WhatsApp has started testing a new feature that allows users to automatically translate messages within the app on Android devices. This functionality is part of the latest beta version and introduces an option in the settings that enables seamless translation, directly on the user’s smartphone. Given WhatsApp’s commitment to end-to-end encryption, the new translation feature is designed to process all messages locally, without routing data through Meta’s servers. To make use of this tool, users will be required to download specific language packs on their devices.
A limited number of beta testers have been granted access to the ‘Translate Messages’ functionality after installing WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.12.25. A toggle for translation now appears in the chat settings, located under the Chat lock option for individual conversations. According to WABetaInfo, which monitors upcoming WhatsApp updates, work on this translation capability began in July 2024. The feature not only applies to personal chats but is also functional within WhatsApp Channels.
Once activated, the translation feature allows users to choose from a list of supported languages that currently includes Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese. After a preferred language is selected, the app will prompt the user to download the corresponding language pack to enable offline message translation. The entire translation procedure takes place on the user’s smartphone, protecting privacy and adhering to WhatsApp’s encryption guidelines.
Users can opt to apply translation across all conversations or manually translate specific messages by selecting the Translate option as needed. This function remains turned off by default and can be managed at any time through the app’s settings, where users can also handle their downloaded language packs.
This new message translation capability follows another recent WhatsApp innovation-voice note transcription. That feature also operates entirely on the device, using downloadable language packs to transcribe audio messages without any data being sent to external servers.
