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Original poster

Is there a way to stop me showing “online” on WhatsApp?

27 replies

SophieSoSo · 03/05/2022 14:59

Just that really!

I have hidden my last seen, but is there a way that I can not show as Online when using the app? iPhone if that matters.

OP posts:
Matchingcollarandcuffs · 03/05/2022 15:02

I think combo of turning off read receipts and then sharing in the privacy section in account settings

Is there a way to stop me showing “online” on WhatsApp?
Original poster
SophieSoSo · 03/05/2022 15:04

I thought that but those are my exact settings now and I’m still showing as online ☹️

OP posts:
ExtraordinaryBehaviour · 03/05/2022 15:06

No I don't think so. I also have no read receipts, no last seen etc but when in online it still shows. You can turn off Internet and read the messages then it won't show online.

Original poster
SophieSoSo · 03/05/2022 15:08

Thought so. Trying to “hide” from an ex who is using other numbers (his is blocked) and seems to pounce as soon as I appear online.

OP posts:
giftswap2021 · 03/05/2022 15:09

I think you go to settings, account, privacy, last seen, nobody? That should do it?

Is there a way to stop me showing “online” on WhatsApp?
CornishPorsche · 03/05/2022 15:09

Turn off the "last seen" option.

CornishPorsche · 03/05/2022 15:10

This one:

Is there a way to stop me showing “online” on WhatsApp?
Original poster
SophieSoSo · 03/05/2022 15:11

Last seen has been off for ages, I’ve set it to nobody, set status to only certain people…still bloody showing online!! 😩

OP posts:
StrangeCondition · 03/05/2022 15:14

There's no way of not showing you're online. The only way to be sure he can't see you is to change your number

CornishPorsche · 03/05/2022 15:16

Turn it all off, rather than certain people. Read receipts, status, last seen, location, the lot.

And every time he contacts you, block the number.

Have you reported him to the police yet for harassment? Tell him if he doesn't stop, that's what will happen next. Then do it.

Original poster
SophieSoSo · 03/05/2022 15:29

StrangeCondition · 03/05/2022 15:14

There's no way of not showing you're online. The only way to be sure he can't see you is to change your number

I’m self employed and need it for work or I would x

OP posts:
Original poster
SophieSoSo · 03/05/2022 15:30

CornishPorsche · 03/05/2022 15:16

Turn it all off, rather than certain people. Read receipts, status, last seen, location, the lot.

And every time he contacts you, block the number.

Have you reported him to the police yet for harassment? Tell him if he doesn't stop, that's what will happen next. Then do it.

I’ve done this also.

Its only started since last night, so I haven’t contacted the police yet but I definitely will if he messages again.

OP posts:
Matchingcollarandcuffs · 03/05/2022 15:34

poor you that's awful

Burgerqueenbee · 03/05/2022 15:53

Turn off your wifi/data connection before opening the app. You can read and reply to messages and then exit the app, turn on wifi/data and the messages will send without having shown you as online Smile

pedropony76 · 03/05/2022 15:57

The comments😂😂 why are people giving advice when they don’t know what they’re talking about?

No way to turn off the ‘online’ thing at all and it’s super annoying. This is the best thing, ‘Turn off your wifi/data connection before opening the app. You can read and reply to messages and then exit the app, turn on wifi/data and the messages will send without having shown you as online.’

However sometimes I find when I come off of whatsapp the message hasn’t sent even tho I’ve put my wifi back on. I have to jump back on whatsapp for literally 0.2 seconds for the message to send. However if you’re constantly using whatsapp for work then this just isn’t feasible

Thethingswedoforlove · 03/05/2022 16:12

If you don’t have their number stored in your phone then they can’t see when you are online. It’s a reasonably recent change.

Original poster
SophieSoSo · 03/05/2022 16:48

Thethingswedoforlove · 03/05/2022 16:12

If you don’t have their number stored in your phone then they can’t see when you are online. It’s a reasonably recent change.

You can. Just tested this theory with my old iPhone - I’m not a saved contact and I’m still showing online.

Like PP said I don’t think it can be done x

OP posts:
Windbeneathmybingowings · 03/05/2022 16:50

You can open a conversation with anyone, and see if they are online. Same as they can with you. The only way to prevent someone seeing you online is to block them.

pedropony76 · 03/05/2022 17:06

Thethingswedoforlove · 03/05/2022 16:12

If you don’t have their number stored in your phone then they can’t see when you are online. It’s a reasonably recent change.

This literally isn’t true

MySleevesMayBeGreen · 03/05/2022 17:09

You could try putting it in ‘Aeroplane mode’, read your messages, reply and then swipe it off again and your messages will send but you won’t show as online. (I think!)

MySleevesMayBeGreen · 03/05/2022 17:10

Come out of WhatsApp and then swipe off the Aeroplane mode

Thethingswedoforlove · 03/05/2022 22:02

I’m so sorry for giving false information. I honestly thought it was true based on the two phones I have (one for work, one personal) and some tests I have run because I am also trying to avoid someone. I don’t know what I did wrong but clearly I did and I’m sorry. I really hope you manage to find a way to feel less threatened. It’s so horrible. I totally get it.

nearlyspringyay · 03/05/2022 22:03

I've turned off all my seen by settings and no one can see me, just means I can't see them either.

123walrus · 03/05/2022 22:12

@Thethingswedoforlove is correct. I am trying to find the Tweet from WhatsApp from December last year but they changed it so that online/last seen is only visible if you have their number saved in your phone or if there’s been one or more message(s) sent between you. The latter might explain why the OP can see her online status from an old phone.