Here’s how you can set up and turn on Live Translation on supported iPhones, with the latest iOS and AirPods firmware.
Before we start, make sure the Apple Translate app is installed on your iPhone.
Step 1: Connect Your AirPods
First, connect your AirPods to your iPhone. Supported models include AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4.
Go to Settings > AirPods Name or, under Bluetooth, tap the “i” button next to your connected AirPods.
On my AirPods Pro 3, you’ll see Apple Intelligence for Live Translation. If you don’t see that option, no worries—just enable Apple Intelligence on your iPhone. Head into Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri, then turn it on and finish the setup shown on your screen.
If the download gets stuck, keep your iPhone plugged in, connected to strong Wi-Fi, and make sure your VPN is turned off. It usually takes a few minutes.
Step 2: Download Languages (Offline Translate)
Go back to your AirPods settings and scroll to Languages. At the time of this video, six languages are supported—you’ll need to download them for offline translation.
For more options, open the Translate app > Languages and download additional ones.
For my demo, I’ll be translating French to English. (in video tutorial)
How to Use Live Translation on AirPods Pro
Method 1: Through the Translate App
Open the Translate app → tap the Live tab → pick the language you want translated, and select your own language (I chose English).
Tap Start Translation to begin.
Keep your AirPods connected—ideally wear both for clearer audio. You’ll hear a prompt, then your AirPods’ mic picks up the other language and plays it back in English. The Translate app also shows text on screen.
You can leave the app running in the background, but don’t close it. Tap the notch to bring it back up anytime.
Method 2: With the Action Button
For a faster way, set the Action Button to Translate:
- Go to Settings > Action Button
- Swipe through until you see Translate
- Select it and go back
Now, press and hold the Action Button. You’ll feel haptic feedback, and the Live Translation banner pops up at the top.
Translation begins right away—again, French to English in this demo. Tap the notch to view text. Tap close to stop.
Method 3: With AirPods Controls
You can start Live Translation without even touching your iPhone. Just press and hold the stems on both AirPods at the same time.
Even if your iPhone is locked, the screen will show translations. To stop, just tap the close button.
Method 4: With Siri
Say: “Siri, start Live Translation.”
If you haven’t set up Siri or “Hey Siri,” enable it first (check out my separate tutorial for that).
Once triggered, Siri automatically starts Live Translation and shows it on your iPhone screen.
Method 5: With Control Center Shortcut
Open Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner. Tap Translate.
If you don’t see it, hit the plus icon, search for Translate, and add it.
From there, just tap the shortcut, and Live Translation kicks in on your AirPods.
That’s every way to use Live Translation on your AirPods Pro. I hope this tutorial helped—don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more free tech guides.
