WhatsApp is currently testing a new feature that introduces a green dot to indicate when a contact is online. This visual cue appears as a small green circle on a contact’s profile photo, providing users with a real-time indication of their contacts’ availability.
Initially, this feature was rolled out to Android beta users last month. Now, it has been extended to iOS beta testers through TestFlight, specifically in version 26.26.10.72. The green dot is displayed exclusively on the chat info screen—the page that opens when you tap a contact’s name at the top of a conversation. It does not yet appear in the main chat list or within the conversation view itself, though future updates may expand its presence.
Importantly, the green dot respects WhatsApp’s existing privacy settings. If a user has chosen to hide their ‘last seen’ and online status, the green dot will not appear for their contacts. This ensures that users maintain control over their visibility on the platform.
Currently, the feature is available to a select group of beta testers, with plans for a broader rollout in the coming weeks. However, there is no confirmed timeline for when the green dot will be available to all users in the stable version of the app.
Introducing a real-time online status indicator aligns WhatsApp with other messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger and Telegram, which have long offered similar features. This addition could enhance user experience by making it easier to identify active contacts, potentially leading to more timely and engaging conversations. As WhatsApp continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how users respond to this new feature and whether it influences communication patterns on the platform.
