WhatsApp has announced a new in-app translation tool designed to help its more than three billion users break language barriers in everyday conversations. Available for both Android and iPhone, the feature brings real-time translation directly into chats, groups, and Channels—without compromising user privacy.

The translation is processed entirely on the user’s device, which means WhatsApp itself cannot access or store the translated content. This privacy-first approach mirrors the platform’s commitment to end-to-end encryption and will likely reassure users concerned about how their data is handled.

The company confirmed that the rollout will be gradual, so users are advised to keep their WhatsApp app updated to receive the feature as soon as it reaches their region.

Bridging Languages in Daily Conversations

WhatsApp’s latest feature directly addresses the needs of its diverse global community, where conversations often span multiple languages. Instant translation within the app aims to reduce misunderstandings and enable smoother, more natural interactions. By eliminating the need for external translation apps or copy-paste workarounds, the new tool enhances the ease and flow of multilingual communication.

To use the feature, users simply long-press on a message and tap the “Translate” option. After downloading their preferred language, translations will be instantly available for future messages, ensuring a seamless experience.

At launch, the feature looks slightly different for Android and iPhone users. On Android, translations will initially be available in six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. Meanwhile, iPhone users will have access to more than 19 languages from the start, giving Apple users a broader selection early on.

Exclusive Features for Android

Android users will also benefit from an additional function that makes multilingual conversations even smoother: automatic translation. Once enabled for a specific chat thread, all incoming messages will be translated by default, without requiring individual prompts. This option is particularly useful for long-running group discussions or professional collaborations where participants communicate in different languages.

This automatic translation capability is currently unique to Android, though it may expand to iOS in future updates depending on user feedback.

Privacy at the Core

From a privacy perspective, WhatsApp has emphasised that all translations happen locally on the device. This design ensures that even though messages are translated, the platform itself has no visibility into the content. By combining real-time translation with its existing encryption standards, WhatsApp is positioning the update as both a functional and secure addition to its service.

What’s Next

As with most major WhatsApp updates, the translation tool will roll out gradually across regions. While the company has not shared a fixed timeline for full availability, more languages and expanded functionalities are expected over time.

By prioritising accessibility, privacy, and simplicity, WhatsApp’s translation tool is part of a broader trend among global messaging platforms to remove linguistic barriers and foster deeper connections across cultures. For millions of users navigating multilingual environments daily, this feature could become an essential part of communication.