WhatsApp is adding message translations, making it easier for its 3 billion users across 180+ countries to communicate across languages.
How it works
- Long-press a message and tap Translate.
- Select the source and target language, then save it for future use.
- Works in 1:1 chats, groups, and Channel updates.
- On Android, users can enable automatic translations for entire chat threads.
Privacy first: Translations happen directly on-device, meaning WhatsApp can’t see the messages.
The rollout
- Starts today, gradually for Android and iPhone.
- Android: 6 languages (English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic).
- iPhone: 19+ languages at launch.
