How do I install a translator keyboard on iPhone?
Install Babelo from the App Store, then go to Settings ▸ General ▸ Keyboard ▸ Keyboards ▸ Add New Keyboard ▸ Babelo. Then tap Babelo and turn on “Allow Full Access”: without it, iOS cuts the keyboard off from the internet and translation is impossible. In any app, switch to Babelo with the 🌐 globe and type.
Install Babelo on iPhone, step by step
- Install Babelo from the App Store, then open the app once: it explains each step.
- Open Settings ▸ General ▸ Keyboard ▸ Keyboards ▸ Add New Keyboard, and choose Babelo.
- Tap Babelo in the list, turn on “Allow Full Access”, then confirm with “Allow”.
- In the Babelo app, pick your language and your contact's language.
- In WhatsApp or any other app, tap the 🌐 globe (or hold it) to switch to Babelo, type, then tap 文A to translate.
Full Access: what it is for
Apple applies the same rule to every keyboard from another developer: without Full Access, a keyboard has no internet access. With Babelo, typing and autocorrect work without it, offline. Translation, and reading a copied message, need it, because the text to translate is sent to Babelo's translation service. iOS shows a warning when you turn it on: it is Apple's standard message, the same for every keyboard.
Translate a message you received
Copy the message, then tap 👁 on the Babelo keyboard: the translation appears. iOS first shows a Paste button. To skip it: Settings ▸ Babelo ▸ Paste from Other Apps ▸ Allow, then in the Babelo app, Settings ▸ Eye button ▸ turn on “Translate in one tap” (iOS 16.1 or later).
Frequently asked questions
- Why don't I see “Allow Full Access”?
- It only appears once Babelo has been added in Settings ▸ General ▸ Keyboard ▸ Keyboards. Tap Babelo in that list.
- Does Babelo work without Full Access?
- Typing and autocorrect do, offline. Translation and reading a copied message don't: they need Full Access.
- How do I go back to my usual keyboard?
- Tap the 🌐 globe at the bottom of the keyboard, or hold it and pick a keyboard.
- Which languages?
- 26 languages, including English, French, Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, Spanish and Portuguese.
Other questions
- How do I translate what I write in WhatsApp?
- How do I translate my Instagram DMs as I write?
- How do I translate my Telegram messages as I write?
- 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.