WhatsApp is testing a new visual feature that makes it easier for users to see when their contacts are online, marking another step in the platform’s gradual redesign of presence and availability tools.
The messaging app has started rolling out a green online indicator to a limited group of iOS beta users after earlier testing on Android. The feature adds a small green dot to a contact’s profile photo whenever that person is actively using the app.
How the green online indicator works
The indicator appears as a small green dot at the bottom right corner of a contact’s profile picture. It is visible on the Contact Info screen and updates in real time, disappearing automatically once the contact goes offline.
This visual cue provides a faster way to check availability without relying only on text-based online labels. However, users must open the contact’s profile to see the indicator, as it does not yet appear in the main chat list.
Limited access for now
According to information shared by WABetaInfo, the feature is currently available in WhatsApp for iOS beta version 26.26.19.72. Only selected beta testers can access it at this stage.
Because the indicator is not visible in the chats overview, its usefulness remains limited. Users still need extra taps to confirm whether someone is online, which reduces the feature’s convenience compared to a full chat list integration.
No confirmed public release timeline
WhatsApp has not announced when the green online indicator will be rolled out to all users. As with most beta features, the company is expected to collect feedback, monitor performance, and address privacy considerations before making a final decision on a wider launch.
Some features tested in beta are later refined or quietly dropped, making it unclear whether the indicator will remain limited to profile screens or expand to other parts of the app.
Privacy remains a key consideration
Online visibility has long been a sensitive issue for users who want control over when and how their activity is seen. While WhatsApp already allows people to hide their online status, the introduction of a clearer visual signal may renew discussions around user consent and privacy settings.
WhatsApp has not yet clarified whether users will be able to disable the green dot separately from existing online visibility controls.
Other changes in development
The green online indicator is being tested alongside other upcoming changes, including a usernames feature that would allow users to connect without sharing phone numbers. That feature is still under review amid concerns about impersonation and misuse.
Together, these updates suggest WhatsApp is continuing to experiment with how users signal availability and identity while trying to balance ease of communication with privacy and safety concerns.
