Before you start
Screen Translate reads text that is already visible on an Android display. It uses OCR to recognise text in a screen image, then translates the recognised text. This download is for Android; device and country availability are shown in Google Play.
Use a clear, steady view of the text. Small lettering, unusual layouts and unclear images can affect recognition. Some options and engines require a purchase. Online translation requires internet access.
Translate a full screen or selected area
- Open Screen Translate and choose languages. Select a source language, target language and an available translation engine. Language support depends on the selected engine.
- Start the session and approve screen access. Follow Android's screen-capture prompt. Floating controls also need permission to appear over other apps. The permission wording can differ by Android version.
- Open the screen you want to read. Show the message, game menu, comic panel or other visible text. Protected content may prevent capture.
- Choose Full screen or Selected area. Full screen recognises visible text across the current capture. For a specific sentence or paragraph, choose Selected area and draw around that text.
- Read the translation. Use the floating result controls. Recognition and translation can vary with the language, layout and chosen engine.
- Finish with Stop in the app. Closing an individual result is different from stopping the capture session. Use Stop when you have finished.
When the visible text changes
Auto keeps a session active and updates translations as on-screen text changes. It is useful when the text in the selected workflow changes over time. Use Stop to end the session. Auto does not create a saved history entry for every frame, and this guide does not promise uninterrupted or instant translation on every device.
If the text is missing or unclear
- Try a smaller selected area around the text you need.
- Check source/target language support in your current engine's language picker.
- Check internet access when using an online translation service.
- Confirm the capture session is still active and the required Android permissions are enabled.
- A protected screen may block capture. The app does not bypass that protection.
See pricing, privacy and compatibility help for more detail.
Keep a useful result
Full-screen and selected-area results can be saved to history. There you can review the original and translation, search, mark favourites, copy, share or delete records. Availability and interface details can differ by app version.