WhatsApp Rolls Out Built-In Message Translation Feature for Android and iPhone
After years of user demand, WhatsApp has finally launched a built-in message translation feature for Android and iPhone, making conversations smoother across different languages. The new tool works across personal chats, groups, and even Channels, aiming to remove language barriers and enhance global communication.
To use the feature, users simply long-press on an incoming message, tap the new “Translate” option, and select the source or target language. For added convenience, frequently used languages can be downloaded for offline use. Meta also confirmed that translations take place directly on the device rather than on the cloud, ensuring stronger privacy and data security for users.
At launch, the feature supports over 19 languages for iPhone users. Android users currently have access to six languages — English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic — with more expected to roll out soon.
Android users also receive an exclusive advantage: thread translations. This option allows an entire chat thread to be translated automatically, eliminating the need to translate each message one by one. iPhone users, however, will need to continue translating messages individually for now.
Previously, WhatsApp users had to rely on third-party apps such as Swift Translate and Todalingua to bridge language gaps. With this update, WhatsApp brings its platform in line with competitors that already provide integrated translation tools.
In its announcement, WhatsApp emphasized the importance of the update for global connectivity. “We hope this feature helps break down language barriers and allows users to connect more deeply with loved ones and communities around the globe,” the company shared in its blog post.
The addition of built-in translation represents another major step in WhatsApp’s evolution, strengthening its position as one of the world’s most widely used messaging apps. With privacy-focused design and expanding language support, the new feature is expected to become a game-changer for millions of users worldwide.
