WhatsApp tests 'Green dot' live online indicator for iPhone users

WhatsApp says the new indicator will respect existing privacy settings

WhatsApp is testing a new feature for iPhone users that displays a green dot next to a contact's profile picture to indicate when they are actively using the messaging app, according to beta tracker WABetaInfo.

The feature, available in iOS beta version 26.26.10.72, adds a small green circle to the bottom-right corner of a contact's profile photo while they are online. The indicator disappears once the user is no longer active.

The update builds on WhatsApp's existing "last seen" feature by providing a real-time indication of a contact's availability, similar to online status indicators offered by rival messaging platforms such as Instagram and Apple's iMessage.

For now, the green dot is visible only on a contact's information page rather than in the main chat list, limiting its usefulness. The feature could be expanded to the chat screen before its wider release, as that is where users are most likely to check a contact's availability.

WhatsApp said the new indicator will respect existing privacy settings. Users who have chosen to hide their online status will not display the green dot, ensuring the feature does not override current privacy preferences.

The online status indicator is the latest in a series of features being tested by WhatsApp, including username support, view-once text messages and enhanced privacy options for Meta AI interactions.

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WhatsApp has not announced when the feature will be released to all users. If testing proceeds smoothly, it is expected to roll out on both iOS and Android in a future update.