As of November 2021, Google Translate supports 109 languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Icelandic, Malay, Nepali, and Thai, just to name a few. While Google Translate can translate using multiple forms of text and media, these features aren’t supported by all languages. For instance, voice input is limited to only 45 languages from the list.

How to Get Access to Google Translate

The best way to experience Google Translate (Android | iOS) is through your mobile device, as it brings the most features. Nevertheless, there are some options that are only available in your browser. Google Translate is also available in some web browsers as an extension. You can get it in Chrome (directly from Google) and Firefox, as well as in Opera, although it’s a bit more limited in scope.

How to Translate Text with Google Translate

Being able to easily translate text is a core feature of Google Translate. Whether you’re using your web browser on your PC or mobile device, the steps are quite similar. On desktop, navigate to the Google Translate page or you can simply write something along the lines of “Translate in French” in the search bar to have a Google Search box show up for you. On mobile, just open the app or use your browser to bring up the Google Translate box.

How to Translate Handwriting with Google Translate

On mobile you can manually write the text you want translated. Follow the instructions below: This makes it super easy to ask questions when engaging with someone who doesn’t speak your language. It could be a colleague at work or someone you met during your travels abroad.

How to Translate Speech in Google Translate

You might not know this, but it’s possible to have translations rely on your voice only. Continuing from the example above, you could decipher what a foreigner you’ve met during your travels is saying simply by asking them to talk near your phone. It’s possible to use your voice as input for a translation even if you’re using Google Translate on your desktop, but the mobile alternative is much more useful. On mobile, you also have the option to transcribe. Just note that Translate doesn’t yet have the option to transcribe in ANY language.

How to Translate Images with Google Translate

You can also use images in Google Translate, with any text they might contain translated within seconds. This is another option only available on mobile. Once again, it’s quite a valuable tool when you’re traveling abroad and perhaps looking to decipher text from a menu.

How to Translate Documents in Google Translate

Google Translate can also translate documents for you. You can do that on your PC but not on mobile.

Google Translate Advanced Options

Interpreter Mode

Interpreter Mode allows you to translate conversations in real time. It’s available on mobile devices (both Android and iOS) and can produce relatively accurate results with correct pronunciation. The idea behind Interpreter Mode is to allow users to have conversations with people who speak different languages in real time. If you’d like to activate the feature, we have an in-depth tutorial to show you how.

Have a Conversation

To use Interpreter Mode, you have to go through Google Assistant, but if you don’t feel like doing that, know that you the Translate app enables you to start a conversation and have your lines translated in real time. There is also an Auto mode which can identify the languages that are spoken automatically.

Use Google Translate in Any App on Your Device

If you’re using the Android app, there’s no need to switch to the Translate app every time you’re looking to translate a few words. The app includes an option that allows you to easily translate from any other app on your phone. Here’s how to activate it. The feature works offline, too, so you’re not bound to an Internet connection to be able to use it.

Use Translate in Offline Mode

Speaking of offline mode, did you know you can use Translate completely offline on your mobile device? You’ll have to do a few things beforehand. That’s it. Now you can translate even when you don’t have a working Internet connection.

Use It as a Dictionary

Google Translate can double as a dictionary on your phone or desktop. Here’s how to quickly access definitions directly on your device.

Additional Google Translate Options

Switch to Fullscreen

You may wish to have your translations in full screen mode, which will make them significantly larger and easier to read. Note that you can only do that in the mobile Translate app.

Block Offensive Words

If you’re in the habit of handing your phone to your kids and want to make sure they’re not trying to translate any offensive words, you may want to enable this setting. Now your Translate app will be blocking offensive words as they appear in translations.

Manage Your Translation History

The Google Translate app easily allows you to delete your translation history. All you have to do is go to Settings, then press the “Clear History” button that appears at the bottom. On desktop, the process differs a little bit. Find the History button at the bottom of the display, then tap on it. Your previous translations will show up on the right side of the display. Click on “Clear All History” to remove all your searches. Alternatively, it’s possible to remove individual queries by clicking on the three dots next to the item and selecting the “Remove from history” option.

1. Are there any worthy alternatives to Google Translate?

Google Translate is among the top choices when it comes to translating. However, Apple introduced its own competitive service called Apple Translate, which is definitely worth looking into. Find out more in our comparison post between Google Translate and Apple Translate.

2. How can I easily translate web pages without having to copy/paste everything into Google Translate?

It’s possible to do so quite easily if you’re willing to use Chrome. You can easily translate web pages in Chrome for desktop as well as mobile. Our guide will teach you how.

3. What if the resulting translation is not accurate?

You can help make it better. On the desktop, press on the “Pencil” button to suggest an edit. Google may use your contribution to improve translation quality. This option is not yet available on mobile. Now that you’ve learned how to use Google Translate to its fullest, perhaps you’d like to learn more about Google’s other services. For instance, you may be interested in checking out our review of Google One: Google’s subscription-based cloud storage service. Alternatively, you can learn all about using Google Assistant when your phone is locked.