Many smartphones today allow you to translate phone calls in real time. Apple, Samsung, and Google – among others – have special solutions baked into their current devices that handle this directly on the phone. But these features typically require a relatively new device, and not everyone wants to pay that price.

What if there was an easier solution that doesn’t require an app or a brand-new smartphone? That’s apparently exactly what T-Mobile US thought, and now announced a new service for their subscribers. Currently in beta, the carrier is offering free real-time call translations. No special app and no special device necessary. Here’s how it works.

T-Mobile Launches Beta for Free Real-Time Call Translations

If you’re a T-Mobile subscriber, you can now register to take part in the beta of this new service. Spots are limited, so you may or may not be able to join. The provider says it will notify you once you’re admitted to the beta.

Once you’re in, you’ll be able to enable live translations of more than 50 languages. During a call, you simply open the keypad on your phone and type * 87 *. According to T-Mobile, conversations are translated in real time, so you can just talk as you normally would. The service automatically detects the spoken languages and adjusts accordingly.

Because the translations occur within T-Mobile’s network, the feature works on virtually any phone that can connect to 4G or 5G. Only one phone on the call needs to be on T-Mobile for this to work. It also works when calling landlines and when roaming internationally.

If you’re admitted to the beta, you’ll get a notification with further details. You’ll receive another one before the beta period ends. Then you’ll have the ability to enable it on your line. It’s currently unknown whether T-Mobile will introduce a fee for the service once the beta concludes.

f98d88ef84a949069e23cbdd37b97019