WhatsApp is one of the most popular communication applications in the world, whether for chatting, work, or even shopping. But did you know that there is a trick to check if your contacts are online without having to send a message?
Unlike other social networks, such as Facebook and Instagram, WhatsApp does not display users' activity status publicly. The only way to know if someone is online is to look for an “online” sign under the contact’s name during a conversation.
However, this indicator may not appear for various reasons, such as disconnection, privacy settings, or blocking. Additionally, WhatsApp warns that even when you change your privacy settings, other users will still be able to see what you write.
However, there is a way to monitor your contacts' online activity more actively, especially if it is WhatsApp Web. The secret is to install the browser extension called WA Web Plus for WhatsApp, which is available for Google Chrome and other browsers, such as Microsoft Edge.
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With this extension, you can enable notifications when certain contacts are online, letting you know when they're available without having to start a conversation.
However, it is important to be careful: using this extension may pose risks to your online privacy and security. Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, does not recommend using unauthorized apps or extensions, as they may violate the platform's rules and expose your personal data.
So, before using this trick, think about the pros and cons and respect the rules of safe and responsible use of technology.
Edward Langley is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developing stories. His work highlights issues, trends and events that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessible journalism.