Introduced in iOS 14, Apple Translate allows you to easily translate popular languages without having to rely on third-party utilities. However, along with features like automatic voice translations, the Translate app comes with a less obvious set of settings, options, and functions that make for a better experience.
For example, did you know that Apple Translate provides access to a built-in dictionary that helps you search for foreign words? Or that it has an on-device translation module that lets you perform conversions completely offline? Probably not. So, let’s take a look at nine essential tips and tricks you can use to get the most out of the Translate app.
1. Translate in Another Language
After translating from one language to another, keep switching languages (using the language selection tab on the left) and Apple Translate will automatically redo the translation for you each time. This works for both audio and text translations.
Note: When changing languages, Apple Translate will automatically redo translations for only the most recent translation.
2. Replace Keyboards
Apple Translate lets you choose input and output languages using tabs at the top of the screen. However, you can also flip in reverse order by swapping the keyboards. After tapping the Enter Text field, use the slider above the onscreen keyboard to switch between language-specific keyboards.
3. Use the Dictionary
Apple Translate comes with a built-in dictionary that lets you easily search for definitions of translated words. Once you’ve made a translation, simply tap the book-shaped Dictionary icon and then start tapping on words to bring up definitions.
4. Add Translations to Favorites
Do you hate doing the same translation over and over? Simply tap the star-shaped icon below the translation; then you can access it at any time by switching to the Favorites tab (located in the lower right corner of the screen).
That’s not all–– you can also add your latest translations to your ‘favorites’. Scroll down in the Translate app to bring them to view. Next, swipe left on a translation and then select Favorite.
Alternatively, you can switch to the Favorites tab, which also displays a list of the latest translations; swipe left on a translation and then tap Favorite.
5. Attention Mode
Attention Mode removes screen clutter and focuses on your translations, making the converted text a little easier to read. Keep your iPhone in landscape view to switch automatically.
If nothing happens, check if Portrait Orientation Lock is enabled on your iPhone –– to do this, open Control Center.
6. Conversation Mode
Apple Translate comes with a Speech Mode that automatically picks up and translates languages; this is ideal when talking to a stranger.
Start by holding your iPhone in landscape view. When the translation app goes into Attention Mode, simply tap the ‘Conversation Mode’ icon in the lower left corner of the screen; Now you are ready.
7. Download Languages
The translation app allows you to download languages and translate even when you don’t have an internet connection. Simply tap one of the language selection fields at the top of the screen and then scroll down the list until you come across the Available Offline Languages section.
Use the Download icons next to the listed languages to download the corresponding offline language packs.
8. Disable Auto Recognition
Sometimes Apple Translate may not do a good job of recognizing the correct language for voice translations. If this happens regularly, try disabling the feature.
Go to one of the language selection screens, scroll down and then turn off the switch next to Automatic Recognition.
Next time you want to translate by voice, just tap the corresponding microphone icon before you start speaking; this will force the app to recognize your speech in the selected language.
9. Device Mode
Thanks to the Neural Engine on your iPhone, you can definitely do the translations offline even if you’re connected to the internet for added privacy.
Open the iPhone’s Settings app, tap Translate, then turn on the switch next to Device Mode. Follow by downloading the relevant language packs (as shown above).
However, Apple warns you that offline translations may not be as accurate as translations you make online. Something to keep in mind.
Translator Continues
It takes built-in translation tools like Apple Translate, Google Translate, and Microsoft Translator along with a host of features and functions. It works surprisingly well for a first time user. If there’s one thing holding it back, it’s the limited number of languages it supports, which stops at more than a dozen taps while typing. Hopefully, Apple continues to improve the app and add more languages as time goes on.
Next: Check out these great tips and tricks you can do with iPhone’s App Library.
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