WhatsApp is introducing a new message translation option in-stream, allowing users to translate messages into another language directly in their chats while keeping the communications on your phone and end-to-end encrypted, rather than processing them through external servers.

This is a crucial concern for WhatsApp users, and given that WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging app, it might be a significant addition to maximise utility.

WhatsApp has been working on its translation process for some time, as evidenced by this screenshot posted by WA Beta Info a few months ago. The method is easy and allows you to convert your messages into another language with ease.

If you notice a message in a different language, simply long-press and select ‘Translate’.  Select the language in which you wish the message to be translated and save it for future translations.  This works for 1:1 chats, groups, and channel updates as well.

So, instead of sending your message data to an external server, users will be able to download a translation pack to their device, allowing them to transform the text in-stream.

WhatsApp further adds that Android users will be able to enable automatic translation for an entire chat thread, “so that all future incoming messages in that conversation are translated as well.

It’s a useful improvement that might increase WhatsApp adoption in many regions while also building on the platform’s fundamental use case of connecting communities. It may also help brands increase their chances by enabling communication with a much larger audience.  So you can now promote in additional locations and use translations in-stream to enable more transactions.

WhatsApp says it will begin rolling out message translations for Android and iPhone, starting with “a few select languages” and adding more lately.

WhatsApp’s new in-stream translation tool is a significant step forward in breaking down language barriers and improving global communication.  WhatsApp enables users and brands to interact effortlessly across languages by providing secure, on-device translations that do not compromise privacy.  As it spreads to other languages and locations, this functionality is expected to make WhatsApp an even more inclusive, adaptable, and business-friendly communication tool.

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