WhatsApp will allow you to hide ‘online’ status and leave group ‘in mute’; learn how

The messaging app WhatsApp announced on Tuesday, 9, new features that have been added to the platform. Changes had been under test since the beginning of last month. You can now hide the “online” signage that appears on users when they are accessing the app. Another feature, which was already suggested by users, is the possibility of leaving a group without any kind of notification, a kind of “French” exit. From now on, the notice that someone has left the collective conversation will only be sent to the administrators of the groups. Another new feature is blocking screenshots, so-called “prints”, in single-view messages of photos and videos. The measure promotes another layer of security for users who want to share instant content that is not stored and is not available to senders. The new functions will be released gradually to all users by the end of the month. All changes will be made automatically by updating the application. However, to remove the status of “online” it is necessary to configure the device. Before, the warning would appear for all contacts, but now you can restrict who can or can’t check the status. Below are the instructions for enabling this new feature:

• Before you proceed with the setup, make sure that your app is properly updated in the Google Play Store or App Store;
• Open Whatsapp and select the “Account” icon in the Settings tab (flagged with a gear);
• Next, select the “Privacy” icon;
• Select the “Last and Online View” option;
• Now choose from the following options of who can view the “last seen”, the options are “All”, “My contacts”, “My contacts, except…” and “Nobody”;
• Also choose, among the same options, who can view the status “online”;
• If you choose to hide the “online” and “last seen”, you will also not be able to view this information in other users’ accounts.