Once activated, the new WhatsApp translation feature lets users pick from a variety of supported languages like Hindi, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese. After selecting a language, the app downloads a language pack directly to the device, enabling offline translations. There’s also an optional pack that auto-detects multiple languages—especially handy for multilingual group chats.
Translation settings live in the chat info screen, where users can enable auto-translation for an entire conversation or manually translate specific messages by tapping and choosing the Translate option. This flexibility allows users to tailor the experience to their needs. Importantly, all translations happen locally on the device, keeping chats private. Even when users submit feedback on a translation, the actual message content is never shared with Meta or any third party.
While WhatsApp’s on-device translation ensures end-to-end encryption, there’s a trade-off: the translations might not always be as precise as cloud-based services. WhatsApp acknowledges that the results are meant to be useful but could sometimes miss the mark. However, users have the opportunity to provide optional feedback, such as reporting missed words or unclear translations, helping to refine the feature. Importantly, no message content is shared during the feedback process.
Users can also manage and delete downloaded language packs directly from the app’s storage settings, which is useful for freeing up space or removing languages no longer needed. The translation feature isn’t limited to private chats — it works in group conversations and public channels as well, enhancing communication in multilingual communities.
Currently, the feature is available to a select group of beta testers who’ve updated to the latest WhatsApp beta through the Google Play Store. A wider rollout is expected soon, with WhatsApp planning to add more languages in future updates. If you’re part of the beta program, check your chat settings to see if the translation option is available.