The secret iPhone hack that helps you translate languages and convert currencies

A lesser-known iPhone tool – known as ‘Live Text’ – can translate foreign text in a matter of seconds

IPhone users take note – a nifty tool that’s built into your phone could make travelling abroad a whole lot easier. 

The little-known tool – known as ‘Live Text’ – can translate foreign text in a matter of seconds, so you can navigate everything from menus to direction signs in foreign countries with ease.

It can also convert currencies in a flash, making it simpler to monitor your spending while overseas.

Live Text can be used on the iPhone XS, iPhone XR and later models of the Apple device.

The feature is built into the photos app on the phone – simply snap a picture or a video of the text you want to translate or the price-tag you want to convert. 

Live Text will automatically detect text in the picture and then a symbol, shaped like a series of lines within a broken square, will appear in the frame.

You simply tap the symbol, and then several options will appear in a bubble, including the choice to translate the text and to convert currencies. Languages that can be translated include French, Japanese and Cantonese.  

Other options include ‘select’ and ‘copy text’, so you can paste the original text and/or the translation into your notepad or into your messages app.

Live Text can convert currencies in a flash, making it easier to monitor your spending while overseas

There’s also the option to ‘look up’ the text, which will lead you to online information that relates to its content.

On top of that, there’s a share function that allows you to send the text to others – such as your travel companions – via AirDrop, email and so on.

Depending on the content of the text, options will also appear to take other actions such as making a phone call, visiting a website link or getting directions to a location that’s mentioned. 

If you want to return to the photos app, you simply tap the Live Text symbol again, and you can get back to flipping through your holiday snaps.

Live Text works with cellular service, an internet connection and Wi-Fi.