Open an image in Photos, tap the Live Text button, select the text, then tap Copy. Live Text availability depends on the device, language, and region.
1
Check Live Text availability
Live Text requires supported iPhone hardware, software, language, and region. If recognized-text controls never appear, confirm Live Text is enabled in Settings > General > Language & Region. Availability can differ for handwritten, stylized, low-contrast, or very small text.
2
Open a clear image or paused video
In Photos, open a photo containing readable text. For a video, pause on a frame where the text is sharp. Rotate or crop the view if needed, and zoom in when surrounding graphics make the intended words difficult for the iPhone to identify.
3
Activate recognized text
Tap the Live Text or Detect Text button when it appears. You can also touch and hold directly on recognized text in many images. A highlighted overlay indicates what iOS detected; if the wrong area is selected, reposition the image or try a clearer frame.
4
Select only the text you need
Touch and hold a word, then drag the selection handles across the desired phrase or paragraph. Use Select All only after checking the detected region, because it may include nearby labels, dates, or unrelated text.
5
Copy and verify the result
Tap Copy, switch to the destination app, and paste. Proofread names, numbers, punctuation, web addresses, and line breaks against the image. Optical recognition can make errors, so do not rely on copied text without checking it when accuracy or safety matters.
6
Use another Live Text action when appropriate
Depending on the content, iOS may also offer Translate, Look Up, call, email, or website actions. Review the detected value before opening a link or contacting someone. Live Text reads pixels; it does not confirm that the underlying information is authentic or safe.
