WhatsApp Starts Testing Status Update Alerts for Android Users: Report

WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature for Android users, allowing them to receive status update notifications for selected contacts. This development enables users to stay updated in real-time when important contacts post new statuses. Designed to enhance user experience and engagement, the feature gives users greater control over which updates they want to follow closely, ensuring that key information is never missed.

WhatsApp Tests Status Update Notifications

The feature is currently being tested on WhatsApp beta version 2.25.30.4 for Android, according to WABetaInfo, a trusted feature tracker. The rollout is phased, meaning not all users will get immediate access. This controlled approach allows WhatsApp to monitor performance, ensure app stability, and collect feedback before a wider release.

By prioritizing updates from selected contacts, the feature helps users manage the constant flow of status posts, focusing on what truly matters while minimizing distractions from other updates.

How to Activate Status Notifications

Activating status notifications is straightforward. Users need to:

1. Open the contact’s status.

2. Tap the overflow menu (three dots).

3. Select “Get notifications”.

WhatsApp then asks for confirmation. Once enabled, the user receives real-time alerts whenever that contact shares a new status. Users can also mute notifications at any time from the same menu, giving them complete control over who triggers alerts.

Real-Time Alerts and Previews

When a contact with notifications enabled posts a status, WhatsApp sends a real-time alert showing the contact’s name. If the status includes an image or video, the notification provides a small preview. This allows users to quickly view updates without opening the app, saving time and ensuring important updates are seen promptly.

This feature balances convenience and efficiency, helping users focus on relevant content while avoiding information overload from less important updates.

Privacy and Discreet Tracking

The notifications feature is designed with privacy in mind. Contacts are not notified when a user enables alerts for their statuses, allowing discreet tracking of updates. This ensures users can follow key updates without alerting others, maintaining both privacy and user discretion.

By giving users the ability to selectively monitor contacts, WhatsApp allows for a customized and personalized experience, helping prioritize communications that matter most.

Benefits for Users

The new status notifications feature offers several advantages:

• Stay updated in real-time: Users receive instant alerts for important contacts.

• Efficient content management: Helps filter out non-essential status posts.

• Preview without opening the app: Quick glimpse of images and videos saves time.

• Privacy-focused design: Contacts remain unaware of alerts, enabling discreet tracking.

• Customizable experience: Users can enable or mute notifications anytime for full control.

Overall, this feature enhances user engagement, streamlines notifications, and improves overall usability of the WhatsApp platform.

Current Availability and Future Rollout

As of now, the feature is available only to select Android beta users. WhatsApp has not provided a timeline for a global release, but the phased rollout indicates that more users will gain access over the coming weeks.

WhatsApp’s gradual approach allows the company to fine-tune performance, ensure stability, and address any potential issues before making the feature widely available.

Conclusion

The introduction of status update notifications on WhatsApp represents a significant step in enhancing user control and engagement. By enabling real-time alerts for selected contacts, WhatsApp allows users to stay informed about important updates without being overwhelmed by every status post.

With its focus on privacy, discretion, and customization, this feature promises to make the WhatsApp experience more personalized and efficient, particularly for users who want to track updates from friends, family, or key contacts more closely.