Traveling abroad or struggling with a foreign menu?
Google Lens
can be your real-time translation hero! This guide will show you how to translate text in real-time using
Lens. With a few simple steps, you’ll be deciphering signs, menus, and even conversations, all within seconds. Here’s how to do it
Using the Google Lens app:
1. Open the Google Lens app on your phone.
If you don’t have it, you can download it for free from the Google Play Store (
Android
) or App Store (iPhone).
2. Allow camera access if prompted. This is necessary for Google Lens to function.
3. Select the “Translate” option: There are usually a few options at the bottom of the screen. Swipe through or tap on the “Translate” icon (it might look like a globe with text).
4. Point your camera at the text you want to translate: Make sure the text is clear and in focus for the best results.
5. See the live translation: The translated text will appear overlaid on top of the original text in your chosen language.
Alternatively, using the camera app (Android only):
1. Open the Camera app on your Android device.
2. Locate the “Lens” or “Translate” mode: This might be a button or icon on the screen, typically near the bottom or on the viewfinder itself.
3. Point your camera at the text you want to translate: Similar to using the Lens app.
4. Tap “Translate” (if necessary): Depending on your device model, you might need to tap a “Translate” button to activate the translation overlay.
Customising your translation experience:
* Change the target language: Tap the detected language at the top of the screen to choose the language you want to translate to. You can choose from a wide range of languages.
* Adjust the text selection: If Google Lens doesn’t capture the entire text you need, you can manually adjust the selection area on the screen.
Additional tips to keep in mind:
* Ensure you have a stable internet connection for accurate real-time translation.
* Google Lens works best with clear, well-lit text.
* For lengthy text passages, consider capturing a photo using the Lens app and then translating the image.