WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that allows users to translate messages directly within the app, making cross-language communication easier for its more than three billion global users.
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Now, if you receive a message in a language you don’t understand, you can simply long-press on it and select “Translate.” The app will then display the message in your chosen language. The tool works in all types of chats—one-to-one, group conversations, and Channel updates. Additionally, the translation can be saved for future use.
On Android, users will also have the option to enable automatic translations for entire chat threads, which will automatically translate all incoming messages in that conversation.
According to Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, all translations happen on the user’s device, ensuring that the company cannot see the content of your chats.
The new feature is being introduced gradually. Initially, Android users will have access to translations in six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. On iOS, the tool is debuting with support for more than 19 languages. At this time, no South African-specific languages are supported.
WhatsApp believes the new translation feature will help break down communication barriers and enable users to connect more meaningfully across the globe.
