How to Use AI to Read Menus and Signs While Traveling

Traveling to a country where you don't speak the language used to be stressful. You would stare at a menu, hoping you didn't accidentally order something terrible. With Google Lens, your phone becomes a live translator. You can read street signs, menus, and museum plaques in your own language instantly.

Step 1: Switch to "Translate" Mode Open the Google app and tap the camera icon (Google Lens) just like before.

At the bottom of the screen, you will see a row of words like "Search," "Text," and "Translate." Tap on Translate. It might ask you to download a language pack; say yes if you are on Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Aim at the Text Hold your phone steady in front of the foreign text.

You don't even need to take a picture! As you look at the screen, the foreign words will magically change into English right before your eyes. It keeps the same font and color, so a red "ARRÊT" sign in France becomes a red "STOP" sign on your screen.

Step 3: Snap to Save It can be hard to hold the phone steady for a long time.

If you are reading a long menu, tap the big shutter button to take a picture. This "freezes" the translation so you can pull the phone closer and read it comfortably without your hand shaking.