WhatsApp is testing a way for users to hide their online status

Following the WhatsApp version 2.22.20.9 upgrade for Android, beta testers report receiving online status-related privacy choices. The capability was discovered in development on iOS in July, and then tested on Android later that month.

The settings in the current beta allow you better control over who can see when you're online and when you last checked WhatsApp.

You may choose who can view your Last seen status by going to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy > Last seen and online and selecting one of four options: everyone, my contacts, my contacts (excluding chosen ones), and nobody.

You may replicate the setting for your "last seen" status above for your online status visibility on the app, or just choose the "everyone" option, so anybody in a conversation can see when you're online.

WhatsApp warns you that hiding your online and Last seen statuses will prevent you from seeing others' statuses, same as hiding your read receipts from others would prevent you from seeing blue tick marks.

Of course, it's up to you to decide whether surfing WhatsApp in ghost mode all the time is a smart idea.

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The new beta functionality is being rolled out to testers. In addition to version 2.22.20.9, version 2.22.20.7 beta appears to have these features. There's no indication of when or if they'll become available on the stable app.

WhatsApp has been steadily adding new features and enhancements, such as improving group chat capabilities, providing group admins greater power, and making chats more participatory.