Google Translate works from any app inside on your Android phone. You just have to tap, and you'll be able to translate any text while on the go.

You either have to open the Google Translate app or copy-paste something into its web translator box. Used well, this Google Translate feature could help us cross the great language divide.

For instance, it could help you use Google Translate in Whatsapp and have multilingual conversations.

How to Use Google Translate in Any App on Android

You don't have to switch over to the Google Translate app and copy-paste text to decipher the foreign language. Tap to Translate lives inside any app and works like a shortcut or an extension. But you will need to enable it first.

Step 1: Enable Tap to Translate in Google Translate

  1. Download Google Translate from the Play Store or update your copy to the latest version.
  2. Launch Google Translate. Tap on the Hamburger icon for the menu and click on Settings.
  3. Select Tap to Translate. On the next screen, toggle or tick the option that says Enable Tap to Translate.
Tap to Translate
Tap to Translate
Tap to Translate

When you feel that that the feature is a nuisance—for instance, the Google Translate icon floats around on the home screen—disable it from the same toggle switch.

Step 2: Use Google Translate From Any App on Your Android

With Tap to Translate, you can utilize any chat app on your phone (like WhatsApp) to break language barriers.

  1. Open any app. For example, WhatsApp. Highlight the text you want the translation for and then Copy it.
  2. A Google Translate icon is displayed on the top right of the app. Tap on it for the translation.
  3. As you can see, the translated version of the message text is displayed with the help of Google Translate.

The official Google explainer video shows how Tap to Translate works:

Tip: To dismiss the Tap to Translate bubble, hold and drag it to the bottom of the screen. Update Google Translate to the latest version if this doesn't work. Don't forget to explore the other handy features in Google Translate.

Do You Use Google Translate on the Phone?

Most of us find a use for the translation services while traveling. Google's technology is getting better every day. Now, translate whole sentences and phrases in context. You also don't have to keep rummaging around for the Google Translate app. Just tap on the floating bubble and start your conversation.

But when you are an international traveler, it helps to have alternatives to Google Translate on your phone. There are other mobile translation apps to convert any language to your preferred language of choice.