# Translate the App

Contributing translations helps make Meshtastic accessible to a wider audience. The app uses [Crowdin](https://crowdin.com/) to manage community translations for both the user interface and in-app documentation.

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 UI strings | `core/resources/src/commonMain/composeResources/values/strings.xml` | Buttons, labels, messages, and all user-visible text |
 User Guide pages | `docs/en/user/*.md` | In-app documentation shown in Help & Documentation |
 Fastlane metadata | `fastlane/metadata/android/en-US/` | App Store listing title, description, and changelogs |

> ⚠️ **Note:** Developer Guide pages are English-only. Code-focused documentation targeting contributors is not translated.

## Adding a New Language

If your language is not yet listed on Crowdin:

1. Open an issue on [GitHub](https://github.com/meshtastic/Meshtastic-Android/issues/new) requesting the new locale.
2. A maintainer will add the language to Crowdin and configure `crowdin.yml`.
3. Once added, you can begin translating immediately.

## Translation Guidelines

- **Do not translate** technical terms like "LoRa", "MQTT", "BLE", "TAK", "SNR", or "RSSI" — these are universal.
- **Keep placeholders intact.** Strings like `%1$s` or `%d` are filled in at runtime. Do not remove or reorder them unless the grammar of your language requires it.
- **Match tone.** The app uses a friendly, direct voice. Avoid overly formal language.
- **Test if possible.** Switch your device language and open the app to see how translations look in context.

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## Questions?

If you have questions about a specific string's context or need help getting started, open a discussion on the [Meshtastic GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/orgs/meshtastic/discussions) page.

Thank you for helping expand the reach of Meshtastic!