Google Translate is a nifty tool for understanding foreign languages on the go. It can take input in the form of text, images, or voice and translate it into the language of your choice. Although it is available on the web and mobile, the former is a limited version. The app works on both Android and iOS, butGoogle Pixelowners get access to the latest features. We show you how to use Google Translate on most devices, whether you use it on your phone or desktop PC.

How accurate is Google Translate?

Google Translate has come a long way since its inception in 2006 as a statistical machine translation (SMT) service. It first translated the source text into English and then the desired language. It then performed a word-for-word match, which had poor results.

It transitioned to Google Neural Machine Translation (GNMT) in 2016, which uses deep learning techniques. However, the accuracy depends on the language since Translate sometimes uses SMT. According to a2021 UCLA studyon emergency department instructions, researchers found the highest accuracy rate for English to Spanish (94%). The lowest recorded rate was for English to Armenian (55%). The study considered the seven commonly spoken languages in the US.

Screenshot highlighting the image gallery in the Google Translate app

How to translate a PDF document with Google Translate

Turning a PDF multilingual with Google Translate

Google Translate continuously tweaks its translation techniques, and its progress over the years is undeniable. Although it can’t decipher subtleties, it works for regular use. you’re able to translate instruction manuals, simple phrases, and chat messages. But don’t use it to joke around in an unknown language since it might backfire.

When translating words within images, the accuracy depends on the clarity of the text. Google Translate may struggle with small, blurry, or stylized fonts.

Screenshot showing the translated text in the Google Translate app

How to use Google Translate on mobile

The Google Translate app is available on Android and iOS. We show you how to use the app on any mobile device.

The following steps work on Android and iOS. We use an Android phone for our tutorial, but iPhone users can follow along.

Screenshot highlighting the camera icon in the Google Translate app

Manuallycheck for updatesin the Google Play Store to ensure you have the latest version of the Google Translate app.

How to use Google Translate with a new picture

Point your camera at a picture to get a live, in-image translation. Here’s how to translate a picture in real time:

How to use your Google Pixel Buds to translate conversations in real time

Hold conversations in different languages

How to use Google Translate with handwritten text

you’re able to use Google Translate to recognize and translate handwritten text, whether you use a stylus or your finger to draw.

How to use Google Translate offline

When traveling, you might experience spotty network connectivity. The Google Translate app lets you download select languages to your device. Connect to Wi-Fi to avoid data usage charges and erratic downloads. Make sure to download your preferred languages and have them handy before your next trip.

Here’s how to download languages on Google Translate:

How to use Google Translate on the web

Here’s how to translate text within an image on the browser:

Transcend language barriers with Google Translate

Google Translate helps you communicate on the go by translating text and speech. The app supports 133 languages and can easily interpret documents and websites. With the tips in this guide, you can translate text within images in a few steps. Unleash the tool’s full potential by reading our comprehensive guide onGoogle Translate.

Screenshot showing the languages available in the Google Translate app

Screenshot showing the translated text in the Google Translate app