How do I translate my Telegram messages as I write?
Install Babelo, a translator keyboard for iPhone and Android. In Telegram, 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, even a one-word reply. The same keyboard works in private chats, groups and all your other apps.
Translate a Telegram message, 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 Telegram, open the chat 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 Telegram offers it.
What about Telegram's built-in translation?
Telegram translates the messages you receive: turn on translation in Settings ▸ Language, then select a message and tap Translate; Telegram Premium can translate whole chats. Since March 2026, Telegram's AI editor can also translate a message you are writing, once it is longer than 3 lines. Babelo translates any message, even a single word, with one tap, and the same way in every app.
Frequently asked questions
- Does my contact need to install Babelo?
- No. They receive a normal Telegram message, already translated into their language. Only the person writing needs Babelo.
- Does it work in groups?
- Yes. Babelo is a keyboard: it translates wherever you can type, in private chats as in groups.
- 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 Instagram DMs 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.