Meta-owned messaging giant WhatsApp has begun rolling out a long-anticipated feature that enables users to translate chat messages and channel updates directly within the app. First spotted by WABetaInfo, the translation tool is currently available to Android users running the beta version 2.25.12.25, with a broader rollout expected in the coming weeks.
Read More: Pope Francis has died: Vatican
This new feature supports five languages at launch—Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese (Brazil), Hindi, and Russian. Notably, all translations are performed on-device using downloadable language packs, allowing the tool to function even without an internet connection.
Automatic and Manual Translation Options
Users can choose to enable automatic translation on a per-chat basis. The option appears within the chat info screen of each private or group chat, and can also be enabled in WhatsApp Channels. For those who prefer manual control, WhatsApp also allows message-by-message translation—users can long-press a specific message and tap the “Translate” option from the pop-up menu.
Additionally, WhatsApp offers a language detection pack that can automatically recognize the language of incoming messages and translate them accordingly. All translation settings are disabled by default and must be manually activated by the user.
Downloading Language Packs
To use the feature, users must download language packs for the languages they wish to translate. These packs are stored locally on the device, keeping the translation process entirely offline and privacy-conscious. Users can manage these language packs through the app’s storage or settings menu, enabling or disabling specific languages as needed. This local translation setup means users don’t have to rely on an active internet connection, making the feature especially useful in low-connectivity environments.
Limitations and User Feedback
While convenient and privacy-friendly, WhatsApp’s on-device translation system may not deliver the same level of accuracy as cloud-based services like Google Translate or Microsoft Translator. This is due to the lightweight nature of the language packs, which prioritize offline usability and speed over deep-learning model complexity.
To address potential translation quality issues, WhatsApp is allowing users to submit feedback directly through the app. Importantly, this feedback is handled in a way that does not transmit either the original or translated messages to Meta, further reinforcing WhatsApp’s ongoing commitment to user privacy.
Read More: Pakistan’s Zombie Apocalypse: A Call for Annihilation
Although the translation feature is currently limited to a small group of beta testers, Meta is expected to expand access in the near future. Users enrolled in the beta program are being encouraged to share their experiences to help refine the feature ahead of its broader release. This rollout follows WhatsApp’s earlier efforts to improve communication tools, such as voice note transcription, and signals Meta’s continued investment in building a more accessible, multilingual platform.