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WhatsApp is currently testing a new interface update that features a green dot on user profile pictures to indicate active status. According to reports from the tracking site WABetaInfo, this visual indicator is appearing for select beta testers on Android, aiming to make presence information more intuitive than the existing text-based status updates.
How the Green Dot Indicator Works
The new feature acts as a visual shortcut to identify when a contact is currently using the application. Previously, WhatsApp users relied on a text notification appearing beneath a contact’s name within a chat window to determine availability. The green dot, which appears directly on the profile image, is designed to provide immediate, at-a-glance confirmation of a user’s presence.
This change is currently limited to the chat information section, according to WABetaInfo. By centralizing this status indicator, Meta aims to unify the user experience across both Android and iOS platforms. While the feature is currently in a testing phase, it represents a shift toward more visual, icon-driven interface design for the messaging service.
Managing Privacy and Visibility
The introduction of this visual indicator does not change WhatsApp’s existing privacy framework. The platform’s privacy settings remain the primary control for who can see a user’s online status. If a user has configured their account to hide their "Last Seen" or online status, that preference is respected, and no green dot will appear on their profile.
Users can manually control these visibility settings by navigating through the app:
- On Android: Navigate to the three-dot menu, select Settings, then Privacy. Tap on Last seen and online to adjust who can view your activity status.
- On iOS: Access Settings in the bottom right corner, select Privacy, and then choose Last seen and online.
Within these menus, users can choose to share their status with "Nobody" or other desired restrictions. Selecting "Nobody" or restricting access ensures that the active status indicator remains hidden from other users, maintaining the same level of privacy currently available in the app.
Comparison of Status Indicators
This update reflects a design change. WhatsApp has historically relied on text-based timestamps.
| Feature | Current Implementation | Upcoming Beta Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Status Indicator | Text ("online") | Green dot on profile picture |
| Visibility | Tied to "Last Seen" settings | Tied to "Last Seen" settings |
| Placement | Below contact name | Directly on profile image |
As of late June 2026, the feature is in early development. Meta has not yet provided a confirmed timeline for a global rollout, and the interface remains subject to change based on feedback from the beta testing group.