Translate messages, calls, and conversations on iPhone (original) (raw)

With Apple Intelligence,* you can use Live Translation for text messages, audio and video calls, and face-to-face conversations across different languages. For example, when you’re traveling abroad and need to communicate with people you meet, Live Translation can help bridge language barriers in real time. Live Translation is integrated into the Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps. You can also use it with AirPods. Live Translation uses Apple-built models that run entirely on device, so your personal conversations stay private.

Note: Apple Intelligence is not available on all iPhone models or in all languages or regions.** To access the most recent available features, make sure you’re using the latest version of iOS and have Apple Intelligence turned on.

For more information on Apple Intelligence and privacy, see Apple Intelligence and privacy.

Translate texts in Messages

In the Messages app, you can use Live Translation—enabled by Apple Intelligence*—to see incoming texts in other languages, automatically translated to your preferred language.

Note: Live Translation in Messages is available in Chinese (Simplified), English (UK, U.S.), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain).

  1. Go to the Messages app on your iPhone.
  2. When you receive a message in a different language, do any of the following:
    • Choose a different language: Tap the contact or group icon at the top of the conversation, scroll down, then tap Translate From or Translate To.
    • View the original text: At the bottom of the conversation, tap Translating [_language_], then choose to see the original text in addition to the translated text.
    • Turn off Live Translation for the conversation: At the bottom of the conversation, tap Translating [_language_], then tap Stop Translation.

See translated captions in FaceTime

During a FaceTime call with someone who speaks a different language, you can use Live Translation—enabled by Apple Intelligence*—to see translated captions in your preferred language.

Note: Live Translation in FaceTime is available for one-on-one calls in English (UK, U.S.), French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain).

  1. Go to the FaceTime app on your iPhone.
  2. During a call, tap the screen to show the FaceTime controls (if they aren’t visible).
  3. Tap the More button, then tap Live Captions.
    A Live Captions window appears, showing the automatically transcribed dialogue of the call near the top of the screen.

See translations during phone calls

During a call in the Phone app with someone who speaks a different language, you can use Live Translation—enabled by Apple Intelligence*—to follow along with spoken and text translation in your preferred language.

Note: Live Translation in Phone is available for one-on-one calls in English (UK, U.S.), French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain).

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

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

Hear translations for nearby conversations using AirPods

When someone nearby speaks to you in a different language, you can use Live Translation with AirPods—enabled by Apple Intelligence*—to hear what they’re saying translated into your preferred language in real time. The translated dialogue also appears on your iPhone.

Note: Live Translation with AirPods is supported on AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro 3 paired with an iPhone 15 Pro or later when Apple Intelligence is turned on. AirPods must have the latest firmware. Live Translation isn’t available in all languages or regions**; this feature isn’t available in the EU. For more information on availability, see the iOS and iPadOS Feature Availability website.

  1. Go to the Translate app on your iPhone.
  2. Wear your AirPods, and make sure they’re connected to your device.
  3. Tap Live.

See Listen to translations of in-person conversations in the AirPods User Guide.