On September 24, 2025, Meta, the tech giant behind some of the world’s most popular social platforms, announced a new feature for WhatsApp Messenger that’s already turning heads: in-chat message translation. With more than 3.3 billion unique active users across 180 countries, WhatsApp’s latest move aims to help users leap over language barriers and connect more seamlessly than ever before. According to Meta’s official blog, this update is rolling out gradually, so not everyone will see it immediately—but for many, it’s a long-awaited step toward easier global communication.
The new translation tool is designed for simplicity and speed. To use it, WhatsApp users need only press and hold on a message received in a foreign language, then tap the “Translate” option. On iOS devices, this option appears under the “More” menu, while Android users will find it in the three-dot menu at the top of the screen. Once the language pack is downloaded, the translation happens instantly, right there in the chat. If you want to see the original message again, it’s just as easy—simply tap the menu and select “remove translation.”
There’s even more convenience for Android users: they can enable automatic translation for entire conversations. This means that all incoming messages in a chosen chat will be translated on the fly, no need to tap “Translate” each time. For people juggling multilingual group chats or trying to keep up with friends and family from different corners of the world, this could be a real game-changer.
But what about the languages themselves? At launch, WhatsApp’s Android translation tool supports six major languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. On iOS, the offering is even broader, with over 19 languages available for translation—including Arabic, Dutch, English (both UK and US), French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese (both Mainland China and Taiwan), Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Spain), Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Meta has stated that more languages will be added soon, so the list is likely to grow.
It’s important to note that the translation feature is limited to text messages. Users won’t be able to translate documents, stickers, GIFs, or contacts—at least not yet. Still, for regular conversations, group chats, and even Channel updates, the feature promises to be a handy addition. As one writer at ghacks.net put it, “This is a pretty good feature, it could come in handy if you’ve just moved to a new country, or if your new friend doesn’t speak your language.”
One of the most significant aspects of this new function is its approach to privacy. In a world where tech companies are under increasing scrutiny for how they handle user data—especially in Europe, where regulations are particularly strict—Meta has emphasized that all message translations take place directly on the user’s device. According to WhatsApp’s announcement: “Message translations were designed to protect the privacy of your chats. That’s why translations happen on your device, where WhatsApp cannot see them.”
This on-device processing means translations are not sent to the cloud or external servers, aligning with WhatsApp’s long-standing philosophy of end-to-end encryption and user privacy. The translation process relies on traditional methods rather than artificial intelligence, at least for now. Users can manage their downloaded language packs through the app’s settings, and iOS users in particular benefit from Apple’s system-wide language translation support.
For those who frequently communicate across language barriers, the ability to download and save translated messages for future reference is another practical touch. Whether you’re working on an ongoing project with international colleagues or keeping up with friends and family who speak different languages, having those translations on hand can make life a lot easier.
Meta’s decision to introduce this feature is not just about convenience; it’s also a strategic move to strengthen its already dominant ecosystem. According to Statista, Meta owns four apps with more than one billion monthly active users: Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. WhatsApp itself is the most used messaging app on the planet, with market penetration exceeding 90% in countries like Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and South Africa. While it’s not quite as ubiquitous in the United States, its global reach is unmatched.
The timing of this release is notable, too. As communication becomes ever more global and digital, the need for quick, secure, and reliable translation tools is growing. With the addition of in-chat translation, WhatsApp is positioning itself as more than just a messaging platform—it’s a bridge between cultures, languages, and communities. And with Meta’s resources behind it, the app is likely to keep expanding its capabilities in the months and years ahead.
Of course, the rollout is gradual. Some users may not see the translation feature right away, and as ghacks.net reported, availability can vary even among friends using the same platform. But the promise is clear: soon, millions more will be able to communicate without worrying about language getting in the way.
For now, the translation tool is an impressive step forward, especially for those who rely on WhatsApp to stay connected across borders. As Meta put it in its blog announcement: “With more than 3 billion users in over 180 countries, we constantly work to keep our users closely connected, no matter where they are in the world. However, we know that sometimes language can be a barrier to accomplishing tasks or expressing what you really feel. That’s why we are pleased to introduce message translation to WhatsApp so you can communicate more easily in different languages.”
With privacy at the forefront and a growing list of supported languages, WhatsApp’s new translation feature is set to make global conversations smoother and more inclusive. As the world gets smaller and our digital circles get wider, tools like this remind us that technology—when thoughtfully designed—can help bring us all a little closer together.
