Meta has launched a new translation feature on WhatsApp aimed at breaking down language barriers for millions of users worldwide.
In a blog post on Tuesday, the company announced that the feature is initially available in six languages on Android devices and 19 languages on iPhones, with more languages to be added over time.
Meta said the translation process takes place directly on users’ devices, ensuring privacy and maintaining WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption. Users’ data will not be shared with WhatsApp servers.
To use the feature, users can simply press and hold a message, select the “Translate” option, and choose their preferred language. WhatsApp will automatically download the necessary language files to the device, enabling offline translation.
The translation tool works across private chats, groups, and channel updates without any additional setup. Android users can also activate automatic translation for entire chat threads, ensuring all incoming messages are instantly translated.
The feature is being rolled out gradually and may not yet be available on all devices. WhatsApp advised users to keep their app updated to access the latest features. Older devices may experience performance limitations during real-time translation, which Meta says it is addressing with a phased rollout.
For now, the translation feature is limited to mobile devices, with no announcement yet on its availability for WhatsApp’s desktop or web versions.
