Google Translate Offline Languages and Camera Translation
- Download languages on Wi-Fi first, then you may be able to translate without internet.
- If there is no Download icon next to a language, it cannot be downloaded.
- Manage downloads under Menu, then Downloaded languages: Upgrade, Update or Remove.
- Camera translation works best with clear, common fonts and good light.
Roaming costs and weak signal make offline translation a smart travel preparation. This guide covers downloading languages, updating or removing them, and using the camera. See the full Google Translate guide for other features.
Sources and accuracy
Based on Google's Translate Help pages for offline downloads and camera translation (October 2026), written for Android. iPhone steps are on separate Google pages. Not every feature works offline, and Google's pages do not list every offline feature or storage size, so we do not state them.
Download a language (Android)
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Open Translate.
- At the bottom select the language you want.
- Tap the Download icon next to it. No icon means it cannot be downloaded.
- If prompted, tap Download.
Downloaded languages show as "Downloaded".
Download over mobile data
Language files are small, but mobile data may cost money. Go to Menu, Settings, Data usage, Downloaded languages. Choose Ask before downloading or Use Wi-Fi or mobile network.
Update, upgrade or remove
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Open Menu, then Downloaded languages.
- Next to a language choose Upgrade (higher-quality pack), Update (refresh) or Remove (confirm with Remove again).
Offline camera translation
Google says that after downloading the languages you can translate camera text without internet. Tap Camera, tap the language picker, and download the languages you need. Use live camera, a captured image or partial translation as explained in the main guide.
Tips from Google's page: use a strong connection for best results when online, turn on camera flash in low light, prefer clear and common fonts and drag the card up for long text.
Limits
- Small, unclear or stylized text may be translated inaccurately.
- Some devices may not support camera translation.
- Offline quality can differ from online quality.
- Live conversation features have their own limits.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Wi-Fi to download? Wi-Fi is recommended. Mobile data works if you allow it.
How many languages can I keep? The pages we read do not state a limit.
Why is Download missing? That language is not available for download.
Official links
More: Mobile Apps.
Sources checked: support.google.com/translate pages above (October 2026).