Set Mate as the default translator on iPhone and iPad

Since iOS 18.4, you can choose which app handles the Translate button in the text-selection menu. Pick Mate, and selected text in Safari, Mail, Messages, Notes, Books and most other apps translates with Mate: 250+ languages instead of Apple's 20, plus pronunciation, synonyms and your Phrasebook.

Set it up

1. Open Mate's Settings, go to Integrations, and tap Default Translator.
2. Tap Open Settings. iOS opens the default apps screen.
3. Tap Default Translation App and choose Mate.

You can also get there directly: Settings app › Apps › Default Apps › Translation.

Use it

1. Select text in any app.
2. Tap Translate in the menu. If it's not visible, tap the arrow to see more options.
3. Mate opens with the translation. Swipe down to return to the app.

Where the app allows editing, Mate also offers Replace selected text, which puts the translation in place of the original. Useful when writing a message in another language.

Try it

The Default Translator screen in Mate's settings has a sample sentence. Press and hold it, tap Translate, and see Mate open.

Before iOS 18.4

Use the share sheet instead: select text › Share › Translate with Mate. See Translate text in any app on iPhone.