How to Fix Live Text Not Working on iOS 15

Want to know how to fix Live Text not working on iOS 15?

The latest addition to the iOS ecosystem is the Live Text feature that lets you quickly grab text from photos and images to paste, search, and more. However, as excited as Apple fans were about the feature, the numerous issues that have arisen are nothing less of a disappointment.

While some users are having trouble getting the Live Text feature to function correctly, others have it entirely missing on their devices. No doubt, this is a frustrating situation that demands immediate remedies. 

This is where we come into play. By understanding the various factors that lead to Live Text not working on iOS 15, we have concluded a list of solutions you may try to fix this issue.

So, without any delay, let’s jump straight in!

1. Check Device Compatibility.

Because Live Text is a relatively new feature on Apple devices, it is incompatible with the previous versions. So, if this function does not appear on your iPhone, the first thought that comes to mind is to check whether it supports Live Text.

Live Text requires a handful of resources to operate. For this reason, even if you do own a device that runs on iOS 15, the feature may not be available. All Apple devices equipped with the A12 Bionic processors and higher are compatible with Live Text.

Following is the list of devices so you can cross-check:

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR.
  
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max.
  
• iPhone SE 2nd Gen.
  
• Phone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Max.
  
  

2. Ensure Live Text is Enabled for Camera.

The Live Text on iOS devices is an extremely cool feature as it recognizes texts on still screens and live scenarios. So, if your device cannot detect text when you’re on your Camera app, there are high chances that the function is disabled.

Although the feature comes activated by default, your settings may get switched around without your knowledge.

Here’s how to find yourself through the Settings app:

1. From your Home Screen, launch Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to Camera and tap on it.

3. Once there, check if the toggle next to Live Text is green.

If it was enabled and you’re still facing Live Text not working on iOS 15 issue, move to other methods mentioned below.

3. Enable Live Text for Photos.

The great thing about Live Text is that you can scan text from stored images as well to either select it or search up.  However, if your iPhone fails at this function, you’ll need to enable the Live Text feature from a different location.

Check out the steps below and turn it on your device:

1. Head to the Settings app on your iPhone.
   
2. Then, go to General.
   
3. Scroll down and select Language & Region.

4. Finally, look for the Live Text toggle and make sure it’s turned on.

Go back to Photos and scan for a text again. If it continues to fail, keep on reading.

4. Make Sure the Text is Visible.

Although such issues are very common among Apple users, It’s possible the problem isn’t in Live Text this time but rather with how you’re using it. Because technology isn’t always perfect, your device may struggle to recognize text on your object if it isn’t easily visible.

For example, a crumpled piece of paper or a T-shirt with lettering needs to be evenly laid out to read its content as text.

Learn how to correctly use the Live Text feature by following the instructions below:

1. To start, open the Camera app and point it at the subject with text.
   
2. Once ready to copy text, tap on the Live Text icon at the bottom-right corner of your screen for Portrait mode or at the bottom-left corner for Landscape mode.

3. When your iPhone successfully picks up text from the view, you’ll be given the options to Copy, Select, Look Up, Translate, and Share. Tap on the one you prefer.

If it takes longer, try moving the camera closer to the text. 

5. Change iPhone Language.

If you have the Live Text icon appearing in the camera app, but no text seems to be detected when you tap on it, the function is probably experiencing a language barrier.

This is because Apple only makes this feature available for selective languages, including English, French, Spanish, Chinese, German, Italian, and Portuguese. So, if the Live Text is not working on iOS 15, check the device’s language and change it if necessary.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. To begin, head to the iPhone’s Settings.
   
2. Next, go to General and select Language & Region.

3. Then, tap on iPhone Language and change it to any of the languages mentioned above.

Go back to the Camera app and try again.

6. Force Quit and Relaunch the Apps.

When you have too many apps running in the background, your device’s functionality gets affected. Therefore, it’s best to close those that are not in use. Moreover, force-closing the apps also gets handy if you believe the Live Text not working on iOS 15 is due to a glitch in its software.

Here’s how to do it if you’re using an iPhone:

1. Launch the App Switcher by double-pressing the Home button.
   
2. Swipe up all the running applications to force close them.

3. Go back to the Home Screen by pressing the Home button.
   
4. Now, lock your iPhone by pressing the Lock button.
   
5. Wait for about 30 seconds, then unlock it.
   
6. Reopen the app through which you want to use Live Text and try using it again to see if it works.
   
   

7. Force Restart Your Device.

When nothing else seems to be working, you should try to restart your device. It aids in resetting background sessions, re-establishing internet connectivity, and erasing all cache that may be interfering with the proper functioning of Live Text.

There are two different methods to restart your iPhone, depending on its model.

For iPhone 8 and later models:

1. First, press the volume up button.
   
2. Then, press the volume down button.
   
3. Lastly, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus:

1. Simply press and hold the Side button and the volume down button simultaneously.

2. Release once you see the Apple logo on the screen.

For iPhone 6 and earlier models:

1. Press and hold the Side button and the Home button together.

2. Then, let go when the Apple logo appears on the screen.
   
   

8. Reset Your Device’s Settings.

Your last resort to any Apple-related problem is to reset the device’s settings. However, if the problem still persists, take help from Apple Support.

To reset settings on an iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings and tap on General.
   
2. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.

3. Then, tap on Reset.

4. Lastly, choose Reset All Settings.

Doing so may erase some of your saved data, such as Passwords, Keys, Apple Pay cards, and so on, but it can resolve the Live Text not working on iOS 15 issue. 

This brings us to the end of our guide on how to fix Live Text not working on iOS 15. For further queries, head to the comments section below, and we’ll do our best to help you out.

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