You are in a restaurant in another state, and the menu is only in the local script.
Or a medicine label is in a language you do not read.
You could guess.
Or you could let your phone camera read it for you.
How do I do it on Android?
Open the Google app, or Google Lens if you have it.
Tap the camera icon in the search bar.
Choose Translate at the bottom.
Point the camera at the text.
The translation appears on top of the original, right on your screen.
How do I do it on an iPhone?
The Google app works the same way on iPhone.
Apple's own Translate app also has a camera option.
Open it, tap Camera, and point at the text.
Can I translate a photo I already took?
Yes.
In Google Lens, choose a photo from your gallery instead of using the camera.
On an iPhone, open the photo and look for the translate option on the text.
Does it work without internet?
It can, if you prepare.
In the Google Translate app, download the languages you need for offline use.
Do it before you travel, on Wi-Fi.
Offline translations are a little less accurate, but fine for menus and signs.
Which Indian languages does it handle?
Google Lens and Google Translate support many Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada and Malayalam.
Handwritten text and decorative fonts are harder for it.
How far can I trust it?
For menus, signs and simple notices, it is very good.
For medicine instructions, legal papers or anything important, use it to understand the gist.
Then confirm with a person who reads the language, or the pharmacist.
Things to Remember
- Google Lens: camera icon, then Translate, then point at the text.
- iPhone's Translate app has a camera option too.
- You can translate photos you already took.
- Download languages before travelling to use them offline.
- Confirm medicine and legal text with a person.