WhatsApp Message Translation: How to Translate a Chat

If you've got customers, suppliers or friends who message in another language, you'll know the copy-and-paste routine: copy the message, open a translator, paste, read, then go back. WhatsApp has a built-in way to translate a message inside the chat, and it's quicker.

It isn't available to everyone yet, though, and the help centre says so plainly. I've written this from WhatsApp's own help page so you know what to expect before you go hunting for a button that may not be on your phone.

What WhatsApp message translation does

WhatsApp's help page says you can translate messages you've sent or received in an individual or group chat into available languages. It's a per-message action. You choose a message, you choose a language, and the translation appears for that message.

A few things can't be translated. WhatsApp lists locations, documents, contacts, stickers and GIFs. It also says you need a strong Wi-Fi signal or cellular data, plus ample storage space, because the language has to be downloaded to your phone.

Translating a WhatsApp message on Android

These are WhatsApp's steps for Android. The help page shows the menu button as an icon, so I've called it the menu icon.

1. Open the chat, then tap and hold the message you want to translate.
2. Tap the menu icon, then tap Translate.
3. Choose the language you want to translate to or from.
4. Tap Continue, then tap Translate.

Once you've downloaded a language, WhatsApp saves it for future translations. The help page also says you can choose to translate all new messages in the chat, which is useful if someone writes to you in the same language every day.

Translating a WhatsApp message on iPhone

The iPhone steps are a little different.

1. Tap and hold the message you want to translate.
2. Tap More, then tap Translate.
3. Choose the language you want the message translated to or from.

If it's a new language, WhatsApp prompts you to download it. After that, the language is stored under Settings, then Translate, then Downloaded Languages. That's where to go if you need to check which languages are on your phone.

Viewing or removing a WhatsApp translation

On Android, WhatsApp says you can switch back whenever you like. Tap and hold the message, tap the menu icon, then tap View translation or Remove translation. If you're replying to a customer, it's a good habit to look at the original and the translation side by side before you answer, since a translated phrase can lose its tone.

What to check if WhatsApp message translation is missing

This is the part most people need. WhatsApp's help page begins with a warning that translating messages is only available on certain devices and may not be available to you yet. Its advice is to keep WhatsApp updated so you get the feature as soon as it's available. So if you can't see Translate, run through this list.

• Update WhatsApp from your app store.
• Make sure you're pressing and holding the message itself, not the chat in your list.
• Check you've got a good connection and enough storage space for the language download.
• Check which app you're using. WhatsApp says the feature is currently not available on the WhatsApp Business app.
• If you're on WhatsApp Web or Desktop, don't expect the option. The computer version of the help page didn't show translation steps, only the availability note.

If none of that helps, the feature simply may not have reached your device. There's nothing to switch on in settings that WhatsApp's help page mentions, and I won't invent one.

Using WhatsApp message translation in a small business

If you serve customers in more than one language, translation inside the chat saves a lot of switching between apps. A few habits help.

• Translate a message before you reply, so you answer what was asked.
• Keep your own replies short and plain, because simple wording translates better.
• For anything important such as terms, dates or instructions, check with the customer that you've understood each other.

I've also written about whether WhatsApp has a translator at all, in my short answer on WhatsApp and translation, which is worth a look if you want the wider picture.

WhatsApp message translation versus typing in another language

Translation reads messages for you. It doesn't change what you type. If you'd like to write in another script, that's a keyboard job rather than a translation job, and my guide on typing in Telugu on WhatsApp shows one way to approach it. For other WhatsApp how-tos, my WhatsApp help guide collects them in one place.

When WhatsApp message translation isn't enough

A translated message gives you the gist, and that's usually what you need for a booking or a quick question. It won't always catch slang, humour or a very specific business term. If a message really matters, ask the sender to confirm in simple words, or ask a colleague who speaks the language. I'd rather take an extra minute than send the wrong answer to a customer.

A quick WhatsApp message translation checklist

• Tap and hold the message, then choose Translate.
• Pick a language and download it if asked.
• On Android, tap Continue and Translate.
• Use View translation or Remove translation to switch back.
• If the option is missing, update WhatsApp and remember it isn't on the Business app.

Frequently asked questions

How do I translate a message on WhatsApp?

Tap and hold the message, choose Translate (on iPhone via More), pick the language and download it if prompted. On Android, tap Continue then Translate.

Why can't I translate messages on WhatsApp?

WhatsApp says translation is only available on certain devices and may not be available to you yet. Keep WhatsApp updated, and note that it isn't available on the WhatsApp Business app.

Can WhatsApp translate everything in a chat?

No. Locations, documents, contacts, stickers and GIFs can't be translated. On Android you can choose to translate all new messages in a chat.

Do I need an internet connection to translate in WhatsApp?

Yes. WhatsApp says you need a strong Wi-Fi signal or cellular data, and enough storage space, to download the language.

How do I remove a translation in WhatsApp?

On Android, tap and hold the message, tap the menu icon, then choose View translation or Remove translation.

Does translation work on WhatsApp Web?

WhatsApp's help page for the web version only shows the availability note, with no translation steps, so I wouldn't expect it there.