How to Set Up and Install the Google Translate Extension on Your Web Browser for Desktop

For URLs outside the Closer Look Initiative website, you can use the Google Translate extension on your preferred web browser, such as Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, to translate from English or other languages into your primary language. Make sure to pin the Google Translate extension to your browser’s toolbar for easy access. If you need help installing the Google Translate extension, you can search for instructions on Google or YouTube.

In today’s global environment, language should never be a barrier to accessing information online. The Google Translate extension makes it easy to automatically translate webpages from English (or any other language) into the language of your choice.

Follow these step-by-step instructions for your browser.

1. Google Chrome

Installing the Extension

Open Google Chrome.
Launch the Chrome browser on your computer.
Go to the Chrome Web Store.
Type “Chrome Web Store” in your address bar or click here to visit the store.
Search for “Google Translate”.
In the search bar, type “Google Translate” and press Enter.
Select the Official Extension.
Look for the official Google Translate extension (it usually has the Google logo and clear branding). Click on it.
Install the Extension.
Click the “Add to Chrome” button. A confirmation window will appear. Click “Add extension” to complete the installation.
Wait for Installation.
After a few seconds, the extension icon (a small Google Translate icon) will appear in your browser’s toolbar.

Setting Up Automatic Translation

Access the Extension.
Click on the Google Translate icon in your toolbar.
Open Settings.
You may see an option like “Options” or a gear icon—click it to open settings.
Enable Auto-Translation for English.
Look for a setting that says “Offer to translate pages that aren’t in a language you read” or “Automatically translate pages in [source language] to [your language].” Toggle the switch or check the box to enable automatic translation.
Select Your Target Language.
From the dropdown menu, choose your desired language (e.g., Spanish, French, German, etc.).
Save Your Settings.
Click “Save” or simply close the settings window; your choice will be saved automatically.

Now, whenever you visit an English webpage (or any page in a language different from your chosen target), Chrome will offer to translate it for you. You can also click the extension icon to trigger the translation manually if needed.

Useful Instructions:

01. How to add the Google Translate extension in Chrome
02. Translate pages and change Chrome languages

2. Mozilla Firefox

While Google does not offer an official Google Translate extension for Firefox, there are reputable third-party alternatives that use Google Translate’s service.

Installing a Google Translate Add-on

Open Firefox.
Launch your Firefox browser.
Visit the Firefox Add-ons Page.
Type “addons.mozilla.org” in your address bar or click here.
Search for a Translation Extension.
In the search bar, type “Google Translate” or “translation” to see available options. Look for one that integrates with Google Translate.
Select an Add-on.
Choose a highly rated and trusted add-on. Read the reviews and description to ensure it meets your needs.
Install the Add-on.
Click “Add to Firefox” and follow the prompts. The add-on icon should appear in your browser’s toolbar once installed.

Setting Up Automatic Translation

Access the Add-on Settings.
Click on the extension icon or go to the add-on’s settings from the Firefox menu (typically found under “Tools” or “Add-ons”).
Configure Translation Options.
Look for an option such as “Automatically translate pages” or “Translate pages not in [your language].” Enable this feature.
Choose Your Target Language.
Set the target language to the one you want to read. Many add-ons let you select a default translation language.
Test the Setup.
Visit an English webpage and see if the add-on prompts you to translate it. If not, check the settings and refresh the page.

3. Apple Safari

Safari does not support Google Translate as an extension in the same way as Chrome. However, you have a couple of options:

Option A: Using Safari’s Built-In Translation (macOS Big Sur and later)

Check for Built-In Translation.
Recent versions of Safari include a native translation feature. When you visit a webpage in a foreign language, you may see a translation icon in the address bar.
Click the Translation Icon.
Click the icon (it might look like a speech bubble) to see translation options.
Select Your Language.
Choose your desired language from the list provided, and Safari will translate the page automatically.

Option B: Using a Third-Party Extension

Open the App Store on Your Mac.
Some translation apps or extensions available on the App Store integrate with Safari.
Search for “Translate” or “Google Translate”.
Find a reliable app or extension with good reviews.
Install and Follow Setup Instructions.
After installation, follow the in-app instructions to set it up. Most third-party extensions will allow you to set a default language and enable automatic translations.

4. Tips for Non-Tech Savvy Users

Follow Visual Cues:
Most modern browsers provide clear icons and prompts for extensions. If you see a popup asking if you’d like to translate a page, click it!
Don’t Worry About Mistakes:
If you click the wrong option, you can usually change settings later. Look for a settings or options menu in the extension icon.
Use Help and Support:
Each browser and extension often has a help section. Look for “Help” or “Support” on the add-on page or within the extension’s settings.
Restart the Browser if Needed:
Sometimes, restarting your browser after installation can help apply settings correctly.
Keep Your Browser Updated:
Ensure your browser is up-to-date to take advantage of the latest features, including built-in translation options.

While there’s no dedicated “extension” for Google Translate on Chrome for mobile, Chrome itself has built-in translation capabilities, allowing you to translate webpages with a few taps.

Here’s how to translate webpages on Chrome for mobile:

Android:

Open Chrome: and navigate to a webpage in another language.
Tap the three dots: (More) in the address bar.
Tap Translate.
Select the language: you want to translate to.
To always translate pages in a specific language:
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Languages.
- Tap Advanced.
- Tap Automatically translate these languages.
- Add or remove languages as needed.

iPhone/iPad:

Open Chrome: and navigate to a webpage in another language.
Tap the language: you want to translate to at the top of the page.
If you don’t see “Translate” at the top, tap More and then Translate.
Chrome will translate the webpage .
To always translate pages in a specific language:
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Always translate [language].

Important Notes:

Built-in Translation:

Chrome’s mobile translation feature is a built-in function, not an extension.
No Extension Needed:

You don’t need to install any additional extension to use the translation feature.
Google Translate App:

You can also use the Google Translate app for translating text and images, and even for real-time translation.

Conclusion

Setting up the Google Translate extension or a translation tool on your browser is a straightforward process that opens up a world of information. Whether you’re using Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, the steps above will help you install and configure automatic translation from English to your preferred language. With these tools, navigating websites in a language other than your own becomes much easier and more accessible.

Enjoy your browsing experience without language barriers!