Introducing Message Translations on WhatsApp
Key Takeaways
WhatsApp is rolling out message translations to make it easier to communicate across languages.
The feature is starting with six languages on Android and 19 languages on iPhone, with more coming soon.
WhatsApp is adding a new feature that will make conversations across different languages much simpler: message translations.
With this update, users can now easily translate messages directly inside WhatsApp, removing the need to switch between apps. Given that WhatsApp connects more than 3 billion people in over 180 countries, this feature has the potential to make communication even more seamless worldwide.
How it works
Translating a message is straightforward:
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Long-press on the message you want to translate.
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Tap Translate.
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Pick the language you want the message to be translated from or into.
Once you download a language, it will be saved for future translations. The feature works across 1:1 chats, group conversations, and Channel updates.
On Android, there’s also an option to enable automatic translation for an entire chat thread, so all new messages get translated instantly.
Privacy matters
According to WhatsApp, translations are processed on your device, meaning your messages remain private and aren’t visible to WhatsApp itself.
Rollout details
The feature is being rolled out gradually starting today:
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Android: available first in six languages — English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.
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iPhone: launching with support for 19+ languages.
Why it matters
By breaking down language barriers, WhatsApp’s translation feature makes it easier for people to connect globally, whether for personal chats, community updates, or international collaboration.