WhatsApp Tests ‘Recently Online’ Feature to Show Active Contacts

Highlights

• New ‘Recently Online’ feature tested for WhatsApp beta users.
• Shows contacts active recently, aiding faster communication.
• Privacy settings respected, hiding ‘Last Seen’ users from the list.
• Feature currently available to limited beta testers on Android and iOS.

WhatsApp is experimenting with a handy new capability that could make it easier to connect with your most active contacts on the popular messaging platform.

The company has begun rolling out a ‘Recently Online’ feature to a subset of beta testers on both Android and iOS.

As the name implies, the new section highlights which of your WhatsApp contacts have been active and using the app most recently.

When starting a new chat or initiating a call, you’ll see a list of those who’ve been online within a reasonably recent timeframe.

The ‘Recently Online’ list doesn’t provide a real-time view of currently active users.

However, it does offer a valuable glimpse into which contacts are likely to be more responsive if you reach out with a new message or call request at that moment.

According to WaBetaInfo, the website that discovered the feature in the beta version of the app, your existing privacy settings will also apply to the “Recently Online” list. So, anyone who hides their “Last Seen” or online status in WhatsApp settings won’t be visible to you in this list, ensuring your own privacy preferences still influence your experience.

Privacy Protections Remain

Importantly, WhatsApp confirms that existing privacy controls will still apply to the ‘Recently Online’ functionality.

So any contacts who have enabled the setting to hide their ‘Last Seen’ status or online presence won’t be visible in the new recently active list either.

This ensures the new capability won’t override or bypass any of WhatsApp’s existing privacy tools and preferences that users rely on.

Your own activity status will similarly remain protected based on your configured visibility settings.

Broader Rollout Likely Ahead

For now, the ‘Recently Online’ feature is limited to a small subset of beta testers on both the Android and iOS versions of WhatsApp.

However, its appearance in the latest iOS TestFlight build (v24.9.10.71) suggests a wider public launch could be on the horizon.

If successfully deployed, the new section could drive increased engagement on WhatsApp by making it clearer when your contacts are actively available for quick back-and-forth conversations.

It remains to be seen if it will roll out to all users or remain an optional feature.

FAQs

What is the new ‘Recently Online’ feature in WhatsApp?

WhatsApp’s ‘Recently Online’ feature displays contacts that have been active recently, helping users know who might respond quickly to messages or calls.

How does the ‘Recently Online’ feature affect privacy settings?

This feature respects user privacy settings, so contacts who have chosen to hide their online status or ‘Last Seen’ information will not appear in the ‘Recently Online’ list.

Who can see the ‘Recently Online’ feature in WhatsApp?

Currently, the feature is available to a small group of beta testers on both Android and iOS platforms.

Will the ‘Recently Online’ feature be rolled out to all users?

While it’s currently in beta testing, there are indications from its inclusion in iOS TestFlight builds that a broader rollout could be planned.

What are the benefits of using the ‘Recently Online’ feature?

The feature is designed to enhance engagement by making it easier to connect with contacts likely to reply promptly, thus improving communication efficiency.

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