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How to copy text from a photo on iPhone or Android

On iPhone, open the photo, press and hold on the text, then tap Copy. On Android, open the photo in Google Photos, tap Lens, then Text, and copy what you need.

How to do it

  1. iPhone: open the photo, then press and hold on the text. It highlights like normal text, so you can copy it. A small text icon in the corner selects everything.

  2. Android: open the photo in Google Photos and tap Lens, then tap Text. Select what you need and hit Copy.

  3. Works on the live camera too, before you even take the picture.

I use this most for the long codes on the back of devices and for phone numbers on posters. It also handles handwriting surprisingly well if it's reasonably neat.

On iPhone this is called Live Text. If nothing happens when you hold on the text, check Settings > General > Language & Region and make sure Live Text is on.

Questions people ask

What is Live Text on iPhone?

It's the feature that reads text in photos and in the camera view. It's on iOS 15 and later, and the switch is in Settings > General > Language & Region.

Does it read handwriting?

Neat handwriting usually works. Messy notes and tiny print are hit and miss, so check what you pasted.

Can I copy text without taking a photo first?

Yes. Point the camera at the text and tap the text icon that appears on iPhone, or use Lens in the camera on Android.

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