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WhatsApp has just launched a game-changing message translation feature for iOS and Android. The new tool is designed to break down language barriers for more than three billion users in over 180 countries. Users can now long-press on any message to translate it instantly into their preferred language, whether they're chatting privately, among groups, or following Channel updates.
Instant Translation at Your Fingertips
The process works quickly and keeps privacy in mind. Select a message, tap translate, pick the language, and download that language for continued use if needed. All translations happen directly on the device, preserving end-to-end encrypted conversations. WhatsApp itself does not access the message content.
Automatic Translation Arrives for Android
Android users are getting an extra boost. With automatic thread translations enabled, every new message in a chat can be translated instantly as it arrives, which is ideal for fast-moving international conversations. In contrast, iOS users currently use the manual translation method and translate messages individually within their chats.
Language Support and Limitations
The service is available in various language options, depending on your device. Android supports six languages, including English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. On iOS, users have access to a broader suite of 21 languages, from Mandarin to Polish and Turkish. This matches Apple’s recent focus on live message translation and signals rapid progress in mainstream communication apps.
Global Connections, Local Privacy
For WhatsApp, this update is all about inclusion and security. Keeping translations on the device maintains privacy for families, colleagues, and communities worldwide, regardless of what language they speak.
The feature is rolling out gradually. Desktop and web users will need to be patient, as no date has been announced for translation support on these platforms.
WhatsApp’s update marks a significant step toward effortless global messaging. Seamless conversations across languages are now possible, and for Android users, translated threads offer frictionless interactions wherever users start the conversation.