WhatsApp is currently facing scrutiny in India over its upcoming username feature. At the same time, the messaging platform is testing a new green dot feature for users. Reports say the green dot will show whether a person is online, making it easier to know if they are active before opening a chat. The feature is currently being tested for iPhone users and is available only to selected beta testers through the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS update on Apple’s TestFlight programme. It will replace the need to open a conversation to check the online status under a contact’s name. Existing privacy settings will remain the same for all users.
WhatsApp has started rolling out a new green dot feature. Under this feature when a user is active, then a green dot appears under its profile photo. Furthermore, it will automatically disappear once the contact goes offline.
At the time of writing, WhatsApp has added the green dot indicator only to the Contact Info screen. Users can access this section by tapping on a person’s name or profile picture inside a chat.
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The indicator is not available in the chat list or main conversation window right now. WhatsApp often tests new features in limited areas before bringing them to more sections of the app.
The feature is already available to certain users who are running WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.26.10.72. Do note that the feature was earlier spotted on Android beta as well, and now it is being expanded to iPhone users for testing.
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WhatsApp will keep your current privacy settings. So, if you’ve hidden your online status from certain contacts or from everyone, the green dot will not appear on your profile picture for those people.
It’s also important to know that the green dot does not reveal any new information. It is simply a new visual indicator that shows the same online status already available on WhatsApp.
If the testing phase goes well, then WhatsApp may expand the green dot indicator to other parts of WhatsApp in the upcoming months. However, there is no certainty if or when WhatsApp will officially roll out this feature.