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SMALL STEPS. USEFUL SKILLS.

Translate a sign or menu

Use Google Translate and the Pixel camera to show writing in a language you understand.

Google Pixel · AndroidAbout 3 minutes6 steps · 6 with pictures
Follow along on your device

Use the pictures where shown. Follow the short instructions between them.

STEP 1 OF 6

Open Google Translate

Tap the Google Translate app.

FOLLOW ALONG ON YOUR SCREEN01
Example Home screen screen with Translate highlighted.
Your screen may look slightly different
Take your time. There’s no rush.
Prefer to see all the steps together?+

STEP 1

Open Google Translate

Tap the Google Translate app.

Example Home screen screen with Translate highlighted.
Step 1

STEP 2

Choose the languages

Choose the language the writing uses, or choose Detect language. Then choose the language you want to read.

Example Google Translate screen with Translate to English highlighted.
Step 2

STEP 3

Open the camera

Tap Camera on the Translate home screen.

Example Google Translate screen with Camera highlighted.
Step 3

STEP 4

Point at the writing

Hold the phone steady with the sign, page or menu clearly visible.

Example Camera translation screen with Writing in frame highlighted.
Step 4

STEP 5

Freeze the picture

Tap the shutter button to freeze the translated words.

Example Translated image screen with Shutter highlighted.
Step 5

STEP 6

Copy — optional

To copy the words, touch and hold the part you need.

Example screen with copy — optional highlighted.
Step 6

IF SOMETHING LOOKS DIFFERENT

A little help along the way.

Your menus may look different after an update. Look for the same control name and take your time.

I cannot find that option+

Check that this guide covers your device and software. If the names do not match, use the manufacturer’s instructions linked below for your model.

I need to go back a step+

Use Previous step or select a step number above. This changes the guide only; it does not undo anything on your device.

Are these pictures of my device?+

They are example screens showing exactly where to tap. Your names, apps, wallpaper and layout may look a little different, but the options you need are the same. Some pictures show what you should see after a step.

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