Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has launched a new feature on WhatsApp that allows instant message translation within chats. The update is part of Mark Zuckerberg’s plan to make WhatsApp a global communication hub for its over 2 billion users.
With the new tool, users can translate messages without leaving the app. This is useful not only in private chats but also in group conversations where multiple languages are spoken. The goal is to remove language barriers and enable smoother communication.
“Sometimes language can be a barrier to getting things done or expressing how you feel,” WhatsApp explained in a blog post on Wednesday. “That’s why we’re excited to bring message translations to WhatsApp, so you can more easily communicate across languages.”
To use the feature, users simply long-press a message and tap Translate. They can then choose the source and target language, and save downloads for future use. The feature supports one-on-one chats, group discussions, and even Channel updates.
Android users will also enjoy an extra option. They can turn on automatic translations for an entire chat thread, making future incoming texts instantly available in their chosen language.
Meta confirmed that translations are processed directly on the device, ensuring privacy protection since WhatsApp cannot view the content.
For Android users, the rollout starts with six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. iPhone users will get access to more than 19 languages at launch. The company says more languages will be added over time.
The new feature could challenge Google Translate, which has long dominated mobile translation services. By embedding translations directly into WhatsApp, Meta is positioning the app as more than just a messenger.
“More than 3 billion people in over 180 countries use WhatsApp, and we’re always working to keep them connected,” the company added.
The gradual rollout has already begun for both iOS and Android users. Meta believes the tool will help users connect more deeply by breaking down language barriers in everyday conversations.
