The translator keyboard that works in every app
Updated · 5 min read
Short answer
Yes, there is a keyboard that translates as you type. Swaytype is a translator keyboard for iPhone (iOS 16 or later): type in your own language, tap Translate, pick a language, and your message is rewritten in that language right in the text field, in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram or any app. It also translates the messages you receive. It's free with 10 rewrites a day.
What a translator keyboard does
Without one, every message goes like this: type it, copy it, open a translator, paste, copy the result, go back, paste. A translator keyboard does it where you type, in one tap. Swaytype does four things:
- Translate what you write. Type in your language, send it in theirs.
- Read what they send. Copy a message and read it in your language, above your keys.
- Improve. Fix typos, grammar and punctuation in a Casual or Pro tone, keeping your voice.
- Undo. One tap puts your original text back.
A real translation
🇳🇱 Typed in Dutch
hee sorry dat ik zo laat reageer, was echt kapot na t werk. zullen we morgen ff bellen over t weekend?
🇺🇸 Sent in English
hey sorry I’m replying so late, I was totally exhausted after work. should we call tomorrow real quick about the weekend?
Real Swaytype output
It doesn't translate word by word. Swaytype rewrites the message the way a native speaker would text it, and keeps your slang, your nicknames and your tone.
How to add a translator keyboard to your iPhone
- 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.
The Swaytype app shows every tap with short videos, in your language. Setup takes about 20 seconds.
How to translate a message as you type
- 1
Type in your language
Write the way you always do, slang and typos included.
- 2
Tap Translate
It's on the bar above the keys.
- 3
Pick the language
Choose from your list. You decide in the app which languages show up there.
- 4
Check it and send
Your text is replaced by the translation in a couple of seconds. Changed your mind? Undo puts your original back.
Read replies in your language
Got a message you can't read? Copy it, and the keyboard shows Translate received message. Tap it and the translation appears above your keys.
🇪🇸 Received in Spanish
hola!! vi tu anuncio del depa, sigue disponible? me interesa mucho y podria ir a verlo este sabado
🇺🇸 Read in English
hi!! i saw your listing for the apartment, is it still available? i’m really interested and could go see it this saturday
Real Swaytype output
Try it in your next message.
Free to start. 10 rewrites a day, no card needed.
Scan with your iPhone cameraWhich apps and languages it works with
Swaytype works in every app with a text field: WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger, Telegram, Gmail, Outlook, Slack, LinkedIn and dating apps. The only exceptions come from iOS itself: password fields always use Apple's keyboard, and a few apps (some banking apps, for example) don't allow third-party keyboards.
Type in your language and translate into Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Turkish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and many more. You choose which languages show up in your list.
