New Delhi: WhatsApp is testing a new feature that could change how users track their contacts’ activity on the platform, allowing them to view a consolidated list of all online users in one place.
The feature is currently being tested in Android beta version 2.26.13.3, with early indications that it will also be rolled out on iOS. It introduces a centralised hub displaying contacts who are currently online, followed by those who were recently active.
At present, users must open individual chat windows to check whether a contact is online. The new feature is expected to streamline this process by offering a scrollable list within the app’s settings menu, enabling users to initiate conversations directly from the list.
Contacts in the list will be prioritised based on their activity status, with indicators such as “online” or timestamps like “5 minutes ago”. Users will also be able to sort the list alphabetically or by activity level.
The company has said the feature will respect existing privacy settings. Contacts who have disabled their “last seen” visibility will not appear in the list, ensuring user control over visibility remains intact.
Similar features already exist on competing platforms. Telegram offers a view of frequently contacted users who are online, while Facebook Messenger includes an “active” tab, though it often incorporates additional content. Signal, by contrast, maintains a simpler interface.
Testing is ongoing, and no official release date has been announced. Typically, features trialled in beta versions are rolled out to the wider user base within a few months.
The update is expected to be particularly useful for users managing large groups or relying on WhatsApp for professional communication, though casual users may see limited change given existing online indicators within chats.
