WhatsApp In-Chat Translation: What It Is & How to Enable It on Android, iOS & Web

Conversations often stall when different languages are involved. Until recently, the solution was clumsy: copy the message, paste it into Google Translate or another app, then paste your reply back into WhatsApp. This broke the natural rhythm of a chat and sometimes led to misinterpretation.

To address this, WhatsApp has rolled out an in-chat translation feature. This tool allows users to translate messages instantly without leaving the app. It is powered by Meta's translation technology, which already supports Facebook and Instagram.

For everyday users, this makes it easier to chat with friends or family abroad. For businesses, however, the implications are far greater. The ability to serve customers, partners, and suppliers in their preferred language directly inside WhatsApp opens up new opportunities while cutting costs and time delays.

What Is WhatsApp's In-Chat Translation Feature?

Built-in translation tool explained

WhatsApp's translation feature is designed to be effortless. When a message arrives in a foreign language, the app automatically detects it and provides a translation option. With one tap or click, you can see the translated text and continue the conversation seamlessly.

Supported devices and availability

The translation feature is available across all major platforms: Android, iOS, but not on WhatsApp Web or Desktop. It supports more than 100 languages, meaning that whether you are chatting in Spanish, Hindi, French, or Arabic, you can easily bridge the gap.

Example of how it works in practice

Imagine a customer in Madrid messages your London-based shop asking:

"¿Hacen envíos internacionales?" With translation, this instantly becomes: "Do you ship internationally?" You can reply in English, and the customer can translate your response back into Spanish - all without switching apps.

How Does the Translation Feature Work?

Automatic language detection

WhatsApp automatically recognises when an incoming message is in a different language than your default. This saves time and ensures you don't have to manually tell the app which languages to translate.

The "Translate" button in action

When detection occurs, a "Translate" option appears. On mobile, this is visible when you tap and hold a message. On desktop, it appears when you hover your mouse over a message.

Switching back to the original text

Translations are not permanent. If you want to see the original version of the message, you can switch back at any time. This is particularly useful for checking context or verifying exact wording.

Why Is WhatsApp's Translation Feature Useful?

Everyday communication made easier

For individual users, translation helps keep conversations smooth. Travellers can ask locals for help, students can practise a new language, and families can stay connected across borders without confusion.

Business opportunities unlocked

For businesses, translation offers a competitive edge. It removes the need for multilingual staff in the early stages of global expansion. A UK-based retailer, for example, can confidently handle queries from French or German customers without delays.

Greater accessibility for all users

The feature also makes WhatsApp more inclusive. People who are not fluent in English, or who struggle with reading another language, can now communicate more confidently.

How to Enable WhatsApp Translation

How to Enable WhatsApp Translation on Android

1. Update the app: Start by opening the Google Play Store. Search for WhatsApp and make sure it is updated to the latest version. Without this, the translation option may not appear.
2. Set your language preferences: Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > App Language. Select your preferred language so that translations always default to the right choice.
3. Translate your first message: When you receive a message in another language, tap and hold it. A menu will appear, and within it you will see the option to Translate. Selecting this will instantly show the message in your chosen language.
4. Adjust your translation settings: You can customise translation further by pinning your most-used languages or turning on automatic translation for messages in specific languages. This makes repeated use even smoother.

How to Enable WhatsApp Translation on iOS

1. Update WhatsApp via the App Store: Open the App Store and check for updates to WhatsApp. If one is available, install it before trying to access translation.
2. Confirm your iPhone language settings: Go to Settings > General > Language & Region and ensure your iPhone is set to your preferred language. WhatsApp uses this as the basis for translations.
3. Translate messages in real time: Open a chat, long press on the foreign language message, and tap Translate. The translated version appears immediately beneath the original.
4. Integrate with Apple Translate (optional): For additional flexibility, iOS users can connect WhatsApp with Apple's Translate app. This allows for more control and even automatic translation for selected languages.

Why Businesses Should Pay Attention

Communicating with international customers

Translation makes it possible to respond quickly to customer questions in their native language. This builds trust and encourages sales.

Supporting suppliers and partners abroad

Small businesses can now coordinate with suppliers across Europe, Asia, or beyond without hiring external translators or risking costly mistakes.

Standing out from competitors

By providing multilingual support at no extra cost, businesses can set themselves apart. For many customers, being understood in their language is a deciding factor in who they choose to buy from.

Real-World Example

Recruitment agency case study

Consider a recruitment agency based in London. It regularly interacts with candidates in Spain, Poland, and India. In the past, language differences slowed down conversations or required staff with specific language skills.

Benefits of combining translation with gosimless

With WhatsApp translation, the agency can respond in English while candidates read in their native language. This makes the process faster and more professional. By verifying their account with a gosimless UK virtual mobile number, the agency also avoids bans that might occur if they had used cheaper, less secure numbers. The combination of smooth translation and account reliability helps the agency scale internationally with confidence.

Effects of The In-Chat Translation Feature

What this means for personal users

For everyday users, WhatsApp translation is a convenience that makes global conversations easier. It is particularly helpful for travellers, students, and families who speak multiple languages.

What this means for businesses

For businesses, however, it is a real game-changer. It lowers barriers to international trade, improves customer service, and allows small companies to compete with larger rivals by offering multilingual support without additional staff.

Staying compliant while going global

To make the most of this opportunity, businesses must also stay compliant. The easiest way to do this is by verifying with a trusted UK virtual mobile number from gosimless. By combining in-chat translation with secure verification, companies can expand globally without fear of losing access to one of their most important communication tools.

Frequently asked questions