Gboard Translate on iPhone: how it works, and a better option
Updated · 4 min read
Short answer
Gboard for iPhone has a Translate button: tap the Google icon, then Translate, and type in the box. But Gboard's iPhone app hasn't been updated since May 2022 (App Store, checked September 2026). If Translate doesn't work for you, or you also want to read replies and fix the tone, Swaytype translates right in the text field of any app with one tap.
How Gboard Translate works on iPhone
Google's Gboard help page for iPhone still documents Translate: open Gboard, tap the Google icon, tap Translate, choose the languages and type. The translation goes into your message.
Why Gboard Translate may not work
- The iPhone app's last update on the App Store is from May 2022, so it isn't built for the latest iOS.
- Gboard needs Full Access to translate, like every keyboard that goes online.
- Password and some secure fields always switch to Apple's keyboard.
Also worth knowing: Google Translate's own "Tap to Translate" is Android only. On iPhone, the Google Translate app works by copying and pasting.
Swaytype vs Gboard
| Swaytype | Gboard (iPhone) | |
|---|---|---|
| Translate what you type | Yes, the text in the field is translated | Yes, type in a separate box |
| Read replies in your language | Yes, copy and one tap | No |
| Natural, chat-style translations | Yes, rewritten like a native speaker texts | Google Translate |
| Fix typos and tone | Yes, Casual or Pro | No |
| Last iPhone update | Updated regularly | May 2022 |
| Price | Free, 10 a day. Pro is unlimited | Free |
Gboard facts from its App Store page and Google's help center, September 2026.
🇹🇷 Typed in Turkish
selam nasilsin ya cok ozledim seni, bu hafta sonu musaitsen bi kahve icelim mi, anlatacak cok sey var
🇺🇸 Sent in English
hey how are you, I’ve missed you so much, if you’re free this weekend should we get coffee, I’ve got a lot to tell you
Real Swaytype output
Try it in your next message.
Free to start. 10 rewrites a day, no card needed.
Scan with your iPhone cameraSwitch to Swaytype
- 1
Download Swaytype
Get it free from the App Store. It needs iOS 16 or later.
- 2
Turn on the keyboard
Open Settings > Apps > Swaytype > Keyboards and switch on Swaytype. On iOS 17 and earlier it's Settings > Swaytype > Keyboards. The app opens the right screen for you.
- 3
Allow Full Access
Translate and Improve need the internet, and on iPhone a keyboard only gets it with Full Access. iOS shows the same warning for every keyboard, even Google's and Microsoft's.
- 4
Switch to Swaytype
In any app, hold the globe key under the letters and pick Swaytype. That's it.
