With the most recent beta version of the program for Android handsets, WhatsApp has started testing a new message translation feature. A new settings option that allows for smooth, automatic on-device message translation was discovered by a feature tracker. WhatsApp’s new “translate messages” feature processes messages on a user’s device rather than on the company’s servers because it supports end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for communications. When using WhatsApp’s translation feature on a smartphone, users will be prompted to choose and download language packs.
WhatsApp Message Translation Feature Uses Offline Language Packs
After updating to WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.12.25, some beta testers can access a new ‘Translate Messages’ feature. A new toggle appears under the Chat lock setting on per-chat basis. According to details shared by feature tracker WABetaInfo, the platform has been working on the feature since July 2024. The feature works in chats and WhatsApp channels.
Once the feature rolls out, users will need to enable the Translate messages toggle that is available when viewing the chat settings for a particular conversation. After this is enabled, users will be asked to select pick from a list of languages that currently comprises Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese (Brazil), Hindi, and Russian.
After selecting a language, WhatsApp will download a language pack that is required to enable the message translation feature. The new feature to translate messages is said to work offline, which means that messages are processed on the user’s device, instead of using Meta’s servers.
Users can select to translate individual messages by tapping a Translate button, or they can activate automated message translation for all WhatsApp chats, according to the feature tracker. Users may manage language packs and turn off the feature, which is turned off by default, under the app’s settings.
The rollout of WhatsApp’s on-device language feature in recent months is not the first. Voice note transcription, which provides the ability to transcribe receiving audio messages, was previously introduced by the messaging app. Additionally, the business states that all transcriptions are done on-device and that users must download a language pack to their device in order to access this service.
