WhatsApp adds built-in text translations on iPhone and Android, giving billions of users a simple way to chat across languages without leaving the app. The new feature is rolling out gradually, starting with 1:1 chats, groups, and Channel update messages.
How The New WhatsApp Translation Feature Works
To use the feature, simply long-press on a message and tap the Translate option. You can then select the language you want the message translated from or into, making conversations more accessible for global users.
iPhone users can translate messages into more than 19 languages at launch, while Android users are starting with support for English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.
Automatic Translations On Android
One standout feature for Android is the ability to set entire chat threads to automatically translate incoming messages. This saves time by applying translations across all chats, removing the need to do it manually for every text.
Why It Matters For Global Communication
While WhatsApp isn’t the first app to offer translations—Google showcased “Tap to translate” years ago—this move is significant because of WhatsApp’s massive user base. With billions relying on the platform daily, built-in translations can bridge language gaps for travelers, businesses, and international families.
Expanding Language Support In The Future
WhatsApp says this is just the beginning. The company plans to expand translation support for additional languages over time, ensuring the feature becomes even more powerful and inclusive.
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