Explore captions and transcription on your phone

Separate two different forms of access

Captions make spoken content readable. A sign-language translation provides a different form of language access. Choose around your needs; one feature does not automatically suit everyone.

Find the instructions for your device

Google explains Live Transcribe for Android, which can display speech as text. Apple describes Live Captions on supported iPhones and notes device, language and regional restrictions. Follow the manufacturer’s linked instructions for your actual system version.

The links lead to English-language instructions. You can look for a suitable language version on the provider website. PCHO does not promise availability on a particular phone.

Try an ordinary, non-urgent situation

• First read how to turn the feature off again.
• Check microphone access, internet requirements and storage options in the current instructions.
• Tell conversation partners before using an app to capture their speech.
• Test readability and recognition in a quiet, non-urgent situation.

These are preparation steps, not a guarantee of accurate text.

Confirm important details directly

Automatic transcripts can misrepresent words, names or numbers. Ask the speaker to confirm important information. For a demanding appointment, professional speech-to-text support or sign-language interpreting may be more suitable.

Do not treat it as an emergency system

Apple expressly warns against relying on Live Captions in high-risk or emergency situations. This guide does not recommend an app as a replacement for an established emergency or alarm route. PCHO’s emergency page separately links official information.

PCHO does not activate a microphone, upload conversations or produce transcripts. When you choose to use an external app, its functions and data handling apply.