How to fix the Google Translate not working

  • The Google Translate module built into Chrome doesn’t work correctly.
  • It could be due to incorrect language settings, conflicts with extensions, or an outdated web cache.
  • The problem often occurs when using the mobile app, while for other users it occurs in a browser or browser extension.
  • If you are using an older version of your browser that is not compatible with the translation engine, this may cause this problem.
  • Clear your browser’s cookies and cache and clear data.

 

Unlocking the multilingual potential of the internet, Google Translate has become an indispensable tool for millions. However, if you’ve been encountering issues with Google Translate not functioning as expected in Chrome, this article is here to help you navigate through the glitches and restore seamless translation capabilities.

Understanding Google Translate

Fixing Google Translate Not Working in Chrome

If you’re experiencing issues with Google Translate not working in Chrome, there are a few fixes you can try.

First, make sure you’re using the latest version of Google Chrome. Sometimes, outdated versions can cause problems with certain features, including Google Translate. To update Chrome, click on the three dots in the top right corner of the browser, go to “Help,” and then select “About Google Chrome.” If an update is available, Chrome will automatically install it.

Another common issue is a problem with your internet connection. Ensure that you have a stable and reliable internet connection before using Google Translate. If your connection is weak or intermittent, it may affect the performance of the translation tool.

Additionally, check if you have any browser extensions or plugins that could interfere with the functionality of Google Translate. Some extensions may conflict with the translation feature, causing it to stop working. Try disabling any extensions related to translation or language tools and see if that resolves the issue.

If you’re using the Google Translate mobile app, ensure that you have granted the necessary permissions for the app to access your microphone and use voice input. Without these permissions, the voice translation feature may not work properly.

Lastly, if you encounter a specific error message or issue while using Google Translate, try searching for that specific problem online. There are a variety of cases and solutions available for different translation issues, and you may find a guide or forum discussion that addresses your particular situation.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix any issues with Google Translate not working in Chrome and continue using this helpful translation tool.

Disabling Extensions and Clearing Cookies

To fix Google Translate not working in Chrome, you can try disabling extensions and clearing cookies. These steps can help resolve any issues that may be causing the problem.

First, disable any extensions that might be interfering with Google Translate. To do this, click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of your browser window and select “More tools” > “Extensions.” From there, you can disable or remove any extensions that might be causing conflicts.

Next, clear your cookies and cache. This can help resolve any temporary data conflicts that might be affecting Google Translate. To do this, click on the three-dot menu again and select “Settings.” Scroll down to the “Privacy and security” section and click on “Clear browsing data.” Make sure to select the options for clearing cookies and cached images and files.

After completing these steps, restart your browser and try using Google Translate again. Hopefully, this will fix the issue and allow you to use the translation feature without any problems.

python
import requests

def translate_text(text, source_lang, target_lang):
url = "https://api.mymemory.translated.net/get"
params = {
'q': text,
'langpair': f'{source_lang}|{target_lang}'
}

try:
response = requests.get(url, params=params)
translation = response.json()['responseData']['translatedText']
return translation
except requests.exceptions.RequestException:
return "Translation request failed. Please try again later."

# Example usage
source_text = "Hello, how are you?"
translated_text = translate_text(source_text, 'en', 'fr')
print(translated_text)

This code snippet utilizes the MyMemory Translation API, which is a free machine translation service. It takes a source text, source language code, and target language code as inputs, and returns the translated text. However, please note that this service might have limitations in terms of accuracy and availability compared to Google Translate.

Using Incognito Mode

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Press Ctrl+Shift+N or click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select “New Incognito Window.”
3. In the Incognito Window, go to the Google Translate website.
4. Disable any browser extensions or add-ons that may interfere with Google Translate.
5. Clear your browsing data by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete and selecting the appropriate options.
6. Restart Chrome and try using Google Translate again.

Using Incognito Mode can help isolate any issues related to browser extensions or cached data. If the problem persists, try using Google Translate in a different browser or on a mobile device using the Google Translate app. Remember to check your internet connection and microphone settings, as these can also cause translation errors.

Resetting Chrome to Default Settings

If you’re experiencing issues with Google Translate not working in Chrome, one potential solution is to reset Chrome to its default settings. This can help resolve any underlying issues that may be causing the problem.

To reset Chrome, follow these steps:

1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser window.

2. From the drop-down menu, select “Settings.”

3. Scroll down and click on “Advanced.”

4. Scroll further down and click on “Reset settings.”

5. A confirmation message will appear. Click on “Reset settings” again to proceed.

6. Chrome will now reset to its default settings, which may take a few moments.

7. Once the reset is complete, restart Chrome and try using Google Translate again.

This should help resolve any issues you were experiencing with Google Translate not working in Chrome. If the problem persists, you may need to further troubleshoot or seek additional support.

Installing Google Translate Extension

To install the Google Translate Extension in Chrome and fix any issues with it not working, follow these steps:

1. Open your Chrome browser and go to the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for “Google Translate Extension” in the search bar.
3. Click on the extension from the search results.
4. On the extension page, click on the “Add to Chrome” button.
5. A confirmation dialog will appear, click “Add extension” to install it.
6. Once installed, you should see the Google Translate icon in the top right corner of your browser.
7. To use the extension, simply click on the icon and enter the text you want to translate.
8. You can also enable the “Translate this page” feature by clicking on the gear icon in the translation box.
9. If you encounter any issues with the extension not working, try the following troubleshooting steps:
a. Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
b. Clear your browser cache and cookies.
c. Disable any conflicting browser extensions.
d. Update your Chrome browser to the latest version.
10. If the issue persists, you can visit the Google Translate Help Center for further assistance.

By following these steps, you should be able to install and fix any issues with the Google Translate Extension in Chrome.

Trying Another Web Browser

If you’re experiencing issues with Google Translate not working in Chrome, you may want to try using another web browser like Microsoft Edge. To do this:
1. Open Microsoft Edge on your computer.
2. Go to the Google Translate website.
3. Click on the address bar and type in “translate.google.com” to access the website.
4. Once you’re on the Google Translate website, you can translate text, websites, or documents as needed.
By trying a different browser, you can determine if the issue is specific to Chrome or more widespread. Additionally, Microsoft Edge offers a variety of features and fixes that may help resolve any translation issues you’re experiencing. So give it a try and see if it solves your problem.

Utilizing the DETECT LANGUAGE Feature

The DETECT LANGUAGE feature in Google Translate can sometimes stop working in the Chrome browser. To fix this issue, follow these steps:

1. Clear the browser cache and cookies. This can help resolve any temporary issues causing the problem. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.

2. Disable any browser extensions that could interfere with the translation feature. Click on the three dots in the top right corner, go to More tools > Extensions, and disable any extensions related to translation.

3. Update Google Chrome to the latest version. Outdated versions can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Go to Settings > About Chrome and click on “Check for updates”.

4. Ensure that your internet connection is stable. Sometimes a poor connection can affect the translation feature. Try restarting your router or connecting to a different network.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the issue of Google Translate not working in Chrome. Remember to always keep your browser and extensions up to date for optimal performance.

Clearing Cache and Data on Android

To clear cache and data on your Android device, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Application Manager.”

3. Find and tap on “Chrome” or the browser you are using.

4. Tap on “Storage” or “Storage & cache.”

5. Tap on “Clear cache” and confirm your selection.

6. If you are still experiencing issues, tap on “Clear data” or “Clear storage,” but remember that this will reset your browser settings.

If you are using a different browser, the steps might vary slightly, but the general process remains similar.

Remember to restart your device after clearing the cache and data to ensure any lingering issues are resolved.

For further assistance, you can also try using an alternative browser like Brave or clearing the cache and data for the Google Translate app if you encounter any translation errors.

Keep in mind that a stable internet connection is crucial for the translation feature to work properly.

Reinstalling the Google Translate App

If you’re experiencing issues with the Google Translate app not working in Chrome, reinstalling the app can often resolve the problem. Follow these steps to reinstall the Google Translate app:

1. Open the Chrome browser on your device.
2. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “Google Translate.”
3. Find the Google Translate app and click on it.
4. Click on the “Remove from Chrome” button to uninstall the app.
5. After uninstalling, restart your browser.
6. Go back to the Chrome Web Store and search for “Google Translate” again.
7. Find the Google Translate app and click on it.
8. Click on the “Add to Chrome” button to reinstall the app.
9. Once the app is installed, you should see the Google Translate icon in your browser toolbar.

Reinstalling the Google Translate app can help resolve any issues you may be experiencing with its functionality in Chrome.

Website | + posts

Mark Ginter is a tech blogger with a passion for all things gadgets and gizmos. A self-proclaimed "geek", Mark has been blogging about technology for over 15 years. His blog, techquack.com, covers a wide range of topics including new product releases, industry news, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your devices. If you're looking for someone who can keep you up-to-date with all the latest tech news and developments, then be sure to follow him over at Microsoft.