What to know

  • WhatsApp’s new built-in translation lets users translate messages within chats, groups, and channels.
  • Translations are done on device, preserving end-to-end encryption and privacy.
  • Android supports 6 languages at launch and adds an optional “auto-translate” mode; iPhone supports 19 languages initially.
  • Rollout is gradual; more languages and platform expansions are expected.

WhatsApp has introduced a built-in message translation feature on iPhone and Android, allowing users to translate messages within one-on-one chats, group conversations, and Channel updates. This removes the previous inconvenience of copying text to external apps for translation.

How to translate messages on WhatsApp

Users simply long-press a message and tap “Translate” to select the desired language for translation, which can be saved for offline use. Android users get an additional option for automatic translation of entire chat threads, translating all future incoming messages in that conversation without manual input.

Supported languages and platform differences

The rollout introduces differences in language support between platforms. Android users can translate messages in six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.

iPhone users receive broader initial support with over 19 languages including Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

The translation feature is rolling out gradually, so it may not be immediately available to all users. WhatsApp plans to expand language offerings and potentially bring this functionality to WhatsApp Web and desktop apps in the future, although no timeline has been announced.