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To use Live Text, turn it on in Settings > General > Language & Region. In Camera, point your iPhone at text, tap the Detect Text button when it appears, then touch and hold the words to select them. You can also select text in a photo or paused video. Available actions depend on the text, language, and region.
Check that your iPhone supports Live Text
Apple lists iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and later models running iOS 15 or later as compatible. To select text from video, you need iOS 16 or later. Apple also notes that Live Text is not available in every language or region.
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For current availability details, see Apple’s Live Text compatibility and setup guidance and its iOS 27 guide to Live Text in photos and video.
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- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then Language & Region.
- Turn on Live Text.
Apple’s setup instructions are also available in its copy and translate text guidance.
#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%.
Copy or act on text with Camera
- Open the Camera app and point your iPhone at the printed or displayed text.
- Wait for the yellow detection frame, then tap the Detect Text button.
- Touch and hold the text. Drag the selection handles to include the words you want.
- Choose an action such as Copy, Select All, Look Up, Translate, Search Web, or Share, when offered.
- Tap the selected Detect Text control to return to Camera.
When Live Text recognizes a phone number, email address, web address, directions, or currency, the available quick actions may include calling, starting an email, opening a website, or converting currency. The options vary with the detected content. See Apple’s Camera instructions for Live Text.
Hide text detection in Camera
If you do not want the detection control in Camera, go to Settings > Camera and turn off Show Detected 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.
Select text in a photo or video
- Open a photo containing text, or pause a video on a frame where the text is visible.
- Tap the Detect Text button.
- Touch and hold the words, then adjust the selection handles if needed.
- Choose an available action, such as Copy Text, Translate, Look Up, Search the web, or Share. A quick action may appear for certain detected details.
Apple describes Live Text as recognizing text in photos, videos, and images found online. It lists Photos, Safari, Camera, Quick Look, and other contexts as supported. Video text selection requires iOS 16 or later. See Apple’s iOS 26 guide for photos and video.
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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
What to check if Live Text does not appear
- Check model and software: Apple’s minimum is iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or later with iOS 15 or later; video support requires iOS 16 or later.
- Confirm the setting: Make sure Settings > General > Language & Region > Live Text is on.
- For Camera, look for the control: Frame the text and wait for the yellow outline, then tap Detect Text before selecting the words.
- Consider language and region: Apple says availability is limited by language and region; consult its compatibility guidance.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
