WhatsApp has officially introduced a new feature that makes conversations across different languages easier than ever. The messaging platform is now rolling out built-in message translation for both iOS and Android users, allowing instant translations inside the app without relying on third-party tools.
How the Translation Feature Works
Users can long-press on any message and select the new “Translate” option. The app will instantly convert the text into the preferred language. On Android, there’s even an additional setting that allows automatic translation for entire chat threads, so messages arrive already translated.
The feature works across one-to-one chats, group conversations, and even Channel updates, ensuring seamless communication no matter the context.
Supported Languages
- Android currently supports six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.
- iOS offers broader support with more than 19 languages, including Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, and more.
Privacy and Security
WhatsApp has confirmed that all translations happen directly on the device. This ensures that messages remain end-to-end encrypted, maintaining the app’s strong focus on privacy and security.
Gradual Rollout
The translation tool is being rolled out gradually, meaning some users may not see the feature immediately. At this stage, it is limited to mobile devices, with no confirmation yet on whether WhatsApp Web, Windows, or Mac versions will receive the update.
Why It Matters
For years, users had to copy messages into external translation apps when chatting across different languages. With this new update, WhatsApp removes that extra step, making conversations smoother and more natural. By keeping translations on-device, it also provides a strong mix of convenience and privacy.
This upgrade highlights WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to improve global communication and make the app more user-friendly for its two-billion-plus users around the world.
