WhatsApp is expanding the testing of its new online status indicator to iPhone users. After introducing the feature to selected Android beta testers, the messaging platform has now begun rolling it out to a limited number of iOS beta users, making it easier to see when a contact is currently active.
The update replaces the need to rely solely on the text-based online status by introducing a simple visual indicator within the app.
Green Dot Shows When a Contact Is Online
According to a report from WABetaInfo, the feature is available in WhatsApp for iOS beta version 26.26.10.72. Beta users running the latest version may notice a small green dot appearing on a contact’s profile photo whenever that person is online.
The indicator is displayed in real time, meaning it automatically appears when the contact is active and disappears as soon as they go offline. This provides users with a quicker and more visual way to check someone’s availability without reading the traditional “online” label.
Currently Limited to the Contact Info Screen
At the moment, the new green dot only appears in the Contact Info screen, which can be accessed by tapping on a contact’s profile picture during a conversation.
While the feature makes it easier to identify whether someone is currently online, many users may have expected the indicator to appear directly in the chat list or the main Chats tab. Displaying it in those locations would allow users to check a contact’s availability without opening individual conversations or profile pages.
For now, however, WhatsApp is keeping the indicator limited to the Contact Info section as it continues testing the feature.
Privacy Settings Still Apply
WhatsApp has designed the new online indicator to respect existing privacy controls.
The green dot follows the same privacy rules that govern the platform’s Last Seen and Online status. If a user has chosen to hide their online activity or last seen information through privacy settings, other users will not see the green dot on their profile.
This approach ensures that users who prefer to keep their online presence private will continue to have full control over their visibility.
Available to Selected Beta Users
The green dot indicator is currently being tested with a limited group of beta testers on both Android and iOS. As with many experimental WhatsApp features, broader availability will likely depend on user feedback and testing results.
Meta has not announced when the feature will become available to all WhatsApp users, so those on the stable version of the app may have to wait for a future update.
Final Thoughts
The new green dot online indicator is a small but useful addition that makes it easier to know when a contact is currently active. Instead of relying only on text labels, users get a quick visual cue that updates in real time.
Although the feature is currently limited to the Contact Info screen, it has the potential to become even more useful if WhatsApp eventually expands it to the chat list or Chats tab. For now, iOS and Android beta users can get an early look at this convenience-focused enhancement while the company continues testing it.
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