How do I translate my Instagram DMs as I write?
Install Babelo, a translator keyboard for iPhone and Android. In an Instagram DM, you type in your language, tap 文A, and your message is replaced by its translation before you send it, in any of 26 languages. Your contact receives a normal message in their language. To read their reply, Babelo translates it too.
Translate an Instagram DM, step by step
- Install Babelo from the App Store or Google Play, then open the app: it walks you through turning on the keyboard.
- In the Babelo app, pick your language and your contact's language.
- In Instagram, open the conversation and switch to the Babelo keyboard (the 🌐 globe on iPhone, the keyboard icon on Android).
- Type your message in your language, then tap 文A: the text in the field is replaced by its translation.
- Read it over and send it as usual.
Reading a message you received
On Android, Babelo puts a 👁 on the messages you receive (you allow Android's Accessibility service once): tap it and the translation shows on screen, in your language. On iPhone, iOS does not let a keyboard read the screen: copy the message (hold it, then Copy), then tap 👁 on the Babelo keyboard. Or share the text to Babelo with the Share button, when Instagram offers it.
What about Instagram's built-in translation?
In February 2025, Instagram added translation to DMs: you hold a message, tap Translate, and the translation shows under it. It helps you read a message; the announcement does not describe translating a message before you send it. Babelo is built first for writing in your contact's language, in Instagram and in every other app.
Frequently asked questions
- Does my contact need to install Babelo?
- No. They receive a normal Instagram message, already translated into their language. Only the person writing needs Babelo.
- Does it also work in comments and story replies?
- Yes. Babelo is a keyboard: it translates wherever you can type text.
- How many languages?
- 26 languages, including English, French, Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, Spanish and Portuguese.
- Is it free?
- When you create your account, you get 10 free translations, once. After that, a short video in the app gives you more, or Babelo Plus gives you unlimited translations.
Other questions
- How do I translate what I write in WhatsApp?
- How do I translate my Telegram messages as I write?
- How do I install a translator keyboard on iPhone?
- How do I install a translator keyboard on Android?
- Which keyboard can I use to write in Hebrew and French?
- Which keyboard can I use to write in Hebrew and English?
- Which keyboard can I use to write in Hebrew and Russian?
- Is Babelo free?
- Guide: install a translator keyboard on iPhone and Android
Install Babelo
Free to download, with 10 free translations when you create your account.