With the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.22.20.9 upgrade, some beta testers are apparently getting the option to mask their online status. This update is said to replace the 'Last seen' option in the Privacy section of your Account settings with the 'Last seen and online' tab. Users may presently change their Last Seen status on WhatsApp. This upgrade will purportedly allow users to control who may see their Last Seen status and when they are online. This update appears to be rolling out gradually to chosen beta testers. The Meta-owned platform has not stated when it expects to expand the distribution.
According to WhatsApp features tracker WABetaInfo, the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.22.20.9 is being steadily handed out. The option to conceal online status is believed to be included in this release. The update, however, is apparently not accessible on the Play Store. Furthermore, WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.22.20.7 is said to be compatible with this new functionality.
WhatsApp beta users must navigate to Settings > Account > Privacy > Last seen and online to utilise this feature. They will be given the choice of showing their online status to 'Everyone' or maintaining their Last Seen status. For example, you might utilise this new option to display your online status to everyone while obscuring your Last Seen status.
WhatsApp was originally thought to be developing the privacy feature in July of this year. In the same month, it was discovered on the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.22.16.12.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and Founder of Meta, said last week that WhatsApp would soon receive three new privacy features, including the aforementioned online status setting. The other two privacy features are the ability to abandon group conversations without alerting other members and the prohibition of screenshots on see once messages.
