To turn Live Text on or off across a supported iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Language & Region and change the Live Text switch. To control text detection in the Camera app only, use the separate Settings > Camera > Show Detected Text setting.
Turn Live Text on or off across your iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then Language & Region.
- Turn Live Text on or off. Apple indicates that the switch is green when the feature is on.
This system-wide setting controls Live Text in supported apps and contexts, including recognizing text in photos, videos, and images online. When available, you can select, copy, share, translate, or look up recognized text, and use contextual actions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $574.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $405.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | Unlocked | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $387.73 | Buy on Amazon |
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Change text detection in Camera only
If your goal is to stop text from being detected in the Camera view without changing the system-wide setting, open Settings > Camera and turn Show Detected Text off. Turn it back on to restore Camera text detection. This Camera-specific switch is distinct from the Live Text control under Language & Region.
Check device and software compatibility
Apple’s overview says Live Text requires an iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or later running iOS 15 or later. For iPad, it lists iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later), all iPad Pro 11-inch models, iPad Air (3rd generation or later), iPad (8th generation or later), and iPad mini (5th generation or later), running iPadOS 15.1 or later. See Apple’s compatibility and usage overview and the iPad user guide.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
iPad (8th generation) has conflicting Apple guidance
Apple’s overview lists iPad (8th generation) as compatible, but Apple’s current iPad guide search result says it is not supported. Because Apple’s materials disagree, compatibility for that specific model is not settled here. Check the current guide for your exact device rather than relying on a definitive yes-or-no answer.
Live Text in video needs a newer OS
Recognizing text in video requires iOS 16 or later on iPhone or iPadOS 16 or later on iPad. This is a higher minimum than the listed requirements for basic Live Text.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
If the setting or feature is unavailable
- Check that your device model and operating-system version meet Apple’s requirements.
- Live Text availability varies by region and language, so the setting or some actions may not be available in every locale. Apple directs users to its feature availability page.
- If you only want to change what happens in Camera, check Show Detected Text under Camera rather than changing the system-wide Live Text switch.
What Live Text does
On supported devices, Live Text recognizes text in photos, video, and images found online. Depending on the app and content, you can select text to copy, share, translate, or look up, and may see quick actions for detected information. Apple describes its use in the iPhone guide, the iPad guide, and its instructions for using Live Text with the iPhone camera.
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Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
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