How to Translate Text on Images in iOS 16

Apple’s iOS 16 introduced system-wide Live Text improvements that allow users to translate foreign languages directly within images, replacing the original text seamlessly on the screen. This guide explains how to use Live Text to translate text in images using the Photos app and the Camera app, eliminating the need for third-party translation tools.

Requirements

To translate text in images on iOS 16, you must have an iPhone with an A12 Bionic chip or newer (iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or later).

Ensure Live Text is enabled on your device:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General > Language & Region.
  3. Toggle on Live Text.

Translate Text in the Photos App

You can translate text found in any photo, screenshot, or downloaded image saved to your library.

  1. Open the Photos app and select an image containing foreign text.
  2. Tap the Live Text icon (a small box with text lines) in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
  3. Tap the Translate button located in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  4. The system will automatically detect the language and overlay the translated text directly over the original words in the photo.
  5. Tap the translated overlay to copy the text, change the target language, or open the result in the built-in Translate app.

Alternatively, you can touch and hold a specific word or sentence in the image, adjust the selection handles, and tap Translate from the pop-up contextual menu.

Translate Text in Real Time Using the Camera

You can also translate physical signs, menus, and documents in real time without taking a photo.

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Point the camera lens at the foreign text you want to read.
  3. Tap the yellow Live Text icon that appears in the bottom-right corner of the viewfinder.
  4. Tap the Translate button in the lower-left corner to see the instant translation overlaid on the subject.
  5. Tap the screen to freeze the frame, allowing you to read or interact with the translated text easily.