How to Use Live Translation in iOS 26 for Calls, FaceTime, and Messages

With iOS 26, Apple continues to push the boundaries of on-device intelligence by expanding the capabilities of Apple Intelligence. Among the most practical features introduced in iOS 26, Live Translation stands out for its ability to break language barriers in real-time—whether you’re texting, on a FaceTime video call, or having a phone conversation.

This post details what Live Translation is, how it works, and how to use it on an iPhone.

What is Live Translation in iOS 26 and How Does It Work?

iOS 26 brings exciting updates to the Messages app, including personalized backgrounds, improved tapbacks, AI-powered replies, and Live Translation support. Live Translation is one of the flagship features of iOS 26, built directly into the Phone, Messages, and FaceTime apps on Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhones. It offers real-time, bidirectional translation of both spoken and written conversations. Whether you’re chatting via text or speaking with someone who uses a different language, your iPhone can now bridge the gap—instantly and privately.

Thanks to Apple-built models running entirely on-device, your conversations remain private. Not even Apple can access them, aligning perfectly with Apple’s strong stance on user privacy.

Requirements and Limitations

Before you jump into this futuristic feature, ensure you meet these key requirements:

• Device: iPhone 15 Pro or newer with iOS 26 installed (currently in beta)
• Apple Intelligence: Ensure Apple Intelligence is enabled in the Settings. 
• Apple Translate app installed on your iPhone
• Supported languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (Simplified).

Why Use Live Translation?

Live Translation isn’t just another flashy AI feature—it solves a real-world problem. Here’s why it matters:

• Break Language Barriers Instantly: Seamlessly speak or text in your native language while your iPhone handles translation.
• No More App Switching: Forget juggling Google Translate and Messages. It’s all native now.
• Perfect for Travel & Global Work: Whether you’re speaking to hotel staff or collaborating across time zones, it’s a game-changer.
• Accessibility & Inclusion: Encourages better communication across diverse backgrounds and cultures.

How to Use Live Translation in iOS 26 on iPhone

Live translation enables users to type messages in their native language, which are then rendered in the recipient’s language. FaceTime incorporates this feature by providing real-time translation during video calls. Additionally, for audio-only calls, it can translate and narrate the conversation aloud.

In the Messages App

To use Live Translation in Messages, follow these steps:

1. Open the Messages app and head to the conversation thread that has messages in a different language than yours.
2. Here, tap the recipient’s name at the top of the screen.
3. Next, toggle on Automatically Translate.
4. Finally, choose the language detected by Apple Intelligence or tap Choose Another Language if you want to translate the conversation into a different language.

Once done, any message you type in the conversation will automatically be translated to the detected or chosen language.

During a Phone Call

There’s no setup required. Live Translation activates automatically when Apple Intelligence detects the other person is speaking in a different language. The translation is narrated in real-time, making the conversation seamless.

During a FaceTime Call

Live Translation on FaceTime uses Live Captions to display translated text in real time. To enable:

1. Swipe down from the top right corner to pull down the Control Center.
2. Tap the Live Captions to enable it. If the Live Captions control is unavailable, you can customize the Control Center to add it.

Once enabled, you’ll see the translated captions during your FaceTime call.

Here’s a quick video on how the Live Translation feature works in Messages, FaceTime, and calls.

Live Translation Not Working in iOS 26? Try These Fixes

If Live Translation isn’t working as expected, use these troubleshooting tips:

• Check compatibility: Ensure you’re using an iPhone 15 Pro or newer running iOS 26.
• Enable Apple Intelligence: Go to Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri and toggle it on.
• Download the Necessary Language Packs: If Live Translation is working for some languages but isn’t working for others, you may need to download the necessary language packs. Go to Settings → General → Apps → Translate → Download Languages.
• Enable Live Translation in Individual Chats: If using Live Translation for the first time in Messages, you must enable Live Translation in individual conversations.
• Make Sure You’re Speaking Clearly: Live Translation uses speech recognition; background noise or unclear speech can reduce accuracy or cause it not to respond at all.
• Restart Your iPhone: A simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches that affect Live Translation functionality.

Breaking Down Language Walls, One Conversation at a Time

Live Translation in iOS 26 turns your iPhone into a powerful real-time translator, directly integrated into the apps you use every day. Whether you’re connecting with family, traveling abroad, or working with global teams, this feature makes cross-language communication effortless—something once thought impossible.
 
Have you tried Live Translation on your iPhone yet? Drop your experience or questions in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

Related articles worth reading:

• iMessage Gets Polls in iOS 26—Here’s How to Create and Manage Them
• iOS 26 Brings Spatial Scenes to All iPhones—Here’s What That Means
• Call Screening Comes to iPhone in iOS 26: What It Is and How to Use It