, you can type or simply speak to see translated text in chat bubbles while talking to someone in a different language. In the face-to-face view, each person can see the conversation from their own side.

Conversations work for downloaded languages even without an internet connection, and words are translated as you type or speak. You can also play the audio translation, and with Auto Translate, iPhone can tell when you start and stop speaking.

Translate an in-person conversation

Translated text bubbles from both sides of the conversation appear on iPhone. If you don’t have an internet connection, or you’re using on-device translation, conversations still work for downloaded languages.

  1. Open the Translate app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Conversation.
  3. Do one of the following:

    • Type: Tap “Enter text,” type a phrase (or paste text), then tap the Done button.
    • Speak: Tap the Listen button and then say a phrase.

    Note: Words are translated as you type or speak.

  4. To play the audio translation, tap the Play button. To adjust the playback speed, touch and hold the Play button, then choose a speed.

Quick tip: Tap the More Options button for extra convenience, then choose any of the following:

  • Play translations: Automatically play the audio translations.
  • Auto Translate: Translate the conversation without tapping the microphone button. iPhone automatically detects when you start speaking and when you stop.
  • Detect Language: The languages spoken are automatically detected.

Switch to the face-to-face conversation view

When chatting face-to-face, each person can see the conversation from their own side.

  1. Open the Translate app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap View, then tap Face to Face.

Hear translations for in-person conversations using AirPods

Live Translation with AirPods, enabled by Apple Intelligence, can help when someone nearby speaks to you in a different language. You hear their words translated into your preferred language in real time, and the translated dialogue shows up on your iPhone, too.

Note: Live Translation with AirPods is supported on AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro 3 paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. AirPods must have the latest firmware. Live Translation isn’t available in all languages or regions; this feature isn’t available in the EU.*

*Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence–enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions.

Tag: Translate
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How to see translations during phone calls on iPhone

by Moses Johnson

During a call in the Phone app with someone who speaks a different language, you can use Live Translation—powered by Apple Intelligence—to hear and read the translation in your preferred language.

Live Translation works for one-on-one calls in languages like English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Apple Intelligence on iOS 27 or later is available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models or later. It isn’t available in all languages or regions, and usage limits may apply.

A phone call in the Phone app showing a conversation translated from German to English.

  1. Start the Phone app on your iPhone.
  2. During a phone call, tap the More button and tap Live Translation.
  3. Choose the caller’s language and your preferred language.
  4. Tap Start Translation.

Note: Live Translation in the Phone app is available for one-on-one calls in English (UK, U.S.), French (France), German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Japanese, and Korean. Apple Intelligence on iOS 27 or later is available on an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16 model or later. Apple Intelligence is not available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.

*Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence–enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions.

Tag: Translate
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