The team behind WhatsApp, part of the Meta family, has been putting in the work to make the app more user-friendly across various devices. This includes enabling features like moving chats from an Android to an iPhone, even without internet access and having the choice to change font sizes and the speed of voice notes.
As concerns about data protection and online privacy have taken centre stage in public discourse over the past few years, this has nudged the folks at Meta to review and improve their platform. They’ve been re-examining their privacy protocols and are currently in the process of beta testing new features that are more in tune with what users want and need today.
A recurring complaint from many WhatsApp users is the automatic ‘online’ status that pops up whenever the app is opened, even for the briefest moment. This could lead others to believe you’re readily available to chat when, in reality, you might just be quickly checking something or busy playing some online cryptoball shooter games and just want a break. If this resonates with you and you’re looking to maintain an ‘offline’ appearance on WhatsApp, rest assured, the process is simpler than you might think.
In this how-to article, we outline how you can get rid of your ‘last seen’ and ‘online’ status on WhatsApp. This not only reinforces your online privacy but also discourages the overly curious from keeping tabs on you and assuming you’re blanking them when you’re really just busy. Use Telegram instead? We’ve got you covered here.
What is the ‘Online Status’?
Imagine your ‘online status’ on WhatsApp as a virtual neon sign hanging outside your digital storefront. It gleams brightly when you’re active, informing your contacts that you’re currently inside, browsing through the app.
When you’re not, it makes note and displays the last time you used the app. It’s essentially your personal ‘Open’ or ‘Closed’ notice for your WhatsApp activity, helping your contacts see if you’re available on the app.
How to Become a Master of Disguise on WhatsApp
It’s understandable if you feel this is a little intrusive. Luckily, hiding on WhatsApp isn’t as complicated as a magic trick. Here are two main ways you can make your online status disappear:
Go Invisible to Everyone
Just like Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak, you can hide from everyone by changing a couple of settings. To do this:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap on the three dots in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings”.
- Tap on “Account”.
- Tap on “Privacy”.
- Tap on “Last seen”.
- Select “Nobody”.
Hide from Certain Contacts
Sometimes you’re just not in the mood to talk, and need some quality time to yourself but you know as soon as you appear “online” someone will pop up to talk about their day. WhatsApp has thought of this; you can block your online status from specific people. If you’re wanting to do this, go to:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap on the three dots in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings”.
- Tap on “Account”.
- Tap on “Privacy”.
- Tap on “Status”.
- Select “My contacts except…”.
- Tap on the circle next to the contacts from whom you want to hide your status updates.
- Tap on the green checkmark in the top right corner.
The After-Effects of Hiding Your Online Status
Keep in mind that your profile image and status update will still be visible to others. Also, if someone managed to note when you were last online before changing your status to hidden, that knowledge is already in their head, and we can’t hide that! Some people might be upset to find you’re hiding from them, but it’s important to prioritise your own wellbeing.
Can You Tell If Someone Has Hidden Their Online Status?
As curious as we might be, there’s no way to figure out if someone has hidden their online status just for you, or for everyone. If they’ve chosen to be ‘invisible’, they will always appear offline to you.
Why Hide Your Online Status?
We all have moments when we crave a bit of digital solitude. Here are a few reasons why you might want to tuck your online status away:
- A Space of Your Own: You might like the idea of strolling through the digital world unobserved. Hiding your online status on WhatsApp allows you the freedom to use the app at your own rhythm, without broadcasting your online movements to everyone.
- Dodging the Rush: Ever feel bombarded by the relentless ‘ping’ of incoming messages or the weight of expected instant responses? Going ‘invisible’ can ease some of that stress and give you some breathing space.
- Quality Time with Your To-Do List: If you’re striving to focus on other tasks, making yourself scarce on WhatsApp can help reduce interruptions and keep you from compulsively checking messages.
Mastering your privacy settings on WhatsApp shouldn’t be a mind-bender. Everyone deserves to feel safe, and that starts with being informed. You can read more about online safety and hacking applications for WhatsApp on Startup.info. Hopefully, this guide has illuminated the path to managing your online visibility.
If you have any further questions or if there’s anything else you’re curious about, please reach out. We’re all navigating this digital universe together, after all. Here’s to a more private and pleasant messaging experience!