WhatsApp Explores ‘Status’ Privacy Shortcut: What Is It and How It Works

WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new privacy-focused feature that allows users to instantly check who their Status update was shared with — directly from the Status interface. The feature aims to eliminate confusion around audience selection, especially for users who frequently switch privacy settings before posting updates.

WhatsApp Working on Status Privacy Visibility Feature

WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to view the privacy settings of a Status update after it has been posted, according to a report by WABetaInfo. The feature removes the need for users to rely on memory or delete and repost a Status just to confirm who could see it.

The update is designed to improve clarity, transparency, and control over Status privacy, especially for people who regularly share different updates with different audiences.

Feature Spotted in Android Beta Version

Available in WhatsApp Beta for Android 2.26.2.9

As per the report, the new Status privacy shortcut has been spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.2.9, which is currently available to beta testers. At this stage, the feature is still under development and has not yet rolled out to the stable version of the app.

How the Status Privacy Check Works

New ‘Audience’ Option Inside Status Viewer Menu

According to the report, the feature appears within the viewer’s menu of a Status update shared within the last 24 hours. When users open the menu from this screen, they may see a new option labeled “Audience.”

Clear Summary of Status Privacy Settings

Tapping on the “Audience” option opens a summary page that clearly displays the privacy settings used for that specific Status update.

At the top of the section, WhatsApp shows who the Status was shared with:

• If visible to all saved contacts, it shows “My Contacts”

• If restrictions were applied, it displays “My Contacts Except” or “Only share with”

Exact Contact Details Shown

In cases where limited sharing was selected, WhatsApp also shows exactly which contacts were excluded or included in the chosen audience list. This removes any ambiguity after posting.

Why This Feature Matters

Solves a Long-Standing User Pain Point

The report notes that the feature will be particularly useful for users who frequently change their Status audience, such as:

• Family members

• Close friends

• Work contacts

Until now, WhatsApp did not offer a way to verify the audience of a Status after it went live. Users had to rely on memory, and if unsure, the safest option was often to delete and repost the update.

Reshare Settings Also Visible

Check If Your Status Can Be Reshared

As per the report, the Audience section also indicates whether the Status update can be reshared by viewers. While WhatsApp already allows users to control reshares, it is easy to forget whether this option was enabled or disabled for a particular Status.

This added visibility helps users better manage how far their content can spread.

Focus on Transparency and User Control

Overall, the upcoming feature reflects WhatsApp’s continued focus on privacy transparency and ease of use, especially as Status updates remain a popular way to share personal moments. By surfacing privacy details directly within the Status interface, WhatsApp aims to reduce confusion and give users greater confidence over their shared content.