How to See If Someone Is Online on WhatsApp [Proven Methods]

Megan Evans Megan Evans

May 14, 2025 10:18 am

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Wondering how to know if someone is online on WhatsApp? You're not alone. WhatsApp's online status feature makes it easier to stay connected, but sometimes it can be tricky to tell if someone is actively using the app, especially when privacy settings are involved. In this guide, we’ll show you simple ways to check if someone is online and introduce the best WhatsApp online tracker to help you get notified when a contact comes online — even if they have hidden their status.

how to know if someone is online on whatsapp

How to Know If Someone Is Online on WhatsApp[4 Easy Ways]

1. Open the Chat with the Person to View the Online Status

One of the most direct ways how to know if someone is online on WhatsApp is by checking their online status during a conversation. Simply open the WhatsApp app on your device, scroll through your chat list, and find the person's account. Tap to open the chat with them. If the person is currently active, you will see “online” displayed beneath their name. However, you can only view this if they have made their online status visible. Otherwise, you might see “last seen” instead, indicating the last time they accessed WhatsApp, rather than their current activity.

2. Message the Person and Check Read Receipt

Another way to figure out how to know if someone is online on WhatsApp is by sending a message and checking the read receipt. If the recipient has enabled read receipts, you will see two blue checkmarks along with a recent timestamp after they read your message. This suggests that they were recently active or still online.

However, the absence of blue checkmarks does not necessarily mean the person is offline. They could be browsing statuses, checking messages without opening them, or simply ignoring the chat. A single gray checkmark means the message was sent, while two gray checkmarks mean it was delivered.

3. Check Other Online Activities or Indicators

Even if someone hides their online status, you can still collect clues based on their activities. Uploading a new status, changing a profile picture, deleting messages, or participating in group chats are strong indicators that a person is currently active on WhatsApp.

Additionally, if you notice the “typing...” indicator when you open a chat, it’s a sign that the person is online and engaging with the app in real-time.

4. Third-part WhatsApp Online Checker

For those who want a more consistent method how to know if someone is online on WhatsApp, third-party WhatsApp online checkers can be a solution. These tools offer real-time monitoring and can send notifications when a user comes online.

Some third-party apps even bypass privacy settings to reveal online activity. However, it’s important to use such tools cautiously, as they may violate WhatsApp’s privacy policies or pose security risks to your device.

How to Get Notification When Someone Is Online on WhatsApp?

One of the easiest ways how to get notification when someone is online on WhatsApp is by using the app's built-in settings. WhatsApp provides an option that allows users to receive alerts when their contacts come online. This method is straightforward, free, and does not require any third-party tools.

Step 1. Launch WhatsApp on your device. Tap the three dots located at the toright corner of the screen to access the menu, then select "Settings."

Step 2. Navigate to Notifications. In the Settings menu, tap on "Notifications." This section displays a variety of customizable notification options for your WhatsApp account.

Navigate to Notifications

Step 3. Scroll down until you find the “Online” notification option. Toggle the switch next to it to enable online notifications.

Once this option is activated, you will receive a notification every time a contact in your list comes online on WhatsApp.

It’s important to note that this method only works if the contact has not hidden their online status. If the contact has disabled their online visibility, you will not receive a notification when they come online. Additionally, this setting can also notify you when the contact goes offline.

Why Can't I See When Someone Is Online on WhatsApp?

If you are still wondering why you can't see when someone is online on WhatsApp, consider the following possible reasons and solutions:

The person has hidden their online status from you:

If the contact has set their privacy settings to hide their last seen and online status, you won’t be able to view it. To solve this, you would need to ask them to adjust their privacy settings.

The person has not saved you as a contact:

WhatsApp may restrict visibility of online status if the other party hasn't saved your number.

The person has blocked you:

If someone blocks you on WhatsApp, you won't be able to see their online status, last seen, profile photo, or any updates.

The person is using an unofficial or outdated version of WhatsApp:

Older or modified versions of WhatsApp may not properly display online statuses.

You have hidden your own online status:

If you choose to hide your online status, WhatsApp’s mutual privacy rule may prevent you from seeing others’ online status as well.

WhatsApp sync issues or temporary bugs:

Sometimes, a glitch or a syncing error with WhatsApp can cause online statuses not to update correctly.

Poor network connection:

A weak or unstable internet connection might prevent WhatsApp from refreshing real-time information like someone's online activity.

How Do You Know If Someone Is Online on WhatsApp If They Hide It?

If someone has hidden their online status, you can still try the other methods mentioned earlier to gather clues. However, if the person you want to monitor is your child, a more reliable option is using KidsGuard for WhatsApp.KidsGuard for WhatsApp is a powerful parental control tool that allows you to gain detailed insights into your child's WhatsApp activities. With this app, you can receive real-time notifications whenever your child comes online, even if they have hidden their online status. It helps you understand how much time your child spends on WhatsApp and even allows you to view their activities live.

Additionally, KidsGuard for WhatsApp offers advanced features like setting screen time limits, helping parents to manage and restrict their children's WhatsApp usage during study or sleep hours. This makes it an ideal solution for those who are concerned about their children's online habits.If you want to better protect and guide your child's digital life, try KidsGuard for WhatsApp today and experience its powerful monitoring capabilities.

KidsGuard for WhatsApp-- Best Real-Time WhatsApp Tracking Tool

  • Track over 10 types of WhatsApp data, including messages, attachments (photos and videos), audio messages, and video calls.
  • Take screenshots of any WhatsApp messages you want instantly.
  • Track someone’s current location in real-time.
  • Listen to others WhatsApp call without being knowing.
  • Real-time updates to stay informed of any changes in the target account's activity.
  • Retrieve deleted WhatsApp chat history.
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FAQs about WhatsApp Online Status

When Someone Is Online on WhatsApp, Does It Mean They Are Chatting?

When you see someone marked as "online" on WhatsApp, it means they are currently using the app. However, it does not necessarily mean they are chatting, typing, or reading a specific conversation.

Why Can I See Someone Typing but Not Their Online Status on WhatsApp?

When someone is typing a message, you may see the "typing..." indicator. However, if they have set their privacy settings to hide their online status, you might not see the "online" label. This allows users to interact on WhatsApp without revealing their online presence.

Can You Be Notified When Someone Is Online on WhatsApp?

Yes, WhatsApp offers built-in settings that allow you to receive notifications when a contact is online, provided they have not hidden their online status. Additionally, there are third-party apps available that can send real-time notifications about someone's WhatsApp activity.

Will Disabling the "Last Seen" Feature on WhatsApp Prevent Others from Knowing If I'm Online?

Disabling the "Last Seen" feature only hides the time you last used WhatsApp. Others can still see if you are currently online unless you specifically adjust your privacy settings to hide your online status as well.

Can I See Who Is Online on WhatsApp When They Have Turned Off the Activity Status?

If someone has turned off their last seen and online status sharing, you generally cannot see their online status through WhatsApp's standard features. However, certain third-party apps claim to provide real-time updates on other users' WhatsApp activity.

Can I Know If Someone Is Checking My Online Status on WhatsApp?

WhatsApp does not currently provide a direct feature that shows who is viewing your online status. While you can see who has viewed your stories or status updates, there is no official way to know if someone is specifically checking your online presence.

Conclusion

Knowing how to see if a person is online on WhatsApp is easier than you might think. You can check their online status by opening a chat, sending a message and checking read receipts, observing their in-app activities, or using third-party tools for more detailed tracking.

If you are concerned about your child's online safety and want to monitor their WhatsApp usage more closely, KidsGuard for WhatsApp is the best solution. This powerful tool allows you to know if someone is online on WhatsApp in real time and receive instant notifications about their activity. It helps parents prevent their children from excessive screen time or exposure to inappropriate content.

However, it is important to note that any decision to use these methods should adhere to ethical principles, respect privacy, and involve a clear understanding of the potential consequences.

Start your free trial today and take control of your child's WhatsApp safety with KidsGuard for WhatsApp!

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Megan Evans

By Megan Evans

A certified content marketing specialist with great passion for Internet and online safety. She is bent on educating the audience about cyber safety tips and tricks.

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