Google Search seems to be experiencing a translation gremlin, automatically translating some English results to German, French, Hindi and other regional languages for unsuspecting users. This “feature,” as some users politely call it, is proving rather irritating, sending searchers down a rabbit hole of mistranslated headlines, snippets, and even entire websites.
This irksome phenomenon where web browsers relying on Google Search engine automatically translate search results and pages into local languages without consent has been ongoing for at least a couple of months. The issue, highlighted by frustrated users on Reddit and Google Search community forum where one of the threads has 204 people with “I have the same question” upvotes, points to a potentially disruptive feature that impacts the readability and functionality of search results.
One user, recounting their experience, explained that Google Search began autonomously translating search results from English to German, their native language. This automatic translation affects not only the headline and preview snippet but also the entire site if users click on the result. The translated content is accompanied by a discreet note, “Translated by Google,” and a link allowing users to view the original in English. However, the inconspicuous placement of these options has led to frustration among users.
Clicking the “Show original” link seems like the only escape, but it’s easy to miss and only applies to individual results. Other workarounds, such as deactivating Google Translate in Chrome settings, adjusting language filters, changing the display language and even browsing when signed out of your Google account, seem to offer only partial relief or create new challenges. This has left affected users searching for a comprehensive way to disable this automatic translation feature in Google Search results. Some have had success after installing an extension known as ‘No Google Search Auto Translation‘ from Github. But if you’re feeling adventurous enough, you may also try the script below created by one of those affected, although it requires Tampermonkey.
This unexpected linguistic detour isn’t just inconvenient, it’s raising concerns about transparency and control. Users want to choose when and how content is translated, not be tricked into a foreign website version. Some worry this might be a broader test of Google’s automatic translation feature, leaving them wondering what languages might be next in line for the unexpected switcheroo. Currently, Google says translated results in Google Search are supported in Bengali, English, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil, and Telugu, both on desktop and mobile.
The absence of a dedicated setting to turn off this automatic translation feature is unlike Google. This sentiment is shared by others who find the lack of a straightforward solution within Google Search settings as a significant drawback.
As more users voice their concerns, it remains to be seen how Google will respond to this issue. Whether through an update, additional settings, or a clear opt-out feature, users are hopeful for a prompt resolution to regain control over their search results and prevent unwarranted translations. Until then, users stuck in this translation tango might have to stick to clicking “Show original” like seasoned dance partners trying to regain their footing.
Hillary Keverenge
2124 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
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