Live-captioning audio is one of Android’s most practical features. Google has developed a precise and accurate technology that uses speech recognition to automatically caption any video or audio you are currently watching. This could be a voice recording, podcast, or video.
This function is easily accessible and very simple to utilize on Android 11 and higher-powered devices. In this article, we look at how to activate Live Caption, configure it, and then disable it once you do not need it.
What is Android Live Caption?
Android Live Captions is an AI function that instantly provides subtitles for any audio playing on your smartphone, including voice calls on Pixel devices. Google unveiled Live Caption, an automatic captioning system, during Google I/O in May 2019. It is an accessibility feature for the 466 million deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals throughout the world. Additionally, it can also be useful for those who are on a noisy commuter train or attempting to listen to a podcast without waking up a newborn.
Without the need for Wi-Fi or data, Live Caption works on videos, podcasts, and audio messages.
Additional details regarding Live Captions:
- Calls involving more than one other person are not suitable for use with Live Caption.
- If you mute your side while the caption is on while on a call, the caption will be mute as well.
- Make sure the other person is aware that captions are active.
- Some media and calling apps might not have captions available.
- The finest audio for live captioning is crystal-clear speech with minimal background noise.
- The live caption feature does not work for music.
- You do not need mobile data or an internet connection to use Live Caption.
- The gadget processes all audio and captions; none are ever saved or sent to Google.
How does Google Live Caption work?
Data or a Wi-Fi connection is not needed for Live Caption because it operates purely on your Android mobile device. On your Android phone, hit the volume-up button to turn on Live Caption. You’ll notice a square-shaped icon with some lines and dots inside the volume slider; tap this icon to turn Live Caption on or off.
Note that if the sound quality is poor, transcriptions may not be accurate, although Google is constantly developing the technology.
Live Caption works on:
- Pixel 2 and later phones in English
- The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones have captions in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.
- On Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones, you can also identify these languages and translate media captions automatically through auto-detection.
- Other select Android phones
How to Turn on Live Caption Android
To activate Live Caption:
- Click on the volume control.
- Select Live Caption from the volume controls.
Note that if the above procedures don’t help, you might first need to enable Live Caption in the accessibility settings of your device.
- When Live Captioning is enabled, speech in media that is playing on your device has captions.
- During calls on Pixel phones, captions also show up. A voice announcement informs the caller that captions are active for the person on the other end of the line.
- All captions are created locally; they are never kept or sent outside of your device.
- If you can’t find “Live Caption,” your Android system intelligence may need to be updated.
- The previous name for Android System Intelligence was “Device Personalization Services.” You can still upgrade the app even if you discover the former name in the Play Store.
How to Turn Off Live Caption on Android
To disable or turn off Live Captioning:
- Click on the volume control.
- Under the volume controls, tap Live Caption.
Note that if the above procedures don’t help, you might first need to enable Live Caption in the accessibility settings of your device.
Where is the Live Caption setting?
- Open Settings on your device.
- Tap Sound, then click Live Caption.
- You can discover or modify the following options under options:
- Turn on or off Live Caption.
- Show or conceal vulgarity.
- Laughter and applause labels should either be hidden or visible.
- Change the volume control’s Live Caption icon’s visibility.
- On or off-set call captioning This option is only available on Pixel phones.
How do I remove the live caption?
- On your device, open Settings.
- Tap Sound, then pick Live Caption.
- You can discover or modify the following options under options:
- Turn on or off Live Caption.
Where do I stop live captions?
1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap Sounds then click Live Caption.
3. You can discover or modify the following options under options:
- Turn on or off Live Caption.
- Show or conceal vulgarity.
- Laughter and applause labels should either be hidden or visible.
- Change the volume control’s Live Caption icon’s visibility.
Best Live Caption Apps
#1. InnoCaption
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) funds InnoCaption, a free captioning service for the hard of hearing and deaf. On your mobile device, real-time captioning is offered. To enable quick, simple, and accurate captioning, the software was created in collaboration with live stenographers. Note that to access this service, users must sign up and self-certify that they have hearing loss.
#2. Ava
With the help of this program, the microphone on your smartphone may be used as a captioning service to record speech and convert it into a written discussion that is displayed on your screen. The app works with Bluetooth devices; however, a strong WiFi connection is required. Users can invite people to join the conversation by sharing a QR code with them. Additionally, Ava features a text-to-speech function that is available via the keyboard. You can save discussions on the app to share or review at a later time.
- Both Macs and PCs can use Ava on their desktops.
- 5 hours per month are free; payment plans are available for additional usage.
#3. CaptionMate
Use the free CaptionMate app on a smartphone, landline, tablet, or computer to immediately translate both sides of a phone call. Anyone with hearing loss can use this real-time captioning service for free because it is overseen by the FCC. However, users must register and self-certify that they have a hearing loss in order to use this service, just like with InnoCaption.
Note that:
- The app operates in real time and supports over 100 languages for captioning.
- Conversations are recorded and available for later reading.
#4. Rogervoice
More than 80 languages can have live subtitled calls on Rogervoice. After placing a call, the voice is immediately shown on the screen as text. Additionally, you can respond orally or in writing, and incoming calls can also have captions.
- Pricing plans start at $5.99 and up.
#5. Olelo Captioned Calls
Olelo uses automatic speech recognition technology to generate live subtitles of calls and voicemails. Transcripts of the conversations are kept by both parties. There are English and Spanish options for the user interface and captions.
Furthermore, Olelo is an FCC-funded app that is free for qualified users, just like a number of other apps on our list. The FCC noticed that Olelo’s speech recognition technology is quicker than apps that use human transcriptionists in their testing of the app.
#6. Live Transcribe and Sound Notification
Google created Live Transcribe and Sound Notification in collaboration with Gallaudet University hearing loss specialists. It offers free, in-the-moment transcriptions of conversations and can also send alerts based on sounds heard around the house, such as a fire alarm or a doorbell ringing. Additionally, it has a number of interesting functions and is available in 80 different languages.
Does Live Caption drain the battery?
To continuously construct video captions and translate other audio, Live Caption needs more capacity. Consider how frequently you use it, because having it on all the time will cause your phone’s battery to drain more quickly.
Where is the live caption on this phone?
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Tap Sounds, then click on the Live caption.
- You can discover or modify the following options under options: Turn on or off Live Caption. Show or conceal vulgarity. Laughter and applause labels should either be hidden or visible. Change the volume control’s Live Caption icon’s visibility.
How do I get rid of Live Captions on my iPhone?
To make watching films easier, the iPhone offers closed captions, subtitles, and transcriptions. Follow these steps to enable or disable this feature:
- Select subtitles and captioning under Settings > General > Accessibility.
- Note that you can switch closed captioning on or off and alter the language of your captions from this point.
What are the benefits of Live Captions?
#1. Improve accessibility:
Accessibility for audiences and students who are hard of hearing or deaf is crucial. Here is where live captioning can be really useful. Captioning gives everyone an equal chance to access the material being presented, whether it is during meetings, lectures, or live streaming.
#2. It enhanced comprehension and engagement:
In educational settings, the availability of live captioning increases audience engagement with the information and enhances comprehension. This is crucial for information that is more technical or specialized because it may not be completely understood or familiar to some audience segments.
#3. It enhanced searching and indexing:
By producing live captions and transcripts, you provide a different format for the information being viewed. Businesses gain from this since it generates quantifiable data that can enhance SEO and discoverability. A class transcript can make it much simpler for students to look up and locate specific information that was spoken during a lecture or class.
Does turning on live captions turn it on for everyone?
As in a meeting, you can enable captions to see subtitles as everyone speaks. Just for you, the captions are turned on. Additionally, you can convert into and out of some languages by using captions that have been translated.
What is the difference between Live Caption and Subtitle?
In the broadest sense, each has a distinct function and a shared objective. For viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, captions offer an accessible method to watch videos. For people watching a video in a different language than theirs, subtitles offer a convenient way to watch videos.
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