Built-in Browser Translation Tool
In 2026, navigating the multilingual web will be easier than ever. Most major browsers now feature built-in, one-click translation tools that don't require any extra extensions.
Here is how to use the translation features in the 6 most popular browsers in the US: Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, Samsung Internet (Mobile) and Opera.
1. Google Chrome (Desktop & Mobile)
Chrome uses Google Translate technology. By default, it will automatically detect if a page is in a different language than your system settings.
- How to translate: * Automatic Prompt: When you visit a foreign site, a small Translate icon usually pops up in the address bar (right side). Click it and select your language.
- Manual Trigger: If the prompt doesn’t appear, right-click anywhere on the page and select "Translate to [Your Language]".
- Specific Sections: Highlight a specific paragraph, right-click it, and select "Translate selection to..." to see a focused translation.
- Pro Tip: Click the three dots within the translation bubble to select "Always translate [Language]" if you visit a specific foreign site frequently.
2. Apple Safari (macOS & iOS)
Safari’s translation is highly integrated and privacy-focused, often processing data on-device.
- On iPhone/iPad:
- Tap the "AA" icon or the Translate icon (which looks like two speech bubbles) on the left side of the address bar.
- Tap "Translate Website..." and choose your language.
- On Mac:
- Click the Translate icon in the Smart Search field (address bar).
- Select "Translate to [Language]".
- Pro Tip: If you want to see the original text again, just tap the icon and select "View Original."
3. Microsoft Edge (Desktop & Mobile)
Edge uses Microsoft Translator and offers some of the most robust "Always Translate" settings.
- How to translate:
- When you land on a foreign page, the Translate icon (a blue/white character) will appear in the address bar.
- Click it to open the menu and hit "Translate."
- Mobile: Tap the three-line menu (bottom right) and select the Translate icon.
- Pro Tip: Edge allows you to translate Immersive Reader content. If you are in "Reading Mode," you can translate the text while maintaining a clean, ad-free layout.
4. Mozilla Firefox (Desktop)
Firefox is unique because its translation engine works entirely offline to protect your privacy. It doesn't send your data to a cloud server.
- How to translate:
- A translation toolbar will automatically appear at the top of the page when a foreign language is detected.
- Select your target language and click "Translate."
- Manual Trigger: If the toolbar is hidden, click the Translation icon (resembling a document with a character) in the address bar.
- Note: Because it works offline, Firefox may ask you to download a small language file (e.g., "Spanish to English") the first time you use it for a specific language pair.
5. Samsung Internet (Mobile)
This browser has recently been supercharged with "Galaxy AI."
- How to translate:
- Tap the three horizontal lines (Tools menu) in the bottom right corner.
- Select the "Translate" or "Browsing Assist" button.
- If it’s your first time, you may need to download a language pack (this allows for faster, more private on-device translation).
- Choose your target language, and the page will refresh with the translated text.
- Pro Tip: If you have a newer Galaxy device (2024+), look for the Sparkle (AI) icon in the toolbar. This can not only translate but also summarize the entire webpage for you into bullet points in your preferred language.
6. Opera / Opera One (Desktop & Mobile)
It has its own native "Opera Translate" engine.
- On Desktop:
- Look for the Globe icon on the right side of the address bar.
- A popup will appear asking if you want to translate the page. Click "Translate."
- You can also highlight any specific sentence; a small popup will appear with an option to "Translate" just that selection using Aria (Opera's AI).
- On Mobile (Opera for Android/iOS):
- Tap the Opera "O" logo or the three dots in the corner.
- Select "Translate" from the menu.
- Pro Tip: Opera’s translation is powered by Lingvanex and is hosted on secure servers that don't store your personal data, making it a great middle-ground for privacy.