Use the internet and your smartphone, computer or tablet to put information into your language.
Did you know you can easily translate websites and documents into hundreds of languages for free? This can be really helpful if you need a helping hand with English, or if you are travelling overseas.
It might not be perfect, but free translations can be really useful to help you understand what you are looking at.
Video transcript
Translate anything! Did you know you can use the internet and your phone computer or tablet to translate anything?
Change the language of your phone computer or tablet. Look in your settings to choose a different language.
Translate websites using free tools from Microsoft and Google. Look for Google Translate or Microsoft translate.
Use virtual assistants to translate. Say ‘Hey Siri’ or ‘Hey Google’ then ask it to translate what is on your screen.
Some free tools translate things like signs and menus using your phone’s camera. They show the translated words on your screen.
Remember: just like people it can get things wrong. Always check the info you have translated before you rely on it.
Get Online Week
Learn more good things you can do this Get Online Week and feel safer and more confident going online.
Get Online Week. A campaign by good things [Music]
Start with your device
Smartphones, tablets and modern computers have settings you can use so your device is in your language. This will change the language of alerts and app names.
Top tip: Find your device’s settings by looking for a picture of a cog or wheel
Helpful free tools
Both Google and Microsoft have free tools to help you translate websites quickly and easily. Just choose the language you want it to change the words into and watch the magic happen.
Top tip: Look for ‘Google translate’ if you’re using Google Chrome as your internet browser.
Top tip: Look for ‘Microsoft Translate’ if you’re using Microsoft Edge as your internet browser or using Microsoft Word.
Translate on the go
If you find it hard to use small buttons on touch screens, use free virtual assistants to help. Once they’re turned on, you can talk to your device instead of pressing buttons.
Top tip: Say “Hey Siri” or “Hey Google” then ask it to translate and read out loud the information on your screen.
Google Lens is a fun tool that can translate objects in other languages like signs and menus. On your smartphone or tablet, open Google. Instead of typing in a question to search the internet, select the camera icon. Point your camera at the object and select ‘Translate’.
Top tip: Try it out on your next holiday!
Parental controls
Using parental controls in online games and apps helps you protect your child from inappropriate content. You can also use them to limit the time they are on a device, protect them from online strangers and link your account to theirs so you can monitor their activities.
Top tip: Parental controls are found in the settings section of the device and apps your child uses.
Keep learning
Keep learning more about what you can do online on the Be Connected and Good Things websites.
Get Online Week is a campaign by Good Things.
Use the button below to download and print an A4 version of this tipsheet.