WhatsApp Begins Rolling Out In-App Message Translation for iOS and Android
Key Points
- WhatsApp introduces in‑app message translation for iOS and Android.
- Users translate messages by long‑pressing and selecting a target language.
- Android supports automatic translation for whole chats.
- Initial language set includes English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.
- Translations are processed locally, maintaining end‑to‑end encryption.
- Feature rollout is gradual; users should update the app to gain access.
- No support yet for WhatsApp Web or Windows desktop versions.
WhatsApp is now offering on-device message translation for its iOS and Android apps. Users can translate messages between a range of languages by long‑pressing a chat, and Android users gain an optional automatic‑translation mode for entire conversations. The feature works in one‑on‑one chats, groups, and channel updates while keeping conversations private, as translation happens locally on the device. Initial language support includes English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian and Arabic, with plans for additional languages in the future.
Feature Overview
WhatsApp has started to roll out a new translation capability across its mobile platforms. The feature is accessible on both iOS and Android devices, allowing users to convert incoming messages into a different language without leaving the app. To translate a message, users simply long‑press the text, select the “Translate” option, and choose the desired target language.
Supported Languages
On Android, the initial rollout covers six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. The iOS version aligns with the language set available in Apple’s Translate app, which includes the same languages and potentially others supported by the operating system. WhatsApp has indicated that additional languages will be added over time.
Automatic Translation for Android
Android users receive an extra option to enable automatic translation for an entire chat. Once activated, all incoming messages in the selected conversation are translated in real time, streamlining cross‑language communication.
Privacy‑First Design
All translation processing occurs locally on the user’s device, ensuring that message content remains encrypted and private. WhatsApp does not have access to the translated text, preserving the end‑to‑end encryption model that the platform is known for.
Availability and Future Plans
The feature is currently being rolled out gradually and may not be available to every user immediately. WhatsApp advises users to keep their apps up to date to receive the translation capability as soon as it reaches their device. At this stage, translation is not supported on the web version or Windows desktop client.