The main trick to know if your contacts are online on WhatsApp

It is a fact that WhatsApp It is one of the most popular communication applications in the world, used for chatting, working, and shopping. But did you know that there is a trick to knowing if your contacts are online without having to send a message?

See also: How to unfollow people who don't follow you on Instagram

This is because WhatsApp differs from other social networks, such as Facebook and Instagram, in that it does not publicly show users' activity status. The only way to know if someone is online is to see “Online” below the contact name in the conversation.

When WhatsApp does not appear to be connected to the Internet

However, this indicator may not appear for various reasons, such as disconnection, privacy settings, or blocking. Additionally, WhatsApp warns that even by changing your privacy settings, other users will still be able to see when you wrote a message.

How to monitor online contacts on WhatsApp Web

But there is a way to monitor your contacts' online activity more actively, especially if you use WhatsApp Web. Simply install the browser extension called WA Web Plus for WhatsApp, available for Google Chrome and other browsers, such as Microsoft Edge.

Online call notifications with extension

With this extension, you can turn on notifications when certain contacts are online, so you can know when they're available without having to start a conversation.

Risks of using unauthorized extensions

But 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.

Recommendations for safe and responsible use

Therefore, before using this trick, think carefully about the pros and cons and respect the rules of safe and responsible use of technology.

Learn more about the origin and creators of WhatsApp

WhatsApp is an instant messaging and voice calling application for smartphones, founded in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, two former employees of Yahoo. The app originated from the idea of ​​creating a fast and free means of communication, without relying on cell phone operator fees.

So the app's name is a play on the phrase “What's Up?” Which means “What's happening?” in English. Thus, the WhatsApp application achieved global success, reaching more than one billion users in 2016, and it was purchased by Facebook in 2014 for $19 billion.