WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that allows users to translate messages directly within the app. The company announced that users can now long-press a message in a foreign language and tap a translate button. They can then select the specific language they wish to translate from or to, and even download language packs for future use. This translation capability works in one-on-one chats, group conversations, and Channel updates.
For Android users, there is an additional option to enable automatic translation for an entire chat thread. This setting will translate all future incoming messages in that specific conversation automatically.
WhatsApp emphasizes that all translations happen directly on the user’s own device. This means the company cannot see the messages, ensuring that private conversations remain end-to-end encrypted.
The company stated that with over three billion users across more than 180 countries, it is constantly working to improve connections. It recognizes that language differences can sometimes be a barrier to communication and expression, and this new feature is designed to help people communicate more easily across languages.
This development follows a similar feature introduced by Apple for its Messages app a few months prior. The message translation feature is now rolling out to both Android and iPhone users.
The number of supported languages varies by platform. Android users initially have access to six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. iPhone users have a wider selection that includes Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
There is currently no information on when message translations will become available for the WhatsApp web client or its dedicated Windows and Mac desktop applications.