WhatsApp tests green online-status dot in Android beta

WhatsApp is testing a green dot indicator that appears over a contact's profile photo when that person is currently online, according to details from the Android beta program. The feature is available to a limited number of testers using WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.24.5. When a user opens a contact's chat information screen, the green dot appears on the profile photo of anyone who is actively online. The company previously displayed the word "online" as text in the same area and is now replacing that text with the visual marker, making it easier to spot active users at a glance. The indicator will respect existing privacy settings, meaning it will not appear for users who have hidden their last-seen and online status. WhatsApp is also developing a separate "Contacts Hub" section designed to sort contacts by online or recent-activity status, with plans for the new section to integrate with the green-dot feature. The rollout is expected to expand gradually over the coming weeks, though the company has not announced a release date for the stable version.