How to Translate FaceTime Calls in Real Time
You're on a FaceTime call with someone who speaks a different language, and the conversation stalls because neither of you fully understands the other. Seagull solves this by capturing and translating FaceTime audio in real time, displaying subtitles directly on your screen without interrupting the flow of the call.
Why FaceTime Calls Need Translation Support
FaceTime is Apple's native video calling tool, but it lacks built-in translation for most users. While Apple's Live Captions feature provides transcription on newer devices, it does not translate across languages, leaving international calls dependent on both speakers' English proficiency or manual interpretation.
Business calls, family video chats, and client meetings often cross language lines. Without a translation layer, miscommunication happens quickly, important details get lost, and the call becomes exhausting for non-native speakers. Seagull fills this gap by delivering real-time translation directly into your FaceTime conversation.
How to Set Up Seagull for FaceTime on Mac
Start by downloading Seagull on your Mac and launching the app. Open FaceTime and begin your call as usual. Seagull runs in the background and automatically captures the system audio from FaceTime without requiring any plugins or configuration. Open Seagull's Conversation Mode if you want two-way translation, or use the floating subtitle overlay to see incoming audio translated into your language of choice.
Position Seagull's subtitle overlay to stay visible above your FaceTime window. Select your target language from the 60+ supported options, and the translations appear in real time as your contact speaks. If your contact also has Seagull running, you can both see subtitles and respond in your native language, turning the call into a seamless bilingual conversation.
FaceTime Translation on iPhone and Mac Workarounds
iPhone's screen constraints and closed architecture mean Seagull cannot overlay subtitles directly on FaceTime calls from an iPhone. However, if you're calling from a Mac, you have full access to Seagull's floating subtitle feature, which positions itself above FaceTime and remains visible throughout your call.
For iPhone users, the workaround is to join FaceTime calls from your Mac instead, where Seagull's full translation capabilities apply. Alternatively, you can use SharePlay features on iPhone to screen-share your Mac's Seagull subtitles with your contact, creating a shared translated experience. This approach works across Mac, Windows, and Linux, giving you flexibility in how you set up multilingual calls.
How to Get Started
Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. The app installs in seconds and requires no configuration.
Choose the language being spoken and the language you want to see. Seagull supports 40+ languages out of the box.
Seagull will transcribe and translate audio from any app in real time. Captions appear in a small overlay on your screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Seagull work with FaceTime on iPhone?
Seagull's subtitle overlay is designed for desktop platforms (Mac, Windows, Linux) where it can float above any app window. On iPhone, app constraints prevent overlays, so we recommend using FaceTime from your Mac for full translation support, or using Mac SharePlay to share subtitles with your iPhone contact.
What languages does Seagull translate for FaceTime calls?
Seagull supports 60+ languages, so you can translate FaceTime calls into nearly any major language worldwide. Select your target language in the app settings, and translations appear in real time as your contact speaks.
Do I need to install plugins or modify FaceTime to use Seagull?
No. Seagull captures system audio directly from your Mac without requiring plugins, extensions, or changes to FaceTime. Simply open both apps and let Seagull handle the translation automatically.
Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. 1 hour free trial included.