WhatsApp Green Dot Feature Rolled Out for Online iOS Contacts
WhatsApp has launched a green dot indicator for iOS beta testers to signal when contacts are active. Located in the chat info screen, the feature respects user privacy settings and is expected to become a core component of the upcoming Contacts hub as it rolls out in the coming weeks.
WhatsApp is introducing a new visual indicator for its iOS platform, rolling out a green dot to help users identify when their contacts are currently active. This feature, which serves as a real-time status signal, is currently being made available to a select group of beta testers via the TestFlight programme.
As per a report by WABetaInfo, the green dot appears directly on the profile photo within the chat info screen. When a contact is active on the application, the small green circle displays in the corner of their image, providing an immediate visual cue that the individual is currently online. WhatsApp Username Reservations Now Open, Here Is How To Claim Yours.
Functionality and Privacy Controls
The feature is designed to be intuitive, appearing as soon as a contact is active and disappearing the moment they leave the app. To ensure user privacy, the indicator strictly adheres to existing account settings. If a contact has opted to hide their "last seen" or online status in their privacy configurations, the green dot will not be visible for that user.
Currently, the implementation is restricted to the chat info screen, accessible by tapping a contact's name at the top of a conversation. By placing the indicator in this specific location, WhatsApp allows users to verify availability without cluttering the main chat list or the primary messaging interface.
Future Integration and Rollout
This update aligns with WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to streamline its user interface, particularly as the company develops a new dedicated Contacts hub. The green dot system is expected to serve as a foundational element for this upcoming section, which will eventually list active or recently online contacts in a centralised space. WhatsApp Web Update: Group Voice and Video Calling Feature Now Available for Beta Testers; Supports up to 32 Participants.
The feature is arriving for iOS users following a similar rollout for Android beta testers last month. While the update is currently limited to certain accounts, WhatsApp is expected to expand access to a broader user base in the coming weeks. There is no official confirmation yet regarding when the green dot will be integrated into the stable version of the app for all users.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2026 06:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).