WhatsApp tests a green online dot that could reignite privacy concerns

WhatsApp is testing a new presence indicator in Android beta version 2.26.24.5, first reported by WABetaInfo, that places a green dot on the profile photo of contacts who are currently online. The feature is meant to let users see at a glance who is available to chat, without opening different screens to check status.

The app already shows presence information, but only inside a chat or a contact’s profile, where users can see “online” or “last seen” below the name. WhatsApp is now replacing that text with a more visible graphic marker directly on the profile image.

The green dot will appear only when a user has chosen to share online status under the existing privacy settings. People who hide their “online” status will not be marked, even after the new feature rolls out.

The change appears to be linked to a larger in-development section called Contacts Hub, which would group contacts who are online now or were active recently. According to earlier reports, users would be able to sort the list by name or availability, while people who hide their status would not appear at all. That hub is not yet public, and WhatsApp has not given a timetable for a wider launch. For now, the feature is limited to a small number of Android beta testers who installed the latest build through Google Play.