I am currently integrating the Retell Web Widget into a client’s website in Brazil. The widget works great, but I noticed a limitation regarding localization.
Currently, the input field placeholder is hardcoded to “Ask a detailed question…” in English. There is no documented attribute (like data-input-placeholder) to customize or translate this text natively.
For non-English speaking users, having this specific part of the UI in English breaks the immersion and user experience.
My Suggestion: Could you please add support for a data-input-placeholder attribute in the widget script?
Current Workaround: Right now, I am forcing the translation using a JavaScript MutationObserver to modify the Shadow DOM after the widget loads. While this works, a native attribute would be much cleaner, more performant, and developer-friendly.
I appreciate you bringing this localization need to our attention. You’re correct that the chat widget currently doesn’t include a data-input-placeholder attribute for customizing the input field placeholder text(1).
The documented optional attributes for the chat widget are:
Your suggestion for adding data-input-placeholder support is a valid feature request that would improve the internationalization capabilities of the widget, especially for markets like Brazil where Portuguese localization would enhance user experience.
For feature requests and product feedback like this, I’d recommend:
Your MutationObserver workaround is a reasonable interim solution, though I understand it’s not ideal. The product team would benefit from hearing about this use case directly through the support channels above.