Since WhatsApp entered daily life in 2009, instant messaging apps have evolved to enhance how users connect. Over the years, these updates have reshaped the experience, turning simple chats into a richer, more efficient communication tool.
Among the most notable changes was the introduction of audio messages. Many users now rely on voice notes for speed and convenience, and while some people love the feature, others wish for faster playback options or clearer controls. WhatsApp, the world’s most widely used instant messaging app with billions of downloads, has continued to expand its audio features to meet various needs while keeping conversations lively and expressive.
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WhatsApp has also faced scrutiny for certain updates. The blue double-check mark, which indicates message delivery and reading, sparked debates about privacy and user autonomy. Some users welcomed the transparency, while others preferred more control over their visibility. The ongoing conversation about privacy has driven users to explore ways to customize their experience and choose what others can see.
In response, WhatsApp introduced options to disable the blue ticks, providing a practical way to protect privacy. The latest improvements push even further, offering new configurations that give users more influence over their presence in chats. This article explains what these changes involve and how to enable them on a device.
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The newest update allows users to hide the online status. This feature has long been anticipated and is now available, giving users more discretion about when they appear active. Meta Platforms chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg announced the feature, which lets people decide who can see their online status and who cannot, adding a layer of privacy and control to everyday messaging.
Edit text messages after sending
The latest feature has started to roll out to Android beta testers, in versions 2.22.20.9 and 2.22.20.7. Currently, access is limited to beta users via the app settings, with options to select who can view the edited details such as the last seen and online status. This privacy-centric move means users can refine what others can observe after a message is sent, aligning with evolving expectations around digital communication.
With these permissions, users can curate a list of contacts who have the right to view their status details after edits, enhancing control over personal information and presence in chats.
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At present, the privacy update is available to beta testers, while developers anticipate a broader rollout in the coming weeks. To hide the online status, users should open the app settings, navigate to the account area, then privacy. There, the option to hide the last seen or online status can be configured, and users can choose who gets to see their activity while they are online.