WhatsApp has started rolling out a new on-device translate feature for messages on Android and iPhone.
Announced by Mark Zuckerberg, the update is designed to help users communicate more easily across different languages while still keeping WhatsApp’s focus on privacy and security.
This update allows users to translate messages directly within the app, removing the need for external tools and breaking down barriers in global communication.
The feature works across private chats, group conversations, and even channel updates. For users, the process is straightforward: a message received in another language can be translated instantly on WhatsApp by long-pressing on it and tapping the “Translate” option.
Android users get the added ability to enable automatic translations for entire conversations, ensuring that all incoming messages in a chosen chat are converted in real time.
Unlike many translation services that require sending data to external servers, WhatsApp processes all translations locally on the device.
On Android, the app downloads specific language packs that allow translations to happen offline, without exposing any sensitive data. When it comes to iPhone, translations rely on Apple’s built-in translation API, which also processes everything directly on the device.
In both cases, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption remains fully intact, meaning that neither WhatsApp nor third parties can access the content of messages during translation.
This ensures that users benefit from the convenience of multilingual messaging without compromising the confidentiality of their conversations.
Language Support and Rollout
The rollout is happening gradually, with Android devices initially supporting six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.
iPhone users, on the other hand, already have access to more than 19 languages through Apple’s integrated system, providing them with a broader selection from the start.
WhatsApp has confirmed that more languages will be added over time, especially for Android users who will see additional downloadable language packs as the company expands support.
Although the feature has been announced and is visible for some Android beta testers under version 2.25.12.25, iPhone users have not widely reported seeing it yet, suggesting the iOS rollout is still in progress.
