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Original poster

To ask you about these new WhatsApp privacy settings

125 replies

oatmilkicedchai · 04/09/2022 12:41

Does anyone know when the new WhatsApp privacy settings are coming in?

I am waiting to be able to change my settings so that no-one can see when I am online. Best privacy update ever IMO! Does mean can also no longer spy on a partner we might be suspicious of though haha. Yes I have trust issues but am currently single.

Anyway, I would just like to be able to be online writing and reading messages without other friends wondering why my status is online, I find it pressured and anxiety-inducing.

Anyone know when the new feature kicks in?

OP posts:
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Original poster
oatmilkicedchai · 04/09/2022 12:43

*others wondering why my status is online but I haven't gotten around to replying to them specifically. And yes before people are salty about it - I KNOW that is ridiculous behaviour - but that's just the way it is with a couple of my friends - plus I am an anxious person generally so that doesn't help!

OP posts:
CherieBabySpliffUp · 04/09/2022 12:44

I thought you could do that already wrt other people not being able to see when you're online.

Original poster
oatmilkicedchai · 04/09/2022 12:46

CherieBabySpliffUp · 04/09/2022 12:44

I thought you could do that already wrt other people not being able to see when you're online.

No, that's only 'last seen', which you can currently switch off yes. But not the 'online' status when you are online at that moment in time - that's available for everyone to see. Unfortunately.

OP posts:
CherieBabySpliffUp · 04/09/2022 12:46

Isn't it the "last seen" option under security settings?

CameraSly · 04/09/2022 12:48

As far as I'm aware you've always been able to turn off read receipts- isn't that the same thing?

Original poster
oatmilkicedchai · 04/09/2022 12:48

CameraSly · 04/09/2022 12:48

As far as I'm aware you've always been able to turn off read receipts- isn't that the same thing?

No, not the same thing. Those are settings that show whether or not a message has been read, not whether a particular user is online.

OP posts:
Original poster
oatmilkicedchai · 04/09/2022 12:49

CherieBabySpliffUp · 04/09/2022 12:46

Isn't it the "last seen" option under security settings?

No - that is when you were last active online, and yes can be switched off.

But currently no option to turn off the display that shows you as being 'online' under your name in a chat window, when you are online at that very moment in time.

OP posts:
Isittrueornot · 04/09/2022 12:53

That’s interesting. How do I know if I’ve got it? What would it be under in WhatsApp?

AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair · 04/09/2022 12:55

You can switch off online, status, I've never had mine on

Original poster
oatmilkicedchai · 04/09/2022 12:56

Isittrueornot · 04/09/2022 12:53

That’s interesting. How do I know if I’ve got it? What would it be under in WhatsApp?

It is under 'settings' - 'account' - 'privacy' . It has not come out in the UK yet though (is due imminently) so if you are here I would think you do not have it yet.

OP posts:
Original poster
oatmilkicedchai · 04/09/2022 12:56

AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair · 04/09/2022 12:55

You can switch off online, status, I've never had mine on

No you can't :) That is last seen status. Not at all the same thing!

OP posts:
starbaby858 · 04/09/2022 12:57

You’re gonna regret you posted on here OP. Most people on here don’t seem to understand how whatsapp actually works.

I didn’t know they were introducing a feature to no longer show when you’re online messaging other people. That’s so good😭 I hate when I get messages like, ‘but you were online when I sent a message so why did it take you so long to reply?’ Like pls leave me alone!

When you find out when the feature will be introduced, pls let me know!

Sunnyqueen · 04/09/2022 12:58

You can definitely do that already

BeenHereForYonkyDoodles · 04/09/2022 13:03

I understand you OP. I'm also waiting for the new changes so I can quietly exit a few wattsapp groups without it automatically notifying the rest of the group.
As far as I know the updates haven't kicked in yet. Please hurry up wattsapp!

starbaby858 · 04/09/2022 13:05

Sunnyqueen · 04/09/2022 12:58

You can definitely do that already

@Sunnyqueen no you can’t.

You can go into settings and decide whether you want your last seen to be shown on whatsapp. However whenever you’re online, it will show that if someone clicks on your name to message you. It’s two different things

Isittrueornot · 04/09/2022 13:06

This is too exciting!!

Gioia1 · 04/09/2022 13:12

last seen option. Select my contacts except. First tick all contacts then untick the contacts you want to see you online.

NippyWoowoo · 04/09/2022 13:18

Oooh I didn't know about this! I'm also keen to be able to switch off online. Going to have a read on it!

PrettyPrim · 04/09/2022 13:22

You can definitely do it already. I have several family members and a few friends that have done it. It DOESN'T show last seen.. it just shows their name with no online status at all.

NippyWoowoo · 04/09/2022 13:23

PrettyPrim · 04/09/2022 13:22

You can definitely do it already. I have several family members and a few friends that have done it. It DOESN'T show last seen.. it just shows their name with no online status at all.

If you're typing a message to them and they come online, you can decide see it 😇

greenflamingo · 04/09/2022 13:24

Go to Account/Privacy/Status.

greenflamingo · 04/09/2022 13:25

Scrap that! Thought it was online status but it’s not.

Isittrueornot · 04/09/2022 13:25

Last seen and currently “online” are two dogs things. You can hide one but not the other. People want the online hidden which only shows up when they are on the app. Last seen is something differnt

NippyWoowoo · 04/09/2022 13:25

To clarify for everyone, you've never been able to hide your online status, otherwise it wouldn't be a new feature!

hide online status

To ask you about these new WhatsApp privacy settings
ItsHitTheFanNow · 04/09/2022 13:27

Omg, how can so many people not understand!

Last seen and online are two completely different things!