WhatsApp has begun rolling out a translation tool that allows users to read and respond to messages in different languages without leaving the app.
The new feature, available on both Android and iPhone, is aimed at breaking down communication limitations among WhatsApp’s global community of more than three billion people.
Android users will initially access six languages, including English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic, while iPhone users will have access to over 19 languages from the start. More will be added over time.
To use the feature, a user only needs to long-press a message and select the “Translate” option. The translated version will appear instantly, and preferred languages can be saved for quicker future use. It works in one-on-one conversations, group chats, and even Channel updates.
Android users have an additional option: automatic translation of an entire chat thread. Once enabled, every incoming message in that conversation will be translated by default.
Meta noted that the function is built with privacy in mind. “Message translations were designed to protect the privacy of your chats. That’s why translations occur on your device where WhatsApp cannot see them,” the company explained.
The update is being introduced gradually and will reach users in different regions in phases. In embedding translation directly into the app, WhatsApp hopes to make communication easier and more seamless across cultures, ensuring users no longer have to rely on third-party tools.
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