T-Mobile Will Start Testing Live Translation on Calls, No App Required

The universal translator may be closer than you think, at least if you’re a T-Mobile customer.

The U.S. mobile carrier announced today that it will begin testing an AI-powered live translation feature. The company describes it as the “world’s first real-time agentic AI platform built directly into a wireless network.”

That means the feature will work on any device connected to T-Mobile’s 4G or 5G networks, whether that’s a flip phone or the latest smartphone, and it won’t require downloading a separate app or new subscription.

T-Mobile says the feature supports real-time translation on calls in over 50 languages.

“Some of the biggest barriers wireless customers face are the simplest ones — like being able to understand each other,” said T-Mobile CEO Srini Gopalan in a press release. “When language gets in the way, the network gets reduced to just a signal — and that’s not who we are. By bringing real-time AI directly into our network, we’re delivering more than connectivity — turning conversations into community, starting with Live Translation.”

The company opened registration for a free beta test, which will begin this spring for selected users. To initiate Live Translation, customers will have to simply dial 87 on their keypad during a call.

“Once Live Translation is turned on during a call, it listens and translates as you speak, helping each person hear the conversation in their preferred language. It all happens quickly and seamlessly, so the conversation keeps flowing,” the company said on its website.

Only one person on the call needs to be on the T-Mobile network for the feature to work.

The beta is meant to gradually test the service before a commercial launch later this year. T-Mobile said it will notify users when the beta period ends and give them the option to add Live Translation to their line.

T-Mobile did not immediately respond to a request for comment asking about when the feature will officially launch or if it will come with additional costs.

The press release highlights several potential use cases, including multilingual households, making reservations abroad, and small businesses trying to serve customers who speak different languages.

Live translation has become one of the more practical uses of AI, and tech companies have jumped on it. Apple introduced live translation that works in person and during calls for its AirPods last year. Google also recently rolled out live translation capabilities in its mobile Translate app that provides real-time on-screen and audio translations in over 70 languages.