Since last year, WhatsApp developers have been working on a feature that allows messages in chats and channels to be translated. Now, this function is available to some users of the beta version 2.25.12.25 for Android devices. In the coming weeks, it will roll out to a wider group of beta users.
At the current stage, the developers have implemented support for Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, and Portuguese. The translation process takes place directly on the user’s device, so an internet connection is not required. It is enough to download and install the relevant language pack. After doing so, the app can automatically detect the language of incoming messages and provide translations accordingly.
To enable the translation feature, users can find the activation button on the chat information screen. There, it is also possible to choose the language from which messages should be automatically translated. This option can be set individually for each chat, including both personal and group conversations. If automatic translation is not needed, users can still translate individual messages manually.
Offline Functionality and User Feedback
It is important to note that this translation feature is unlikely to match the accuracy of services that rely on cloud infrastructure. This limitation is due to the use of lightweight language packs stored directly on the device. However, the on-device approach ensures privacy and allows the feature to work offline, which could be beneficial in many everyday scenarios.
Additionally, WhatsApp offers users the option to leave feedback on translations, notes NIX Solutions. This can help improve the feature over time without sharing the content of the original or translated messages with developers. As support expands and more language packs are introduced, we’ll keep you updated on future developments and wider availability.
This ongoing update marks another step in WhatsApp’s efforts to enhance cross-language communication within its platform, especially in multilingual communities. The focus on privacy, offline access, and user control aligns with WhatsApp’s broader goals while still offering useful tools for daily use.