Translate WhatsApp messages, then reply in their language
Updated · 5 min read
Short answer
To translate a WhatsApp message you received on iPhone, long-press it and tap Translate (WhatsApp added this in September 2025, and it runs on your device). WhatsApp doesn't translate the messages you send, though. To reply in the other person's language, use a translator keyboard like Swaytype: type your reply in your language, tap Translate, pick their language and send.
Translate a message you received (built into WhatsApp)
- 1
Long-press the message
In any chat, group or Channel update.
- 2
Tap Translate
Choose the language to translate from and to. The first time, WhatsApp may download the language.
- 3
Read it
The translation shows under the original message.
According to WhatsApp's announcement, translations happen on your device, and iPhone supports 19+ languages. On Android you can also turn on automatic translation for a whole chat.
Reply in their language (what WhatsApp can't do)
WhatsApp's Translate only works on messages you receive. To answer in the other person's language, you need a translator keyboard. With Swaytype it's one tap, right in the WhatsApp text field:
- 1
Type in your language
Write the way you always do, slang and typos included.
- 2
Tap Translate
It's on the bar above the keys.
- 3
Pick the language
Choose from your list. You decide in the app which languages show up there.
- 4
Check it and send
Your text is replaced by the translation in a couple of seconds. Changed your mind? Undo puts your original back.
🇺🇸 Typed in English
hey r u still down for dinner tmrw? i found this tiny thai place near ur work, they say its amazing
🇧🇷 Sent in Portuguese
ei, você ainda topa jantar amanhã? achei esse restaurante tailandês minúsculo perto do seu trabalho, dizem que é incrível
Real Swaytype output
Or read replies without leaving the keyboard
Swaytype can read messages for you too: copy the message, tap Translate received message on the keyboard, and read it above your keys. It works the same in WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram or any app.
🇪🇸 Received in Spanish
hola!! vi tu anuncio del depa, sigue disponible? me interesa mucho y podria ir a verlo este sabado
🇺🇸 Read in English
hi!! i saw your listing for the apartment, is it still available? i’m really interested and could go see it this saturday
Real Swaytype output
WhatsApp Translate vs Swaytype
| Swaytype | WhatsApp Translate | |
|---|---|---|
| Translate messages you receive | Yes, copy and one tap | Yes, long-press |
| Translate messages you send | Yes | No |
| Works outside WhatsApp | Yes, every app | No |
| Fix typos and tone | Yes, Casual or Pro | No |
| Price | Free, 10 rewrites a day. Pro is unlimited | Free |
WhatsApp facts from WhatsApp's own announcement, September 2025.
They work well together: use WhatsApp's Translate to read, and Swaytype to answer.
Try it in your next message.
Free to start. 10 rewrites a day, no card needed.
Scan with your iPhone cameraTranslate isn't showing in WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is rolling the feature out gradually, so update WhatsApp from the App Store first. If it's still missing, your language may not be supported yet. Swaytype doesn't depend on your WhatsApp version: it's your keyboard, so it works in every chat.
