The translator keyboard for Android that works in every app
By Enrico Carrasco, founder of Swaytype · Updated · 4 min read
Short answer
Swaytype is a translator keyboard for Android phones (Android 8.0 or later), free on Google Play. 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, Instagram, Messenger or any app. Copy a message you received and it translates that too. Setup is two steps, with no Full Access switch. It's free with 10 rewrites a day.
What Swaytype does on Android
- 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. It's never pasted into the chat.
- 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 Spanish
oye q tal todo? ya llegue a la casa, gracias x la cena de anoche estuvo buenisima, repetimos pronto va?
🇺🇸 Sent in English
hey how’s everything? I already got home, thanks for dinner last night it was amazing, we should do it again soon yeah?
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 set up a translator keyboard on Android
- 1
Download Swaytype
Get it free on Google Play. It needs Android 8.0 or later.
- 2
Turn on the keyboard
In the app, tap Open Settings, find Swaytype in your on-screen keyboards and switch it on. Android shows one or two notes for any new keyboard: tap OK.
- 3
Pick Swaytype
Choose Swaytype in the list that pops up. The app brings you back as soon as it's on.
There's no Full Access step on Android, unlike iPhone. The app shows every tap with a short video, in your language.
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.
Try it in your next message.
Free to start. 10 rewrites a day, no card needed.
Scan with your iPhone cameraRead 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
Swaytype or Gboard Translate?
Gboard, the keyboard on many Android phones, has its own Translate: open the features menu at the top of the keyboard, tap Translate, pick the languages, type your text and tap Select to use the translation (Google's help page).
Swaytype works on the message you already typed: tap Translate and the text in the field is rewritten the way a native speaker would text it. Improve fixes typos and tone, and copied messages are translated above your keys.
Password fields and privacy
Android lets keyboards type in password fields, so Swaytype types there like a normal keyboard, but Translate and Improve switch off and nothing is sent. The same goes for code and PIN fields. Everywhere else, only the text you tap Translate or Improve on leaves your phone, and it's never sold.
