Easy Guide to Translating Web Pages Using Google Chrome

A valuable option in Chrome is its capability to swiftly translate foreign websites, thus overcoming language barriers while browsing the internet. This guide will illustrate how to translate web pages using the Google Chrome browser on both desktop and mobile devices.

Translating Web Pages on Chrome Desktop

The translation functionality is integrated directly into the Chrome browser, eliminating the need for any extensions or adjustments to settings.

To begin, launch Chrome and head to a foreign language website. Click on the small Translate icon located at the right in the address bar, then select your preferred language (typically set to your system’s default).

Alternatively, you can tap the three-dot menu in the upper right corner and choose Choose another language.

Pick a language from the available list to view the entire page content in your selected language.

If you frequently access websites in this language, you can opt for Always translate to [language].

In case Google Chrome misinterprets the language of the page, select Page is not in [language].

For Windows PC users wanting to adjust the system language, navigate to Settings -> Time & Language -> Language & region to modify the Windows display language.

Translating Pages on Chrome Mobile

Chrome’s translation feature is accessible on both Android and iOS devices, and it is activated by default, so you do not need to take any special steps to turn it on.

When you visit a webpage in another language, the browser will automatically detect the language and translate it to the default language set on your phone, which is usually English if that is your system preference.

Android

Open Google Chrome on your mobile device and go to a web page in a foreign language.

A translation bar may appear at the bottom of your screen, displaying the source and target languages. Click on the target language (usually English) to initiate the translation process.

If the translation bar does not appear, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner and select Translate. The top of the screen will show a progress bar, after which the page will refresh in the target language.

If you wish to convert the page into a different language, tap the gear icon on the translation bar.

Then select More languages.

The same options mentioned earlier for desktop are available here as well.

To change the system language on your Android device, go to Settings -> System -> Language -> System Languages.

iOS

Similar to Android, Chrome on an iPhone or iPad may automatically recognize foreign language pages and show a Translate bar at the top. If this does not happen, tap the three dots in the lower-right corner to access a menu.

You will see the Translate option near the bottom, after which the page will be translated into your iOS device’s system language.

The Translate bar will appear at the top, allowing you to change the target language if desired.

To modify the system language for your iPhone or iPad, navigate to Settings -> General -> Language & Region.

Disabling Chrome Translation

On a page that has been translated, click the Translate icon, and switch back to the original language. The page will refresh and revert to its unaltered state. If not, you may select Never translate this site from the three-dot menu.

If you are browsing on Android and don’t see the Translation bar, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner and choose Translate to bring it back up.

Once the bar reappears, hit Undo.

For iPhones or iPads, tap the Translate icon on the left side of the address bar and select Show Original to revert the translation.

Adjusting Preferred Language for Translations

If you frequently translate content into a specific language but want to keep your device system’s language set to English, you can modify your preferred translation settings in Chrome. This method works for me as I prefer viewing translations in my native Romanian language while my device remains in English.

In Chrome, click the three dots in the top-right corner and select Settings.

In the left menu, select Languages, and on the right, scroll to the Google Translate section. Choose the language you want Google to suggest translations for (this can be different from your device’s system language).

To add additional languages, click on the Add language button.

For Android, go to Settings by tapping the three dots in the upper right corner, then select Languages under the Advanced menu.

Press Advanced again. In the Translation settings section, tap on Translate into this language and select your preferred language from the options.

You might also want to enable Automatically translate these languages. For example, if you open a French website, it will be automatically translated into English (based on your system settings).

These specific options are currently unavailable on iOS.

Mastering how to translate web pages in Google Chrome is essential when encountering sites in languages you’re unfamiliar with. If you aim to pick up a new language, consider exploring the top language-learning applications. For additional Chrome tips, discover how to set up sync in Chrome.

All images and screenshots by Alexandra Arici.

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