WhatsApp Beta Introduces New Green Dot for Online Contacts

WhatsApp is rolling out a new visual cue for online contacts in its latest beta version for iOS. A small green dot now appears in the corner of a contact's profile picture when they are actively using the app. This indicator disappears once the contact exits WhatsApp, providing a real-time view of their online status.

This new feature, previously tested with some beta users on Android, simplifies the way users can see who is currently active. It replaces the older text-based status that appeared below the contact's profile picture. Currently, the green dot is visible only on the chat info screen, accessed by tapping a contact's name at the top of a conversation. It does not yet appear on the main chat list or within conversations themselves.

WhatsApp is implementing this change while respecting existing privacy settings. The green dot will not be displayed for contacts who have chosen to hide their last seen time and online status. This means users retain control over whether others can see their activity within the app.

The introduction of the green dot may be linked to WhatsApp's ongoing development of a new contact screen for both Android and iOS. This planned screen is expected to display contacts who are currently online or have been recently active. The green dot could serve as an early preview of how contact availability will be presented in the app. The feature is gradually being rolled out to beta testers, and WhatsApp has not yet announced a release date for its availability to all users in the stable version.