Translate text, voice, and conversations on iPad

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

The Translation tab, showing two language selectors—English and Spanish—at the top, a translation in the center, and the Enter Text field near the bottom.

Note: Translation is available for supported languages. See the iOS and iPadOS Feature Availability website.

Before you begin

Before translating text, voice, or conversations, make sure you’ve selected the languages you want to translate between.

Tap the arrows next to the two languages to choose the languages you want to translate between.
Tap one of the languages to start typing, or use the microphone to speak.
appears next to the language that you’re translating from.

To switch the input language, tap the other language.

Translate text or your voice

While viewing Translate in portrait view, tap , then tap Translation.
Select the languages to translate between, then tap one of the following:
- Translate text: Tap “Enter text,” type a phrase (or paste text), then tap Go in the bottom right of the keyboard.
- Translate your voice: Tap , then say a phrase.
  Note: shows which language you’re translating from. Tap on the other language to switch the input language.
When the translation is shown, do any of the following:
- Play the audio translation: Tap .
  Tip: Touch and hold to adjust the playback speed.
- Save the translation as a favorite: Tap .
- Look up a word in the dictionary: Tap , then tap a word to see its definition.
- Show the translation to someone else: Tap .

Tip: To view your recent history, swipe the translation down.

Translate a conversation

iPad shows the translated text bubbles from both sides of the conversation. Conversations work for downloaded languages when you don’t have an internet connection or On-Device Mode is turned on.

The Conversation tab, showing chat bubbles and their translations.

Tap Conversation.
Tap , then speak in one of the two languages.

Tip: You can translate a conversation without tapping the microphone button before each person speaks. Tap , tap Auto Translate, then tap to start the conversation. iPad automatically detects when you start speaking and when you stop.