How to translate a webpage in Safari

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To translate a webpage in Safari, you can use the built-in translation feature available in Safari 14 and later. Simply navigate to the webpage you wish to translate, click the 'Translate' button in the address bar, and select your desired language.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you start translating a webpage in Safari, ensure you meet the following requirements.
  • •macOS Big Sur (11.0) or later for Mac users, or iOS 14 or later for iPhone/iPad users.
  • •An active internet connection for real-time translation.
  • •The webpage must be in a supported language (e.g., Spanish, French, German).
  • •Safari must be updated to the latest version to access the translation feature.

Method 1: Using the Built-in Translation Feature

This method is the easiest way to translate a webpage directly within Safari without any additional tools.
  • •Step 1: Open Safari and navigate to the webpage you want to translate.
  • •Step 2: Look for the 'Translate' button in the address bar (it looks like a small globe). Click it.
  • •Step 3: A dropdown menu will appear. Select your desired language from the list.
  • •Step 4: The page will refresh and display the translated content. To verify, check the address bar for the translation confirmation.
  • •Step 5: If the translation doesn't work, ensure that the webpage is in a supported language and that your Safari is updated.

For macOS

macOS specific steps for using the translation feature.
  • •Ensure your macOS is updated to at least Big Sur (11.0).
  • •Open Safari and check if the 'Translate' button appears in the address bar when you visit a foreign language webpage.

For iOS

iOS specific steps for using the translation feature.
  • •Ensure your iPhone/iPad is updated to iOS 14 or later.
  • •Open Safari, navigate to a foreign language webpage, and tap the 'Translate' button in the address bar.

Method 2: Using Google Translate

If the built-in translation feature is not available or does not support the language, you can use Google Translate as an alternative.
  • •Step 1: Open Safari and go to the Google Translate website (translate.google.com).
  • •Step 2: In the left text box, paste the URL of the webpage you want to translate.
  • •Step 3: Select the original language of the webpage and the target language you want to translate to.
  • •Step 4: Click the 'Translate' button. Google Translate will generate a link to the translated webpage.
  • •Step 5: Click on the link provided to view the translated webpage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while translating a webpage in Safari, consider the following solutions.
  • •Error: 'Translation not available' - Solution: Ensure the webpage is in a supported language and that your Safari is updated.
  • •Issue: 'Translate button not appearing' - Fix: Check your Safari settings under Preferences > Language & Region to ensure translation is enabled.
  • •Problem: 'Translation is incorrect or incomplete' - Workaround: Use Google Translate as an alternative for more accurate translations.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your translation experience with these tips and shortcuts.
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + L - Focus on the address bar to quickly access the translation button.
  • •Hidden feature: Enable 'Show Develop menu in menu bar' in Safari Preferences to access advanced web tools.
  • •Bookmark Google Translate for quick access by adding it to your favorites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Using the built-in translation feature is the most efficient way to translate webpages in Safari, especially for common languages.