WhatsApp is testing a new Green Dot live online indicator for iPhone users, making it easier to identify contacts who are currently active on the platform. The feature is currently available to a limited group of beta testers through the latest iOS beta version and is expected to roll out to more users after successful testing.
The update aims to improve real-time communication while continuing to respect WhatsApp’s existing privacy settings.
WhatsApp Introduces Green Dot Online Indicator
According to recent beta reports, WhatsApp has started testing a green dot indicator that appears on a contact’s profile photo whenever they are actively using the app.
The feature is included in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.26.10.72, available through Apple’s TestFlight program. Instead of opening a chat to check whether someone is online, users can quickly identify active contacts through this new visual indicator.
The green dot currently appears only on the Contact Info page, making it easier to know whether a contact is available before starting a conversation.
How the Green Dot Feature Works
The green dot serves as a visual representation of a user’s online status. When a contact is actively using WhatsApp and has allowed others to see their online status, a small green dot appears on their profile picture.
Unlike the existing “Online” label that only appears inside an open chat, the new indicator lets users identify active contacts without entering the conversation.
At this stage, the feature has not been added to the main chat list or contact list, but WhatsApp could expand its availability in future beta updates based on user feedback.
Privacy Settings Remain Fully Protected
WhatsApp has designed the feature to work within its existing privacy framework.
If a user has disabled their Last Seen & Online visibility through WhatsApp’s privacy settings, the green dot will not appear to other users. Similarly, WhatsApp prevents anyone who lacks permission to view a user’s online status from seeing the indicator.
This ensures the feature does not expose any additional information beyond what users have already chosen to share. The update maintains WhatsApp’s long-standing focus on balancing convenience with user privacy.
Similar to Other Popular Messaging Apps
Several messaging platforms already use visual indicators to show when users are online. Apps such as Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and Telegram display a green dot or similar status indicator to help users identify active contacts instantly.
With this addition, WhatsApp is adopting a familiar interface that many users already recognize, making conversations faster and more convenient.
Currently Available to Beta Testers
The Green Dot online indicator is still under development and is currently available only to selected beta testers running WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.26.10.72.
As with all beta features, WhatsApp will gather feedback, fix any issues, and make improvements before deciding on a wider rollout. There is currently no official timeline for when the feature will become available to all iPhone users or Android devices.
Read Also: Reserve Your WhatsApp Username Before Official Global Rollout
WhatsApp Continues to Expand New Features
WhatsApp is currently testing the Green Dot indicator along with several other new features. The company is also working on updates including:
- Username support without sharing phone numbers
- View-once text messages
- Improved Meta AI privacy controls
- Enhanced chat management features
- Additional tools to improve messaging and user experience
These updates demonstrate WhatsApp’s ongoing effort to modernize the platform while maintaining its emphasis on security and privacy.
When Will the Green Dot Feature Be Released?
WhatsApp has not announced an official release date for the Green Dot online indicator. Since the feature is still in beta testing, it may undergo changes before reaching the stable version of the app.
If testing succeeds, WhatsApp will roll out the feature to iPhone users first, then release it to Android users in a future update.
Conclusion
The new Green Dot live online indicator is a small but practical addition that can make conversations on WhatsApp more efficient. By allowing users to quickly identify active contacts without opening chats, the feature enhances convenience while preserving the privacy controls that users already rely on.
Although WhatsApp currently limits the feature to beta testers, it has the potential to become a useful addition for millions of users once the company officially releases it.
