How to Download Offline Languages in iOS 15 Translate

Apple’s iOS 15 expands the system-wide Translate functionality by allowing users to download language packs directly to their devices. This guide covers how the offline translation feature works, the steps required to download and manage language packs through Settings or the Translate app, and how on-device processing ensures your translations remain functional and private without an internet connection.

Enabling On-Device Translation Mode

To force iOS 15 to process translations locally even when an internet connection is available, you must enable On-Device Mode:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and select Translate.
  3. Toggle the switch next to On-Device Mode to the ON position.

When this setting is active, the system relies entirely on downloaded language packs for any translation requests across the operating system.

Downloading Language Packs via Settings

You can manage all offline language files directly from your device settings:

  1. Open Settings and tap Translate.
  2. Tap Downloaded Languages.
  3. Scroll down to the Available Offline Languages section.
  4. Tap the Download icon next to the language you want to save offline.
  5. Once the download finishes, the language will automatically move to the Installed Languages list at the top of the screen.

Downloading Language Packs via the Translate App

Language packs can also be downloaded directly inside the native Translate app:

  1. Open the Translate app.
  2. Tap on either of the language selection boxes at the top of the interface.
  3. Scroll down to the Available Offline Languages section.
  4. Tap the Download icon next to the language you need.
  5. Tap Done in the top-right corner once the download begins.

How Offline Translation Functions in iOS 15

Offline language packs allow the Apple Neural Engine to process text, voice, and camera translations locally. This capability applies not only to the standalone Translate app, but also to system-wide translation features such as Safari web page translations, Live Text in the Camera and Photos apps, and quick translations selected from highlighted text in third-party applications.

To free up storage space, you can delete downloaded packs at any time by going to Settings > Translate > Downloaded Languages, swiping left on the installed language, and tapping Delete.