WhatsApp is currently conducting tests for a new message translation feature within the beta version of its app for Android devices. This development, identified by a feature tracker, introduces a new setting that allows users to translate messages automatically and seamlessly on their devices. Thanks to the app’s end-to-end encryption (E2EE), the translation process occurs locally on the user’s device, without relying on the company’s servers. To utilize this feature, users will need to select and download specific language packs on their smartphones.
New Offline Language Packs for Message Translation
With the recent update to WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.12.25, some beta users now have access to the ‘Translate Messages’ functionality. This new option is located under the Chat lock settings and can be activated for individual conversations. According to information shared by WABetaInfo, the feature has been under development since July 2024 and will be applicable in both personal chats and WhatsApp channels.
WhatsApp’s on-device message translation feature (Tap to expand)
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo
Once the feature becomes widely available, users will have the option to toggle on the Translate messages setting from the chat settings of individual conversations. After activation, users can choose their preferred language from a selection that currently includes Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese (Brazil), Hindi, and Russian.
Upon selecting a language, WhatsApp will initiate the download of the necessary language pack to enable message translation. Notably, this feature is designed to function offline, processing messages entirely on the user’s device rather than through Meta’s servers.
The feature tracker has also indicated that users will be able to set up automatic message translations across all their WhatsApp chats or opt to translate specific messages by tapping a Translate option. The translation functionality is turned off by default, and users can manage their preferences and language packs through the app’s settings.
This isn’t the first on-device language feature to be introduced by WhatsApp in recent months. The messaging platform previously launched voice note transcription support, which converts received audio messages into text. Similar to the translation feature, this service also requires users to download a language pack, with all transcription tasks occurring locally on the device, according to the company.
