Yes. Google Play’s App Translation Service is available through Play Console as a localization workflow for store listings, app strings and in-app products—not as a translation API embedded in an Android app. Developers can order professional human translation, while Google also promotes machine translation and Gemini-assisted updates for selected strings.
What Google Play’s App Translation Service does
Google announced the service on 11 November 2013, making it available to Android developers through the Google Play Developer Console. Google’s launch announcement described it as part of the tools for taking apps to international markets: Google Play App Translation Service now available to Android developers.
Today, Google documentation describes professional human translation for store titles and descriptions, APK or app strings, and in-app purchases. The service helps developers order translations and manage localized content in Play Console; it does not automatically translate an app at runtime or provide an API embedded in the APK. See Google’s App Translation Service help page.
What can be translated—and what Google currently offers
- Store listings: titles and descriptions shown to users in Google Play.
- App text: submitted string resources, which developers still need to integrate and test in the app.
- In-app products: text associated with in-app purchases.
Google’s Play business page advertises free machine translation in 29 languages, professional translation in up to 48 languages, and Gemini-powered continuous translation for selected app strings as new app bundles are released. These are distinct service options: language coverage and the kind of translation or update handling depend on the option chosen. Check Google’s Play Console translation overview for current availability and details.
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How to order translations in Play Console
- Open the app in Google Play Console.
- Go to Store Listing > Manage translations > Purchase translations. Google also documents a translation progress or start control in the APK area as an alternative entry point.
- Create an order. Choose target languages and, for professional human translation, select a localization provider. Submit the relevant listing text or app resources.
- Review and integrate the result. Download or apply the translated content, incorporate app strings in the app, and check that text fits the interface and works in context.
- Test and publish an update. Verify the localized app and store listing before releasing them to users.
The last steps matter: translation does not replace localization checks or the release process. Google’s 2013 guidance told developers to upload string resources, communicate with the translator, download the translated strings, test localization, and then publish.
How much does Google app translation cost?
Google’s support documentation says translating a typical app and store description into one language may cost around US$50. That is an estimate, not a fixed price: the actual amount is calculated per word and varies by language pair and vendor. Google’s wording is “may cost around USD50”; see its pricing guidance.
A typical order takes 4–5 business days, according to the same Google support page, but completion time depends on multiple factors. Treat that as a typical estimate rather than a guaranteed deadline. Google’s 2017 guidance also says developers pay online, choose among professional vendors and can reuse prior translations to avoid paying again for identical text: Reach more users with App Translation Service.
Google Play translation versus DIY or a third-party provider
The right choice depends on whether you need human review, how many languages and content types you need, and how you will maintain translations as the app changes.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →| Approach | Translation and coverage | Content and workflow | Cost and timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Play machine translation | Google advertises free machine translation in 29 languages; machine output may need human review for tone, meaning and context. | Part of Google’s Play Console translation offering; Google also advertises Gemini-assisted continuous translation for selected strings in new app bundles. | Advertised as free; timing details are not stated on the cited overview. |
| Google Play professional service | Google advertises professional translation in up to 48 languages, provided through localization vendors. | Supports store titles and descriptions, app strings and in-app products; order and manage translations through Play Console. | Google estimates around US$50 for a typical app and store description in one language; actual per-word price varies by language pair and vendor. A typical order is estimated at 4–5 business days, not guaranteed. |
| DIY localization | You or your team create and review translations; coverage depends on your resources. | Google lists editing text with a text editor or using Android Studio’s Translation Editor. You manage integration, testing and updates. | Google does not state a service price or turnaround for DIY; effort depends on your workflow. |
| Third-party localization provider | Human-review options and language coverage depend on the provider and selected service. | Google lists providers including Trusted Translations and Tomedes. Confirm how each handles Play listings, app strings and in-app products, and whether updates integrate with your release workflow. | Rates and delivery times are provider-specific; Google’s cited pages do not establish them. |
Google’s alternatives are listed on its App Translation Service help page. Before choosing, compare human review quality, supported languages, per-word pricing, expected turnaround, translation reuse and how new or changed strings will be handled.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do Google’s launch examples prove localization increases installs?
No. Google’s 2013 launch post shared positive results from vendor-pilot examples, but these were publisher-reported cases rather than independent comparative studies:
- Zombie Ragdoll: 80% of installs came from non-English-language users after the app launched in 20 languages with local marketing.
- SayHi Chat: 120% install growth in localized markets after expansion into 13 additional languages.
- G4A Indian Rummy: a 300% increase in user engagement in localized apps, reported in a separate Google Play team post: Reaching a global audience with app localization.
These examples illustrate possible outcomes, not a forecast. They do not isolate translation from other changes such as local marketing, and they do not show that every app will see comparable results.
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