Technology Help in Simple English
You don't need perfect English to use technology. These tools make it easier.
Translation tools every phone has
These apps are free. They are already on your phone or you can install them in one minute. They work for text, pictures, and speaking.
Google Translate
Free. Point your camera at a sign, menu, or letter to see it in your language right away. Also has a conversation mode — you and someone else can speak and it translates both ways.
Quick Tip: Download your language for offline use — works without internet.
Apple Translate
Built into every iPhone. Open the Translate app. Works for text, voice, and conversations. No extra app to install.
Quick Tip: Ask Siri: "Translate hello to Spanish" and it will speak it for you.
Microsoft Translator
Free. Strong offline mode — good for places with no WiFi. Can translate a whole group conversation where each person uses their own phone.
Quick Tip: Download the language packs at home before you travel or visit an appointment.
DeepL
Free for short text. The most natural-sounding translations for written documents — letters from school, work emails, government forms.
Quick Tip: Use this for important written things. It sounds less robotic than other tools.
Language learning apps
Free and paid apps that teach English. Start with the free ones. The best one is the one you will use every day.
Duolingo
Free. 5 minutes a day. Games and short lessons. The most popular app in the world for learning English. Works on any phone.
Babbel
Paid ($13/month). Lessons are built by real teachers. Good for adults who want serious grammar and conversation practice.
Rosetta Stone
Paid. Learn by hearing and seeing — no translation. Best if you want to think in English, not just memorize words.
Mango Languages
FREE through most public libraries in the United States. Ask your librarian — you just need a library card. High-quality lessons for 70+ languages.
Drops
Free (5 minutes a day). Learn vocabulary with pictures. Good for beginners who want to build up words fast.
BBC Learning English
Completely free. News stories and videos in simpler English. Great for practicing listening to real-world English.
VOA Learning English
Free. Voice of America news, read slowly and clearly. Every story has the written words so you can follow along.
English-friendly phone settings
Change these settings once and your phone helps you learn every day.
Change your phone language
You can set your phone to your first language and still use English apps. On iPhone: Settings → General → Language & Region. On Android: Settings → System → Languages.
Turn on spell check
Your phone will underline English words that may be wrong. Tap the word to see suggestions. This helps you learn as you type.
Use voice dictation
Instead of typing, hold the microphone key on the keyboard and speak. Your phone will write it for you. A great way to practice speaking.
Hear English pronounced
Highlight any English word on your phone and choose "Speak" or "Pronounce". You will hear how native speakers say it. Practice repeating after it.
Simple apps made for English learners
These apps use simpler English on purpose. You will understand more from the start.
News in Levels
Read the same news story at Level 1 (very simple), Level 2 (medium), or Level 3 (normal). Start at Level 1 and work up.
newsinlevels.com
Learn English (BBC)
Free app from the British BBC. Short videos, vocabulary games, and grammar lessons for every level.
BBC Learning English app
LingQ
Read books, news, and stories in English. Tap any word you do not know — it saves it so you can practice later.
lingq.com
Accessing government services
The US government offers free help in many languages. These are the real, official numbers and websites.
USCIS (Immigration)
Check your case status, file forms, and find forms in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Haitian Creole, Russian, and more.
IRS (Taxes)
The IRS has free help in many languages. They will never call you first to ask for money. If you get a call like that, it is a scam.
Social Security
Apply for a Social Security number, check benefits, and find forms in 17+ languages at ssa.gov/language-support.
Free English classes
Real classes. No cost. No tricks. Made by the US government and local libraries.
USA Learns
Completely free online English classes built by the US Department of Education. Three full courses — beginner, intermediate, and citizenship prep. No sign-up fee ever.
usalearns.org
Your local library
Most public libraries offer free ESL classes, conversation groups, and one-on-one tutoring. Walk in and ask — they are happy to help. Libraries also have free books in many languages.
Visit your nearest library
Citizenship.gov
Free study materials for the US Citizenship test. The 100 questions, practice tests, and videos — all free from the government.
uscis.gov/citizenship
Connecting with your community
Your local library is one of the best places for new Americans. Free WiFi, free computers, help with forms, books in many languages, and often a person who speaks your language.
Nextdoor app connects you with neighbors on your street. Ask questions about trash day, local stores, or where to find things. It is free.
Facebook groups for your community (Spanish-speaking families in your city, Vietnamese community in your state, etc.) can be very helpful. Search on Facebook for your language + your city.
Scams that target new immigrants
Bad people try to steal money and information from people who are new to this country. If you see any of these warning signs — stop and get help from a trusted friend or a real lawyer.
Someone calls and says they are from USCIS, IRS, or Social Security and asks for money or gift cards. This is always a scam. The government never calls to ask for money.
A "notario" offers legal help for immigration. In many countries "notario" means lawyer. In the US, a notario is NOT a lawyer. Only a real lawyer (abogado) can help with your case.
Someone says you will be deported if you do not pay right now. Real government officers do not do this. Hang up and call the real number on the official website.
You get an email or text that looks like it is from the government, with a link to click. Never click. Type the real website address into your browser yourself.
Someone offers to "fix" your immigration status fast for a big fee in cash. Real immigration help has real paperwork and takes time. Cash-only, fast, and secret means scam.
If you think you were scammed: Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov (available in Spanish at reportefraude.ftc.gov). It is free. You will not get in trouble with immigration for reporting a scam.
Resources by language
Official US government websites and trusted community resources in your language.
Español (Spanish)
- TekSure en español: /guias
- USAGov en español: usa.gov/espanol
- IRS en español: 1-800-829-1040
中文 (Mandarin)
- USAGov Chinese: usa.gov/chinese
- USCIS Chinese materials
- Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 (press 3 for Chinese)
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
- USAGov Vietnamese section
- USCIS Vietnamese translations
- Vietnamese-American community centers
العربية (Arabic)
- USAGov Arabic resources
- Arab American Family Services
- Local Islamic community centers
Tagalog (Filipino)
- USAGov Tagalog content
- Filipino community centers
- SSA Tagalog support line
Русский (Russian)
- USAGov Russian section
- Russian-speaking legal aid in major cities
- Local Russian community organizations
한국어 (Korean)
- USAGov Korean materials
- Korean American Community Services
- Local Korean-American family centers
You belong here. Technology can help.
TekSure has guides written in simple English and in Spanish. Take your time — every small step is progress.