WhatsApp is rolling out new languages for voice transcriptions
WhatsApp is introducing new language packs for voice message transcriptions on Android. Users who receive voice messages in any of the supported languages can read them as text instead of listening to them. The feature relies on language packs downloaded locally on the device, making transcriptions private by default.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature: | New languages for voice transcriptions |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.37.5 is a compatible update. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more people over the coming weeks. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is testing a chat theme update to sync wallpapers! |
WhatsApp added 13 language packs for message translations
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.12.4 update, we announced 13 additional language packs for message translations. WhatsApp downloads these packs on the device to translate incoming messages without sending any data to external servers. At some point, WhatsApp would have used the same language packs for both message translations and voice message transcriptions. This meant that the new packs could eventually support transcriptions too.
WhatsApp expands the number of language packs for voice transcriptions
Users could only transcribe voice messages in a limited number of languages. Many users simply could not use the feature because their language was not supported. But now, WhatsApp is finally expanding the languages available for voice transcriptions. We discovered the news with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.37.5 update, which is available on the Google Play Store. With this update, WhatsApp is rolling out support for new transcription languages. This feature gives more users around the world the ability to read voice messages as text.
Which languages are now available for voice transcriptions
WhatsApp is adding support for the following languages: more variants for English, German, French, Italian, and Japanese. These add to the languages that were already available before this update: Arabic, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, and Russian. These packs extend transcription support to more regions, so more users can now read voice messages instead of listening to them.
How voice transcriptions work on WhatsApp
Users can transcribe their voice messages by opening the message menu. If WhatsApp transcribes the message automatically, the transcription appears as text below the audio player. This makes it easier for users to read the message without playing the audio. WhatsApp doesn't share the audio with third party to transcribe the message. Instead, WhatsApp uses language packs to recognize and convert the voice note into text. This keeps the transcription process entirely on the device.
How to download a language pack for voice transcriptions
Users who want to use transcriptions in a specific language need to download the corresponding language pack. WhatsApp handles this automatically when users enable transcriptions for the first time, but they can also manage their language packs manually from the app settings. Once users download a language pack, users can transcribe messages in that language without an active Internet connection. Users who receive a voice message in a language they have not downloaded a pack for can download it before transcribing.
Why expanding transcription languages is important for users worldwide
Voice messages are one of the most used features on WhatsApp. Many users find voice notes easier to send than a text message. Voice transcripts limited to a few languages only help users in certain regions. With new language packs, more users around the world can finally benefit from transcriptions. For users who are in a meeting or simply prefer reading to listening, transcriptions help them follow the conversation without playing the voice note. WhatsApp will keep expanding language packs for voice transcriptions over time.
WhatsApp is rolling out new transcription languages to Android beta testers
New transcription languages are available to some users who install the latest update from the Google Play Store. WhatsApp is rolling them out gradually, so not every beta tester will see the new languages immediately. If new language packs do not appear yet in the transcription settings, they should become available to more accounts over the coming weeks. WhatsApp has not announced when they will be available to everyone.
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