Stumbling upon a foreign-language website in Safari on your iPhone or iPad can be frustrating. Apple's browser lacks built-in translation, and manually copying text to Google Translate is cumbersome.
Luckily, as someone who's tested countless iOS browsing hacks over years of tech writing, I've got three reliable workarounds. These methods translate pages seamlessly into English—or your preferred language—without hassle. Let's dive in.
No need for copy-pasting. Microsoft Translator's Share Sheet extension works directly in Safari, is simple to set up, and delivers quick page translations.
Note: Google Translate doesn't support this in Safari.
Step 1: Install Microsoft Translator from the App Store.
Download Microsoft Translator
Step 2: In Safari, tap the Share icon and scroll right in the bottom row.
Step 3: Tap More, enable Translator, then tap Done.
Step 4: On any foreign page, open the Share sheet and tap Translator.
A progress bar appears briefly, then the page renders in English. Impressive, right?
Tip: Change the target language in the Microsoft Translator app: Settings > Safari Translation Language.
Need to save translated text without images or ads cluttering it? The Translate Article shortcut converts webpages to clean, translatable plain text using Microsoft Translator—no app install required.
Ideal if you want to avoid extra apps on your device.
Step 1: Open Shortcuts app, search Gallery for "Translate," and add it.
Step 2: In Safari, run the shortcut on a foreign page.
Step 3: Wait a few seconds for the translated text.
Not as visually polished as the extension, but perfect for copying to other apps.
Tip: Edit the shortcut in Shortcuts app to select your language under "Translate text with Microsoft."
If Shortcuts issues arise, check our troubleshooting guide.
Prefer automatic translation? Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge detect foreign languages and offer instant translations—no Share sheet needed.
Download Google Chrome
Download Microsoft Edge
Chrome leverages Google Translate (100+ languages, no app needed) and can auto-translate without prompts.
Edge uses Microsoft Translator (60 languages). Like Chrome, no separate app required.
For heavy foreign-site browsing, Chrome or Edge are worth it. See our Chrome vs. Edge comparison.
These tips handle any website translation. Which is your go-to? Share in comments.
Next: Why not master that intriguing language? Try these three apps that make learning engaging.
