Speech to Text Google Translate: How to Use Google Translate to Transcribe Voice to Text

Last Updated: 2024. 05. 31

Google Translate, a free platform, provides language translation services for iOS, Android, and computer users. It effortlessly translates text, audio, documents, and images from one language to another automatically. Among its notable features, the voice-to-text functionality of Google Translate is particularly remarkable, allowing users to transcribe voice into text without the need for manual typing.

So, in this article, we’ll discuss how this feature works on desktop and mobile devices respectively. Now let’s learn how to use Google Translate to transcribe voice to text.

How to Translate Voice to Text Using Google Translate on Desktop

To use Google Translate from voice to text, you can follow the steps below:

Step 1
Open your browser and visit the Google Translate website.
Step 2
On the Translate interface, select the source language of the spoken text and the target language for translation.
Select the Source and Target Language in Translate Interface

Select the Source and Target Language in Translate Interface

Step 3
If you haven't already granted permission, allow Google Translate to access your microphone, as it's necessary for voice-to-text transcription.
Step 4
Once the microphone is activated, either play the audio file or speak directly into your computer's microphone. Ensure a clear background for better translation accuracy.
Step 5
After speaking or when the audio playback stops, the transcribed text will appear in the text box. Copy the text and paste it into your desired application or document for further use.

How to Use Google Translate to Translate Audio to Text on Mobile

To use the Google Translate app on mobile devices, first install it. If you already had it on your phone, check the version is the latest one. Then trace the instructions below to use voice-to-text feature in Google Translate on your mobile phone.

Step 1
Install the Google Translate app on your mobile device if you haven't already, and ensure it's the latest version.
Step 2
Open the Google Translate app on your mobile device.
Step 3
On the home screen, tap on the Transcribe icon to activate this feature. If you're using an Android device, Google will prompt you with a notification informing you that using the voice-to-text feature will involve sending audio and transcription data to its servers. Tap 'OK' to proceed.
Activate Translate Feature of Google Translate Android Version

Activate Translate Feature of Google Translate Android Version

Step 4
Select the source language from the drop-down menu since Google Translate won't automatically detect the language on your phone.
Select the Source Language in Google Translate on Mobile

Select the Source Language in Google Translate on Mobile

Step 5
Choose the target language for the text to appear in the translated box.
Choose the Target Language for the Translation

Choose the Target Language for the Translation

Step 6
Record the voice you wish to transcribe, and Google Translate will automatically convert it into text.

While Google Translate makes it efficient to translate voice to text, it still has limitation as below:

  • Google Translate limits transcription to 5,000 characters at a time, which is roughly 982 words at just under 8 minutes of talking, so it is for shorter audio recordings. 
  • You need to speak slowly, loudly and clearly in a noise-free atmosphere to get accurate transcription.
  • Unable to directly upload an audio file like voicemail for transcription and also you can’t download the transcribed text as a file.
  • The system's ability to accurately identify different accents within the same language is somewhat limited.

    An Easier Way to Translate Voice to Text Online

    FlexClip is an advanced online speech-to-text tool that seamlessly converts various sound files, including meeting recordings, voice memos, and podcasts, into text without limitations. Supporting over 140 languages with different accents, it utilizes AI technology to accurately identify your soundtrack and transcribe it with up to 95% accuracy.

    Moreover, FlexClip offers extensive editing capabilities for the transcribed text, allowing you to adjust timecodes, select output file formats, check spelling, and more. Following transcription, you can conveniently download the text in formats such as TXT, SRT, VTT, SBV, and others.

    Translate Voice to Text Online Using FlexClip

    Translate Voice to Text Online Using FlexClip

    In addition to its voice-to-text feature, FlexClip embarks a diverse creative journey:

  • Automatically detecting voice files and translating them into text in other languages, aiding in overseas marketing efforts to reach a broader audience.
  • Translating video and voice content into over 140 languages through AI dubbing, effectively conveying messages with vivid emotions and feelings.
  • Serving as a voice changer to protect privacy, prank friends, or add a touch of fun to your audio with just a few clicks.
  • Offering a wide selection of royalty-free sound effects and background music to elevate your sound files, enhancing their quality and appeal.
  • Providing audio editing features such as adding fade in/out effects, combining multiple soundtracks, and extracting voice from videos, all accessible to enhance your audio projects.
  • How to Transcribe Voice to Text Online Using FlexClip

    Step 1
    Click on Translate it Now below to access FlexClip’s editor page and upload the voice file you want to transcribe from computer, mobile or third-party platforms like Google Drive.
    Translate it Now View Templates
    Step 2
    Navigate to the Subtitle panel, where you'll find three options: AI Auto Subtitle, Manual Subtitle, and Upload Subtitle File. Choose AI Auto Subtitle to initiate the voice-to-text conversion.
    Choose AI Auto Subtitle Option in FlexClip

    Choose AI Auto Subtitle Option in FlexClip

    Step 3
    Configure the transcription process by selecting the original language in the audio and specifying audio as the content source.
    Select the Language in the Voice

    Select the Language in the Voice

    Step 4
    When you’re ready, click on the Generate icon to commence the conversion process.
    Initiate the Voice to Text Conversion Process

    Initiate the Voice to Text Conversion Process

    Step 5
    Once it’s done, the transcribed text will appear on the screen along with timestamps. Review for any misspellings or sentences that need merging. Subsequently, download the converted text as a subtitle file or continue refining your project using FlexClip’s robust editing tools.
    Download the Transcribed Text as Your Preferred Format

    Download the Transcribed Text as Your Preferred Format

    FAQs

    1.How Many Transcription Languages Are Supported by Google Translate?

    Google Translate voice-to-text service supports up to 133 languages, including commonly spoken languages like English, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese and more.

    2.Does Google Translate Audio File?

    The answer is Yes and No, depending on your specific requirements. Google Translate can transcribe audio files when played in a clear background. However, if you wish to upload a voice file for automatic handling by Google Translate, there's currently no available solution.

    3.How to Edit the Transcribed Text in Google Translate?

    Google Translate enables you to edit the transcript including changing the font size. To do this, you need to tap on the Settings icon on the bottom left corner and explore a list of editing options to meet your specific requirements.

    4.Can I Save or Download the Transcription from Google Translate?

    Google Translate doesn’t offer a direct feature for saving or downloading transcribed text. However, you can manually copy the text from the translation output box and paste it into another document or application for saving or additional processing.

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