WhatsApp has launched a new built-in message translation feature for iOS and Android users, enabling seamless cross-language communication without external apps. The rollout began this week (as of September 25, 2025) and supports one-on-one chats, group conversations, and Channel updates. It’s available to many users now, though it may take a few days to reach everyone—ensure your app is updated.
How It Works
- On iOS: Long-press a message, tap “Translate,” and choose your preferred language. It supports 19+ languages, including Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
- On Android: Long-press a message to translate, or enable automatic translation for an entire chat thread via settings for instant translations of incoming messages. It launches with six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.
Translations occur on-device, preserving end-to-end encryption, so WhatsApp never accesses your messages. Language packs must be downloaded the first time but are stored locally for offline use. The feature aligns with efforts to connect WhatsApp’s 3 billion+ users across 180 countries. Web or desktop support hasn’t been announced, but more languages are planned. If you don’t see the feature, check for updates in the App Store or Google Play Store.