How to copy text from a photo on an iPhone
2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026
Open the photo, touch and hold a word in the picture, drag the handles to select the text and tap Copy. You can also tap the Live Text button in the corner to select all the text at once.
Live Text reads the words in photos, screenshots and the camera view. You can copy an address from a letter, a number from a business card or a Wi-Fi password from the back of a router without typing.
Step by step
Open the photo in Photos
It also works on images in Safari, Messages and Files.
Touch and hold a word
The word is highlighted and selection handles appear.
Drag the handles and tap Copy
Paste the text into any app.
Or tap the Live Text button
It looks like three lines in a frame and appears in the bottom corner when the photo contains text. It highlights all the text in the picture. Tap Select All, then Copy.
Use it live in the Camera
Point the camera at text, tap the Live Text button and select what you need. Phone numbers, addresses and links can be tapped directly.
Good to know
If nothing happens, open Settings, General, Language & Region and switch on Live Text. It needs an iPhone XS, XR or later.
It supports many languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Arabic, but not every script.
Handwriting works when it is reasonably clear.
After selecting text you can also tap Translate or Look Up in the same menu.
In short: Open the photo, hold a word, select, Copy.
- Apple Support: Use Live Text with your iPhone camera
Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.