Secret Codes guide
Live Captions On Calls on iPhone: How It Works
By Muhammad Shahid · · 4 min read
Quick answer
Real time on-screen transcription of what the other person is saying. Live Captions transcribes spoken audio on screen as it happens, in any app, including phone calls and FaceTime, plus conversations happening around you through the microphone. Turn it on at Settings, Accessibility, Live Captions. The setting that matters most on calls is Keep Call Captions.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test · Free on the App StoreDownload free →| What it does | Real time on-screen transcription of what the other person is saying. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone |
| Type | iOS setting |
Real time on-screen transcription of what the other person is saying. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
I build Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, get Secret Codes on the App Store.
What is Live Captions On Calls?
Live Captions transcribes spoken audio on screen as it happens, in any app, including phone calls and FaceTime, plus conversations happening around you through the microphone. Turn it on at Settings, Accessibility, Live Captions.
The setting that matters most on calls is Keep Call Captions. Choose 1 Minute and captions are held for up to a minute during the call, everything clears when the call ends, and you cannot copy or screenshot them. Choose 1 Hour and captions survive for an hour after the call and can be copied or captured, but every participant hears an announcement that the call is being transcribed.
In FaceTime video calls there is also an in-call toggle under the More menu. The accuracy varies, it uses noticeably more battery, and Apple says not to rely on it in high risk or emergency situations.
How do I do it?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Accessibility, then tap Live Captions and turn it on.
- Tap Keep Call Captions and choose 1 Minute or 1 Hour.
- During a FaceTime video call, tap the screen, tap the More button, then tap Live Captions.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | iPhone 11 or later. Not available in all languages, countries or regions. Available in English in the United States. |
Related iphone phone and message settings
- Hearing Devices And Hearing Aid Compatibility
- Background Sounds
- Flash For Alerts
- Sound Recognition
- Allow Cellular Data Switching
- App Privacy Report
See all iphone phone and message settings or every category of iPhone codes.
How Secret Codes helps
Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line. This entry is part of Secret Codes Pro.
Frequently asked questions
What is Live Captions On Calls on iPhone?
Real time on-screen transcription of what the other person is saying. Live Captions transcribes spoken audio on screen as it happens, in any app, including phone calls and FaceTime, plus conversations happening around you through the microphone. Turn it on at Settings, Accessibility, Live Captions.
What else should I know about Live Captions On Calls?
The setting that matters most on calls is Keep Call Captions. Choose 1 Minute and captions are held for up to a minute during the call, everything clears when the call ends, and you cannot copy or screenshot them.
What are the steps for Live Captions On Calls?
1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Accessibility, then tap Live Captions and turn it on. 3. Tap Keep Call Captions and choose 1 Minute or 1 Hour. 4. During a FaceTime video call, tap the screen, tap the More button, then tap Live Captions.
Where do I find Live Captions On Calls?
In the Settings app on your iPhone.
Is there a dial code for Live Captions On Calls?
No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.
Which carriers does Live Captions On Calls work on?
It is published for any iPhone. iPhone 11 or later. Not available in all languages, countries or regions. Available in English in the United States.
Does Live Captions On Calls work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Live Captions On Calls work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Live Captions On Calls does not work on my iPhone?
Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.
What is related to Live Captions On Calls?
Hearing Devices And Hearing Aid Compatibility. Pair MFi hearing aids and route call audio straight to them.
What else is in this category?
Background Sounds. Steady ambient noise that keeps playing under calls and media.
Can I find Live Captions On Calls in an app?
Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details, as part of Secret Codes Pro.
Sources
Secret CodesDownload free
