How to hide your ‘Last seen’ & online status on WhatsApp: Quick guide

In a world where staying connected is easier than ever, instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp have become essential for keeping in touch with friends and family. However, sometimes we might want to maintain our privacy and control over when we appear online or when we were last active. 

If you’re not aware, WhatsApp offers settings that allow you to manage your visibility on the platform, giving you the freedom to decide when to show your online status and when to keep it hidden.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple steps to hide your last seen and online status on WhatsApp. Whether you prefer to browse messages in peace without others knowing or wish to maintain your privacy while using the app, we’ve got you covered. 

Also read: Want to create a WhatsApp Channel? Here’s how to do it

What does last seen and online status mean on WhatsApp?

The last seen and online status on WhatsApp indicates when your contacts were last active on the platform or if they are currently using it.

When a contact is online, it means they have WhatsApp open on their device and are connected to the internet, but it doesn’t guarantee that they have seen your message. On the other hand, last seen refers to the time the contact was last active on WhatsApp.

Privacy settings allow users to control who can view their last seen and online status. You might not be able to see someone’s last seen or online status unless they have you saved as a contact or have messaged you previously.

Also read: How to format text on WhatsApp: Bold, italic, strikethrough & more 

How to hide your last seen and online status on WhatsApp

How to hide your last seen and online status on WhatsApp from Android

Step 1: Open the WhatsApp app.

Step 2: Tap the three vertical dots present at the top right corner./

Step 3: Tap the Setting option.

Step 4: Select the Privacy option.

Step 5: Tap the Last seen and online option.

Step 6: Now, you can set who can see your last seen and online status.

How to hide your last seen and online status on WhatsApp from iOS

Step 1: Open the WhatsApp app.

Step 2: Tap Settings.

Step 3: Now, select the Privacy option.

Step 4: Tap the Last seen and online option.

Step 5: Choose who can see your last seen and online status.

It’s important to note that if you choose not to share your last seen or online status on WhatsApp, you won’t be able to view the last seen or online status of other users either. If you opt to share your last seen or online status with “Everyone” in your privacy settings, only individuals you’ve previously messaged, called, or saved as a contact will be able to see when you were last active or currently online on the platform. Also, people online in a chat thread with you can see when you’re typing.

Reasons for not seeing someone’s last seen or online status on WhatsApp

1. They might have set their privacy settings to hide this information.
2. You might have set your privacy settings to not share your last seen. If you don’t share your last seen, you can’t see other contacts’ last seen.
3. They might have blocked you.
4. You might not have chatted with them before.
5. They might not have you saved as a contact. Or, you might not have them saved as a contact.