Live Text turns visible text in the Camera app or saved images into selectable text. You can copy a phone number from a flyer, grab a recipe from packaging, open an address in Maps, translate a sign, or paste text into another app without retyping it.
Live Text works on iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and later with iOS 15 or later.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want to copy printed or handwritten text from a photo, screenshot, label, whiteboard, book, or live camera view.
Copy Text with the Camera
- Open Camera.
- Point it at clear text.
- Tap the Live Text icon when it appears.
- Touch and hold text, then drag selection handles or tap Select All.
- Tap Copy.
- Paste into Notes, Messages, Mail, or another app.
Copy Text from a Saved Photo
- Open Photos.
- Open the image or screenshot that contains text.
- Tap the Live Text icon if it appears.
- Select the text you want.
- Tap Copy and paste it where needed.
Live Text Extras
Quick Actions
Detected phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses, and foreign-language text can show actions such as Call, Mail, Open in Maps, or Translate.
Detection Quality
Live Text works best with sharp, well-lit, reasonably straight text. Blurry photos, extreme angles, and unusual handwriting can fail.
Turn Off Camera Detection
To hide Live Text in Camera, open Settings > Camera and turn off Show Detected Text. Photos detection is separate.
Works in More Places
Live Text can also appear in Safari screenshots, Quick Look previews, and apps that use standard iPhone image or camera views.
Sources
- Apple Support: Use Live Text with iPhone camera
- Apple Support: Copy and translate text from photos on iPhone or iPad
- Apple Support: Use Live Text with iPhone