Since the beginning of message exchange, Whats up We’ve improved our conversations by including calls and even payments, as well as allowing exchange of audio and video. Despite the simplicity and agility, WhatsApp has also brought up the discussion of a new form of control over its users and distrust of the privacy the tool offers.
The default is that every time you access the app, your contacts can see an indication that you’re online in the conversation window. So far, there is no option to completely hide this with the tool’s own settings, but there are apps, extensions and some tips that can make the use of messenger more private for other users.
1. Settings to not appear online on WhatsApp
One way not to appear online on WhatsApp is to select notifications and replies directly via shortcuts; that is, if you can reply to messages using the fields in the notifications, you will not need to open the app and as a result the status will not appear.
On Android phones, you can access the WhatsApp “Settings” menu and select “Notifications”. Next, enable the “High priority notifications” option. In this way, incoming messages will appear at the top of the screen and you will be able to reply from the same box.
On iPhone, the same setting is found in the “Notifications” menu, where you select “In-App Notifications”. Thus, it is possible to opt for banners or alerts that allow messages to be read and replied to without the need to open WhatsApp.
2. How to use Airplane Mode to not appear online on WhatsApp?
If you prefer to open the app to see all messages with peace of mind, another way to not appear online on WhatsApp is to enable Airplane Mode on your phone. This option disables data usage over Wi-Fi and mobile network, leaving the smartphone without internet access.
Besides not receiving new messages, the app is offline and cannot detect your usage or whether you are online, typing or other information you are active in.
3. Google Chrome extension to pull back WhatsApp online
For those who use the web version of WhatsApp, Google Chrome has an extension that suppresses the user’s online status, among which there are many settings.
WA Web Plus For WhatsApp can be downloaded from the Google Chrome Web Store. Once installed, it provides options to disable the online status and the “write” message. To use it, simply refresh the page after configuration and upload the changes.
The extension offers more changes to ensure privacy, such as blurring on-screen messages, recovering deleted messages, and a report with usage information. This option is also available for WhatsApp Business.
4. Apps to hide WhatsApp online status
There are other apps for Android users that can completely hide the online status and make the tool easier to use.
flychat
Flychat connects with your other messaging apps and displays chat notifications as bubbles on the screen. That way, you don’t need to open the app so people don’t know you’re online. This option is free, but offers in-app purchases.
unseen
Unseen allows you to reply to messages without appearing “online” in your status. It also has the option to reply to notifications directly, but lets you reply directly on the screen of messaging apps like WhatsApp. It’s free, but you can make in-app purchases.
5. Is it safe to use WhatsApp GB APK to get online status?
In addition to the Android options available in the Google Web Store, there is WhatsApp GB, an APK file that can be installed on the device. Using this app is not recommended as it has not passed the store’s security checks, which guarantees use without damaging the smartphone.
To use it, you need to search for its name on Google, download the file and transfer it to your mobile phone. This APK appears in WhatsApp with the “WhatsApp GB” option in the menu. By clicking on it, simply enable the “Hide last seen” and “typing” indicators.
6. More options to go offline
Apart from presenting the message that the contact is online, WhatsApp also has “Last seen” information that shows the time the app was viewed and can deliver when active. It is possible to change the privacy settings in WhatsApp itself to disable identification:
- iOS: click Settings > Account > Privacy. In the “Last seen” option, select “Nobody”.
- android: Entrance Menu (three dots) > Settings > Account and go to “Privacy”. This menu also has the “Last seen” option which can be changed to “Nobody”.
Source: Tec Mundo
