How to Enable On-Device Translate Mode on iPhone

Sep 19, 2021 - 4 Comments

How to Enable On-Device Mode for Translate on iPhone

Have you tried out the Translate app on your iPhone to make language translations and communicate with someone who speaks a different language? If so, you may be interested in using its on-device mode to make sure the translations are not made on Apple’s servers.

For those who aren’t aware, Apple has added an all-new Translate app to make real-time language translations easy and convenient on the iPhone. It competes against the offerings made by Google, Microsoft, and other third-party developers. Of course, just like any other translation app or service, it relies on internet connectivity to work, but that’s only optional here. If you don’t want to connect to Apple’s servers, you can use the on-device mode to make translations offline, provided you have the languages downloaded.

How to Enable On-Device Mode for Translate on iPhone

Turning on On-Device mode or always offline mode for translations is a pretty simple and straightforward procedure. Just follow the steps below to get started.

  1. Go to “Settings” from the home screen on your iPhone.

    iOS settings icon
  2. Here, scroll down and find “Translate” among the list of apps. Tap on it to proceed.

    How to Enable On-Device Mode for Translate on iPhone
  3. Use the toggle to enable On-device mode, as shown below.

    How to Enable On-Device Mode for Translate on iPhone
  4. You will now get a pop-up on the screen informing you that you’ll need to download languages to use this mode. Choose “Open App” to get started.

    How to Enable On-Device Mode for Translate on iPhone
  5. Once you’re in the Translate app, tap on either of the languages here to enter the language selection menu.

    How to Enable On-Device Mode for Translate on iPhone
  6. Here, scroll down to view all the available offline languages. Tap on the download icon next to a language to save the language for offline use.

    How to Enable On-Device Mode for Translate on iPhone

Once On-device mode is enabled for the Translate app, you won’t be able to make any translations unless you have downloaded both of the selected languages.

That being said, you don’t need to enable this mode for simply using offline translations. This feature is strictly for the privacy buffs who don’t want to use Apple’s servers for processing translation requests.

It’s worth pointing out that translations that are made on the device are not as accurate as the ones that are processed on Apple’s servers. So, this may not be the best option if you’re looking for the utmost accuracy in your translation results. Rather, it’s just one of the ways Apple keeps its users at the forefront of privacy.

Since on-device mode doesn’t require a connection to any servers, you’ll be able to keep making translations using the app even if you’re in the middle of a flight where there’s no Wi-Fi or if you’re in a remote location with no cellular network.

What do you think of the Translate capabilities on iPhone? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

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Posted by: Hamlin Rozario in iPhone, Tips & Tricks

4 Comments

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  1. Pashana Moore says:

    Trying to find out how many ways to locate my stolen iPhone SE WITHOUT THE PERSON WHO HAS THE PHONE KNOWING WHAT I AM DOING OR TALKING ABOUT

  2. Robert Barzelay says:

    There is no TRANSLATE under Settings.
    You show STOCKS and TRANSLATE between SAFARI and MAPS.
    I don’t have STOCKS nor TRANSLATE, also not further up or down.
    I run iOS 14.8
    Robert

    • Wrong says:

      Translate is there for me, what are you doing wrong Robert?

      It’s interesting app to have native but I think Google Translate is better

  3. Tony miller says:

    Disappointing but I cant get this to work at all. Ios 14.8 on an iPhone 6s. Latest available app. Downloaded FRENCH and SPANISH and have enabled the On Device mode. Pasted 20 or so lines of text from an email (relating to 2024 Paris Olympics) into the FRENCH tab. It does absolutely nothing. No translation. Not even a poor attempt. Google translate worked treat. What am I doing wrong?

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