WhatsApp Working on Smarter Contact Activity Features
WhatsApp appears to be developing a new feature aimed at simplifying the way users check who is currently online. The update, currently spotted in beta versions of the app, could improve convenience for quick communication — although some users may raise questions about privacy.
Recent findings from the Android beta release (version 2.26.13.3) reveal that WhatsApp is experimenting with a system that displays active contacts in a single view. Instead of opening chats one by one to check whether someone is online, users may soon be able to see available contacts instantly.
At the moment, WhatsApp only shows a person's online status or "last seen" information inside an individual conversation. If someone is active, the app labels them as "online" at the top of the chat window. Otherwise, users may see the last time that contact used the app — provided those privacy settings are enabled.
The feature first appeared in testing on Android, but signs of the same functionality have now surfaced in the iOS beta version 26.20.10.70 through TestFlight.
A Faster Way to Reach Available Contacts
The planned feature seems designed to reduce the hassle of checking multiple chats when trying to contact several people quickly. Whether coordinating plans, handling urgent matters, or messaging a group, repeatedly opening conversations to see who is active can slow things down.
To address this, WhatsApp is reportedly creating a dedicated "Contacts hub." This section would gather contact activity and management tools into one place inside the app.
According to reports, the hub may sit beneath the user profile area in settings and could include:
- A favourites section for quick access to selected contacts
- A list showing recently active users
- Green indicators highlighting contacts currently online
- Activity-based ordering that places active users first
People who are online would appear at the top of the list, while others would be arranged according to their most recent activity.
The new section may also expand contact management options. Users could potentially:
- Search for contacts directly inside the hub
- Add contacts using phone numbers or QR codes
- Edit favourite contacts whenever needed
- Switch to alphabetical sorting instead of activity-based sorting
Privacy Settings Will Still Apply
Although the feature focuses on visibility and accessibility, WhatsApp is expected to keep existing privacy controls fully intact.
Users who choose to hide their online presence or "last seen" information will reportedly remain invisible in the activity list. Likewise, anyone limiting who can view their activity will continue to have those restrictions respected inside the Contacts hub.
The feature is still under development for both Android and iOS beta testers, and WhatsApp has not yet announced an official release date. Once testing is complete, the company is expected to roll it out gradually in a future update.
If introduced widely, the tool could significantly change how users find and connect with active contacts on the platform.
