WhatsApp now lets you translate messages without leaving the app on iPhone and Android devices

WhatsApp has introduced in-chat message translation for Android and iOS users to help them communicate across languages without any extra apps or tools.

WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that allows users to translate messages directly within the app, which aims to make conversations across languages simpler and faster. With this update, users no longer need external translation apps or tools to understand messages in a different language.

WhatsApp now lets users translate messages from English to Hindi directly within chats on Android and iOS. (Meta)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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How to Use WhatsApp Translation Feature

The process is straightforward. Users can long-press any message in a chat and select the “Translate” option. They can then choose the language they want to translate from or to and save that setting for future use. This functionality works across personal chats, group conversations, and Channel updates.

Android users get an additional option to enable automatic translation for entire chat threads. Once activated, all future messages in a foreign language are translated instantly. iPhone users can access translations in over 19 languages at launch, while Android users can start with six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.

WhatsApp has designed the translation feature with privacy in mind. All translations are processed locally on the user’s device, meaning the company does not have access to users’ messages. This approach ensures that conversations remain secure while allowing users to communicate freely across languages.

The rollout begins today and will expand gradually. WhatsApp plans to add more languages in the coming months, although it has not shared a timeline for bringing translation features to its web platform or Windows and Mac apps. For a platform connecting over three billion people across 180 countries, this feature addresses a significant barrier in global digital communication.

Download Aadhar Card on WhatsApp

Separately, the Government of India has enabled Aadhaar downloads via WhatsApp through the MyGov Helpdesk chatbot. Citizens can now retrieve their Aadhaar cards in PDF format after authenticating with their registered mobile number and DigiLocker account.

To use the service, users must save the official MyGov Helpdesk number (+91-9013151515) in their contacts, initiate a chat, select DigiLocker services, confirm their account, enter their Aadhaar number, and verify with an OTP. Once authenticated, users can select Aadhaar from a list of available documents and receive it directly in WhatsApp in PDF format.

This combination of in-app translation and government service integration highlights how WhatsApp is expanding its functionality to make communication and essential services more accessible.

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