In August 2022, WhatsApp announced a new privacy-focused upgrade that allows users to customize the visibility of their “Last Seen” status for individual contacts. This feature allows users to hide their “Last Seen” status from specific contacts while still allowing others to see it. In this article, we will guide you through the process of hiding your “Last Seen” status from specific contacts on WhatsApp.
Why Hide Your WhatsApp ‘Last Seen’ Status?
WhatsApp’s “Last Seen” status is a feature that displays the last time a user was active on the app. While this feature can be useful for staying connected with friends and family, some users may prefer to maintain their privacy and not share this information with everyone. By hiding the “Last Seen” status from specific contacts, users have more control over who can see their online activity.
Step-by-Step Guide
To hide your WhatsApp “Last Seen” status from specific contacts, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp Settings
First, open the WhatsApp app on your mobile device and tap on the “Settings” tab located at the bottom of the screen. The “Settings” tab is represented by a cog icon.
Step 2: Access Privacy Settings
Once you are in the “Settings” menu, tap on “Account” and then select “Privacy.”
Step 3: Configure ‘Last Seen’ Visibility
In the “Privacy” settings, locate the “Last Seen” option and tap on it. You will see three options: “Everyone,” “My Contacts,” and “Nobody.” Select “My Contacts Except…” to hide your “Last Seen” status from specific contacts.
Step 4: Select Contacts to Hide ‘Last Seen’ From
After selecting “My Contacts Except…,” you will see a list of your contacts. Choose the contacts from whom you want to hide your “Last Seen” status by tapping on their names. Once you have finished selecting contacts, tap on “Done” in the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 5: Confirm Changes
Congratulations! You have successfully hidden your WhatsApp “Last Seen” status from specific contacts. To confirm the changes, go back to the main screen of the WhatsApp app. Your selected contacts will no longer be able to see your “Last Seen” status.
Additional Tips
Update WhatsApp: If you do not see the “My Contacts Except…” option in the “Last Seen” menu, make sure you have updated WhatsApp to the latest version. Sometimes, new features are only available in the latest updates.
Revisit Privacy Settings: If you change your mind and want to allow specific contacts to see your “Last Seen” status again, you can always go back to the privacy settings then exclude them from the list “My Contacts Except…”.
Keep in Mind: Hiding your “Last Seen” status will also prevent you from seeing the “Last Seen” status of the contacts you have selected to hide from. It is a two-way privacy feature.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s new update allows users to hide their “Last Seen” status from specific contacts, giving them more control over their privacy. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily adjust your privacy settings and hide your “Last Seen” status from certain contacts. Remember to keep your WhatsApp app up to date to access the latest features and options.
Now that you know how to hide your WhatsApp “Last Seen” status from specific contacts, you can enjoy a more private and controlled messaging experience. Keep in mind that privacy settings are personal, and it is important to find the balance that suits your needs. Happy messaging!