HOW TO Translate text offline

1 Pick languages

Online translation is great when it’s available. To ensure it doesn’t let you down, set it up offline. Open the Language & Region pane and click the Translation Languages pane at the foot, to decide which you want.

2 Download them

Click the Download buttons of your chosen languages one after the other, including your first and destination language. You can also download others later. Then select On–Device Mode to enable offline translation.

3 Translate selection

Select a sample of text you want translated and Ctrl–click or two–finger tap for the contextual menu. Not all apps support this feature, but it’s also available with Live Text on images. Select the Translate item there.

4 Pick languages

The first time you do this on a text, you’ll be asked to select the language from which to translate, and the destination language. Be careful to choose the correct type of English, which defaults to English (US).

5 Copy translation

In a second or two, the translation should appear in bold blue type. Don’t whatever you do click outside this window, as it’s likely to vanish, making you repeat the translation. Click on the Copy Translation button.

6 Other languages

With the translation window still open, it’s quick and simple to select other destination languages by clicking on the language given above the translated text. Again you can copy the translation to paste elsewhere.