WhatsApp Now Translates Messages

WhatsApp Introduces In-App Message Translation

WhatsApp has begun deploying a new feature enabling users to translate messages directly within the application, as announced by the Meta-owned platform on Tuesday.

This functionality allows users encountering messages in unfamiliar languages to easily translate them. A simple long-press on the message, followed by selecting the “Translate” option, initiates the process.

How the Translation Feature Works

Users are presented with a selection of languages for translation, both for the source and target languages. The chosen language settings are then saved for subsequent use.

WhatsApp confirms that this translation capability is available across various communication formats, including one-on-one chats, group conversations, and updates within Channels.

Automatic Translation for Android Users

Android users benefit from an additional option: the ability to activate automatic translation for an entire chat thread. This ensures all future messages within that specific conversation are automatically translated.

A key aspect of this feature is its privacy focus. WhatsApp emphasizes that all translations are processed locally on the user’s device.

Privacy and Security

Because the translation process occurs on the device, WhatsApp itself has no access to the message content, ensuring end-to-end encryption is maintained. This preserves the confidentiality of user communications.

“With a user base exceeding 3 billion individuals across more than 180 countries, we are continually striving to facilitate seamless connections, irrespective of geographical location,” stated WhatsApp in a recent blog post.

“However, we recognize that linguistic differences can sometimes impede effective communication or the expression of genuine sentiments. Therefore, we are pleased to introduce message translations to WhatsApp, fostering easier cross-lingual interactions.”

Context and Competition

This update arrives shortly after Apple integrated live translation capabilities into its Messages application.

The rollout of message translations commenced on Tuesday for both Android and iPhone users.

Language Support

Currently, Android users can translate messages between six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.

iPhone users have access to a more extensive language selection, including: Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

Future Availability

As of now, WhatsApp has not announced a timeline for extending message translation functionality to its web or desktop applications for Windows and Mac.