WhatsApp, the messaging platform owned by Meta, has begun rolling out its long-awaited chat and channel translation feature to select Android users participating in its beta program.
The new feature is available in version 2.25.12.25 of the WhatsApp beta for Android and is designed to assist users who communicate in multiple languages. Currently, the feature is limited to a small group of beta testers who update via the Google Play Store, with a broader release anticipated in the near future.
Translations are performed entirely on the user’s device, ensuring privacy by avoiding the need to send data to external servers. WhatsApp relies on its proprietary translation technology, which preserves end-to-end encryption. Once enabled, users can select from several supported languages, including Hindi, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese. The app then downloads the required language pack, allowing offline translations.
The feature can be managed via the chat info section. Users may choose automatic translation for all messages in a conversation or translate individual messages manually by tapping and selecting the “Translate” option.
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While local processing ensures security, WhatsApp acknowledges that translation accuracy may not match cloud-based alternatives. Users can optionally provide feedback to help refine translations, though no message content is shared.
