iPhone translation keyboard

Translation keyboard for iPhone

LingoKey keeps translation next to the text field, so multilingual writing feels like part of the conversation instead of a separate task.

Made for iPhone and iPad

LingoKey translation keyboard on an iPhone

Translate without breaking the conversation

A separate translator works, but it adds repeated steps: select, copy, switch apps, paste, translate, copy again, and return. A translation keyboard keeps the action beside the message you are already writing.

What LingoKey adds above the keys

LingoKey shows the active source and target language, translation mode, and writing style in its toolbar. Type your message, request the translation, review the result, and continue in the same app.

The two translation modes serve different priorities: Instant for quick exchanges and Professional for more considered wording. Natural, Casual, Formal, Business, and Social styles let you describe the intended voice separately from the target language.

Outgoing and incoming text

For an outgoing message, write the draft in the current field and tap translate. LingoKey processes the available text and inserts the result back into that field.

For incoming text, copy it and open the clipboard translation panel. This reverse-translation workflow is useful for messages, captions, or other text you can select but cannot edit directly.

When a newly inserted translation is still identifiable in the unchanged field, LingoKey can restore the original draft. If the context has changed, undo is disabled to avoid replacing unrelated text.

Built for everyday multilingual writing

Use it for:

  • Messages with friends and family
  • Email and international work
  • Social posts and direct messages
  • Search terms and forms in another language
  • Travel and everyday life abroad

Read how LingoKey works across compatible apps.

A keyboard still follows iOS rules

You add LingoKey in Settings, switch with the globe key, and enable Full Access for network translation. Secure fields can force iOS back to the Apple keyboard. This is expected behavior for third-party keyboards.

An internet connection is required for translation. LingoKey does not silently translate every character: the request begins after you tap a translation action. You should still review automated translations before sending information that affects health, money, legal rights, safety, or another high-impact decision.

Keyboard language versus translation target

LingoKey has dedicated source keyboards for Simplified Chinese, English regional variants, Spanish, French, and German. Its target selector is broader, with more than 100 languages and regional variants. This means the language you type with and the language you translate into do not need to come from identical lists.

Follow the four-step setup to get started.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a translation keyboard?

A translation keyboard is a third-party keyboard that lets you write and request a translation from the current text field instead of moving text through a separate app.

Is LingoKey an Apple keyboard?

No. LingoKey is an independent third-party keyboard distributed through the App Store.

Will LingoKey appear in every field?

It works in compatible text fields. iOS may require the system keyboard in secure password fields, phone fields, or apps that disable third-party keyboards.

LingoKey

Turn your keyboard into a translator

Add LingoKey to iPhone or iPad and translate where you already write.

Download on the App Store
Last reviewed: July 24, 2026