WhatsApp has begun testing a new “Green Dot” feature that allows users to instantly see when a contact is online, marking another step in Meta’s effort to make the messaging app more interactive while keeping existing privacy controls in place.
The feature is currently available to a limited number of beta testers on Android and iPhone. It first appeared in the Android beta version 2.26.24.5 and has now expanded to iOS beta users through Apple’s TestFlight programme.
Instead of relying on the familiar “Online” text label, WhatsApp now displays a small green circle on a contact’s profile picture whenever that person is actively using the app. The indicator disappears as soon as the user leaves WhatsApp, offering a real time view of availability.
For now, users can only see the Green Dot on the Chat Info screen, which opens after tapping a contact’s name at the top of a conversation. It does not yet appear in the main chat list or inside chat windows, although future updates could expand its visibility.
Privacy settings remain unchanged despite new feature
WhatsApp says the Green Dot will respect the app’s existing privacy settings.
The indicator will only appear if a user has chosen to share their “Last Seen and Online” status. People who hide their online status will not display the Green Dot, and they also will not see it for others. This approach ensures the feature does not override existing privacy preferences.
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The visual cue replaces the current “Online” text label shown on the Chat Info page. Meta believes the new design makes it easier for users to identify active contacts without reading additional text.
Technology analysts note that similar online indicators already exist on messaging platforms such as Instagram, Facebook Messenger, Telegram and Discord. WhatsApp’s version follows the same principle while maintaining the app’s privacy focused design.
Green Dot could become part of a larger contacts hub
The Green Dot is expected to play a bigger role in WhatsApp’s upcoming Contacts Hub, a feature currently under development.
According to beta tracking platform WABetaInfo, the new hub will display contacts who are currently online or were recently active. Users may also be able to sort contacts by availability, making it easier to find someone ready to chat. The Green Dot will serve as the primary visual indicator throughout that section.
WhatsApp continues to roll out new features gradually through its beta programme before making them available to all users. The company has not announced when the Green Dot will arrive in the stable version of the app.
With more than three billion monthly users worldwide, WhatsApp regularly tests new features in beta builds before wider release. Recent additions include usernames, stronger anti scam protections and expanded Meta AI tools, reflecting the company’s continued focus on improving user experience while preserving end to end encryption and privacy.
