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Sometimes when you’re browsing the web, you might run into a website that’s not written in English. You might feel inclined to close the window and move on.
But if you’re using Google Chrome, there’s no need for that. The browser has excellent features when it comes to translation. By default, it offers users to translate pages that are not in the browser’s native language.
In this article, we’ll talk about how to translate pages with Google Chrome and how to set it up to work best for you. We’ll also troubleshoot potential problems you might come across.
How to Translate a Page in Google Chrome
If you have found yourself on a foreign website you want to purchase an item from, for example, that can cause an issue, especially in the checkout section.
And if the website doesn’t offer multiple languages to choose from, Google Chrome comes to the rescue. You can translate a page using your PC, laptop, or mobile devices, and we’ll guide you through all the steps.
Firstly, Windows and Mac users who use Chrome will see the “Translate” window pop up in the top right-hand corner of the screen if they open a webpage with a foreign language.
You can select to have the page translated to Chrome’s default language or tap on three vertical dots and select “Choose another language.”
The webpage will promptly be translated into the language you’ve selected. And even if you open another website in a different language, Chrome will offer the newly chosen language.
How to Translate a Page in Google Chrome on iPad
If you’re reading something on your iPad and happen to open a page with a foreign language on your iOS Chrome app, by default, the browser will offer to translate the page.
You will be able to see this option at the bottom of the screen. A small panel will pop-up, and it will automatically detect the foreign language. Chrome will also offer an option to click on the language your browser is set to.
And if you tap on it, it will instantly translate the page. The panel will promptly disappear after that. However, if you want to translate the page to another language, you can change it by following these steps:
- To change the default language Chrome offers, tap on the gear icon on the panel at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “More languages,” and scroll through the list of languages, and select the one you’re looking for.
Google Chrome will automatically switch to the language of your choice and translate the entire page.
How to Translate Page in Google Chrome on iPhone
iPhone users can translate a page in the Google Chrome app the same way iPad users do. The mobile app browser works in the same way on both iOS tablets and smartphones.
Also, when you’re accessing this feature on a mobile app, choosing “More languages” and switching from the one Chrome offers to another is only something you can do once. Unless you change the default language in settings.
How to Translate a Page in Google Chrome on Android
Android users are not left out when it comes to having the incredibly useful feature of translating webpages. If you own an Android tablet or smartphone, all you need Chrome mobile app you can find on Play Store. Make sure it’s the updated version for optimal performance.
The steps on how to translate a page in Google Chrome on Android are nearly identical to those for iOS devices. The only difference is that instead of tapping the gear icon, you have three vertical dots on the panel at the bottom.
How to Force Translate a Page in Google Chrome
When you choose to translate a page in Google Chrome following the steps above, and nothing happens, the first remedy is to refresh the page. Sometimes that’s all it takes for Chrome to deliver the translation.
But there are times when Chrome doesn’t automatically show the translation bar when you run into a page in a foreign language. Perhaps you’ve opted out of having a translation on that language before, so now Chrome doesn’t suggest it.
Fortunately, you can force a translation. In a web browser, you’ll find the translate icon on the right-hand side of the address bar. By clicking it, you’ll see the translate bar appear just underneath. In Chrome app, both Android and iOS, that looks like this:
- Open the Chrome app and tap on the three vertical dots in the top right-hand corner.
- Select the “Translate…” option.
The panel on the bottom of the screen will appear, and you can continue to select the language.
How to Use an Extension to Translate a Page in Google Chrome
One of the more popular Google products is the Google Translate app. It’s available as the web version and as a mobile app. But there is also the Google Translate extension for Chrome.
You can only install this extension to your desktop web browser. It’s not available for Chrome mobile app. You can find it here and have it among your other Chrome extension in no time. There are two ways you can use this Chrome extension.
The first way is to select specific sections of text on a webpage, click on the extension, and provide the translation to Chrome’s default language. The extension will detect the language automatically.
The second way to use the extension is to translate the entire webpage, even if it’s in Chrome’s default language. On any page, click on the Google Translate extension. A small panel will appear at the top of the screen, and you can select a language from a drop-down menu.
How to Fix Unable to Translate a Page in Chrome
Whenever you have the issue of the translate feature in Chrome not working correctly, the first action should always be to refresh the page. Often, that’s all it takes, but there are instances where further troubleshooting is necessary.
If you get the “This page could not be translated” message or Chrome simply refuses to complete the translation of the page, you may be dealing with the outdated Chrome web cache situation. To fix it, you’ll have to clear Chrome’s cache and data. Here’s how:
- Open Google Chrome on your computer and tap on the three dots in the top right-hand corner.
- Select “More Tools” and then “Clear browsing data.”
- Switch to the “Advanced” tab and check the “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data.”
- Select “Clear data.”
That’s all there is to it. Don’t worry, this won’t sign you out of your Google account, and all your sign-in data and passwords will be saved.
For Chrome mobile app, go to Settings in your phone and in the Apps, list finding Chrome, and manually clear cache and data.
How to Change Your Default Translation Settings in Chrome
In Chrome for desktop, whenever you choose a different language to translate a webpage, that language remains until you change it.
On the other hand, in Chrome for mobile devices, you have to do this manually. Otherwise, it will switch to the previously set language. Here’s how to change the default translation in Chrome for Android and iOS devices:
- When you open a page in a foreign language, Chrome will prompt the translation panel at the bottom of the screen.
- Select three dots on Android or the gear icon on an iOS device.
- Tap “Always translate pages in [language].”
You might need to refresh the page to launch new settings.
How to Turn Translation On or Off in Chrome
If you don’t need Chrome’s service of translating pages in different languages, you can easily disable them. All you need to do is tap on one toggle switch in Chrome’s advanced settings. Here’s how to find it:
- Open Chrome on your desktop and select the three dots in the top right-hand corner.
- Select “Settings” and then “Advanced.”
- Under the “Languages” section, click on “Language.”
- Uncheck the “Offer to translate pages that aren’t in a language you read.”
You won’t receive prompts from Chrome to translate pages unless you turn on this feature again. Also, the steps to turn on or off translation in Chrome mobile app are nearly identical. You won’t have the “Advanced” to select.
Additional FAQs
1. How to Search Text on a Page in Chrome?
If you’re using a Windows or Mac computer, searching text in anything is made simple by pressing CTRL + F or Command + F on your keyboard. This includes any page you open with Chrome.
However, there’s another way to do it on your PC using Chrome. Go to the main menu (three dots) and select “Find…” Then enter the words you’re looking for and hit enter.
On your mobile device, you won’t have the option to use the keyboard shortcut, but you will be able to find the same except it will say “Find in page.” Type in the word or phrase you’re searching for and tap on the arrow.
2. How to Disable Website Translation in Chrome?
To disable the translation feature in Chrome entirely, you’ll need to navigate the browser’s advanced language settings and turn off the feature. If you have a Google Translate extension, you might want to remove that too.
3. How Can I Translate a Webpage to English in Chrome?
If your Chrome’s UI is already set to English, it will automatically offer English to you when you’re on a web page written in a different language. If it’s not, then you’ll have to change the default settings.
As mentioned in the desktop Chrome version, that change will be permanent once you switch to another language. In the mobile app, you’ll need to change the settings manually to English.
4. Why Is Translate Page Missing in Chrome?
There could be several reasons why the translate page feature is not available in Chrome. It could be that it’s disabled, which means you’ll have to enable it manually. Another option is that your browser is not working optimally, and you have to clear cookies and cache to fix it.
But it could also be that you need to update your Google Chrome browser. So, make sure to check which version of the browser you’re using, and if it’s not the latest, update it.
5. What’s the Plugin for Translating a Page in Chrome?
The best plugin for translation in Chrome is Google Translate. You can easily find it in Chrome’s web store and install it for free. It will give you the option to translate the entire webpage or only selected paragraphs, phrases, or words.
6. What’s the Shortcut for Translating a Page in Google Chrome?
To quickly access the translate page feature in Chrome, you can right-click on any page with the language you don’t read and from the menu, select “Translate to [language].”
7. Why Is Google Chrome’s Translate Page Feature Not Working?
There could be any number of reasons. Your browser needs an update. You might need to clear cache and data. The feature could also be disabled.
It’s also possible that you’ve previously selected the option for Chrome not to translate specific language in the future from the pop-up panel, and now you don’t see it anymore.
For example, you might have selected “Never translate French.” All you’d need to do is unselect that option, and Chrome will offer to translate French the next time you access a page that contains it.
Making the Most of Google Translate Page Feature
Many users choose Chrome as their default browser because it’s most compatible with other Google products. That’s why the Google Translate extension is so easily integrated into the desktop browser.
Chrome’s translate page feature is seamless and efficient, albeit not perfect, translates pages in various languages.
While there are some notable differences, both the desktop browser and mobile version offer a plethora of options and settings. Hopefully, you’re now comfortable using it while browsing, reading, or shopping.
How often do you use Google’s translation features? Let us know in the comments section below.
