Struggling to understand a foreign menu, street sign, or document? You don’t need a dictionary or translation app anymore. With Google Lens, you can translate any language instantly using your phone’s camera and it’s surprisingly easy.
Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Open Google Lens
You can access Google Lens in multiple ways:
- Through the Google app
- Via Google Photos
- Or directly through your phone’s camera, depending on your device (especially on Android phones)
If you don’t have it yet, download the Google Lens app from the Play Store or App Store.
Step 2: Tap the ‘Translate’ Option
Once Google Lens is open, look for the Translate option at the bottom of the screen.
This tells Lens to recognize and translate any text it detects in real time.
Step 3: Point Your Camera at the Text
Aim your camera at the text you want to translate and this could be a menu, street sign, poster, book, or even handwriting.
Lens will automatically detect the language and overlay the translation on top of the original text, often replacing it in real time on your screen.
Step 4: Tap for More Options
Want to copy the translated text or hear it spoken out loud? Tap the highlighted area and choose from options like:
- Copy text
- Listen
- Search
- Share
Bonus: Translate from a Photo
Already took a picture of something? Open it in Google Photos, tap the Lens icon, and follow the same steps to translate.
Why This Is So Impactful
Using Google Lens to translate any language on the go is incredibly useful when:
- Traveling abroad
- Studying foreign languages
- Reading imported products or manuals
- Communicating across language barriers
Google Lens is turning your phone into a universal translator and it’s already in your pocket.
