WhatsApp has announced the launch of a new feature that allows users to translate messages directly within the application. The service, which is used daily by over three billion people across more than 180 countries, acknowledges that linguistic differences often hinder seamless communication.
Now, if a message arrives in an unfamiliar language, one need only press and hold it, then select “Translate.” Afterward, the user may choose the target or source language and even download a dictionary for future use. The translation feature is available in both private and group chats, as well as in channel updates. Android users can further enable automatic translation of entire conversations, ensuring that all new incoming messages are instantly displayed in their chosen language.
The company emphasizes that privacy remains intact: all translations are processed exclusively on the user’s device, with WhatsApp having no access to the content.
Beginning September 23, the feature is gradually rolling out to Android and iPhone users. At launch, Android users may select one of six languages—English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, or Arabic—while iPhone users are immediately offered more than nineteen, with plans to expand this list further.
WhatsApp hopes that the introduction of message translation will help break down language barriers, making communication between people from different regions more natural and effortless.