Google is phasing out the built-in web page translation feature for users on older Chrome builds, according to an Android police portal report. The Translate tool, which automatically converts web page text into the user’s preferred language, will stop functioning for users running Chrome 95 and newer, with an error message reading, “This page cannot be translated.” The exact end date for this support is not clearly defined, leaving some uncertainty for affected users.
To mitigate this change, Google advises updating to the latest Chrome version, currently Chrome 96, which was released in December 2021. This update brings various enhancements, including stronger online payment authentication and the capability to save groups of tabs for quicker access. Staying on the latest version helps ensure smoother browsing, better security, and more efficient workflow across devices.
However, not every device can install the newest software. Older operating systems may not permit the latest Chrome release, creating a compatibility gap. For instance, the tail end of Chrome for Android on older devices is version 95, while iOS devices may be capped by older builds such as iOS 13 with Chrome 93. macOS users on Yosemite 10.10 might be restricted to Chrome 87, and Windows systems as old as XP and Vista commonly run Chrome 49. These limitations mean that some users will lose automatic page translation and related features until they upgrade devices or operating systems.
Analysts note that this shift reflects Google’s broader move toward modern web standards and security practices, favoring up-to-date environments that support newer tools and safer, faster browsing experiences. While the translation feature is disappearing from older Chrome versions, users can rely on alternative approaches such as installing newer browsers on supported devices, using standalone translation extensions from reputable sources, or copying text to a preferred translation service when necessary. This transition underscores the importance of keeping software current to maintain access to convenience features and improved performance across platforms.
What this means for users is to plan an update path that aligns with their devices and operating systems, recognizing that older hardware may require more than a browser update. The landscape of mobile and desktop browsing continues to evolve, and staying informed helps users minimize disruption while taking advantage of security enhancements and workflow improvements offered by newer releases. In the end, a proactive approach to updates ensures continued access to essential tools for language translation and a smoother overall online experience .