Start Interpreter on Mac and Windows
Install the app, sign in with your browser, and caption any call app on your computer with nothing to share.
Get the Mac and Windows appBefore you start
Have these ready.
- Windows 10 or later (64-bit), or macOS 14.2 or later on Apple silicon or Intel.
- An Interpreter account with available hours or free-trial time.
- Microphone permission for Mic or Both. On a Mac, permission to record system audio for System or Both.
Start a session
Follow these steps.
Install the app
Download Interpreter for Windows or Mac from the Mac and Windows page and open it.Tip: Windows may say it protected your PC: click More info, then Run anyway. On a Mac, open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, and click Open Anyway.Sign in
Click Sign in with your browser. Your browser opens the sign-in page, then brings you back to the app.Set the session
Choose Captions only or Live translate, select the languages, then choose System, Mic, or Both.Select Start
There is nothing to share. On a Mac, allow Interpreter to record system audio the first time it asks.Confirm and end
Wait for captions to appear. Select End when the call is over.
Choose System, Mic, or Both
System hears the call. Add your microphone with Both.
System
Hears everything playing on this computer, like your call app. Your own voice isn't included.
Mic
Uses your computer's microphone.
Both
Hears this computer's sound and your microphone together.
Troubleshooting
Fix common start problems.
Interpreter can't hear this computer
On a Mac, allow Interpreter in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording, then try again.
No captions appear
Check that the call plays on this computer and that the source is System or Both.
Sign-in didn't finish
Click Sign in with your browser again and finish signing in on the page that opens.
The wrong language appears
End the session, check both selected languages, and start again.
Common questions
Do I need to share a tab or screen?
No. The app hears what your computer plays, so there is nothing to pick before you start.
Does it work with my call app?
Yes, if the call plays on this computer. Desktop softphones, Zoom, Teams, agency apps and browser calls all work.
Is it the same account as the web app?
Yes. It is the same account and the same hours as the web app, the extension and the Android app.
Does Interpreter save my audio?
No. Interpreter does not save audio, captions, or translations.