A phone number on a sign or an address in a screenshot does not need to be typed out by hand. Live Text lets an iPhone select words that appear inside a photo, paused video or supported image.
Find Text Inside an Image
Open the picture full screen in Photos. For a video, pause on the frame that shows the writing. Tap the Detect Text button, then touch and hold a word until selection handles appear.
Drag the handles around the part you need. You can then choose Copy and paste the result into Notes, Messages, Mail or another text field.
Use More Than Copy and Paste
The available choices depend on the words recognised. Live Text may offer to translate a phrase, open a website, call a phone number, show directions or convert a currency.
- Copy an order number from a delivery screenshot.
- Save an address from a printed invitation.
- Translate a short menu or notice while travelling.
- Open a web address shown on a poster.
Get a Cleaner Result
Clear, level writing with good contrast is easier to detect. Crop distracting edges or use a sharper photo if letters are missed. Handwriting, decorative fonts and blurred images may produce mistakes.
Check important details. Read the pasted text before acting on it. A wrong digit in a bank reference, email address or telephone number can matter even when the rest looks correct.
Live Text availability varies by language and region. If the Detect Text button does not appear, check that the iPhone is updated and that the language is supported.