WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, and sometimes we all wish we could know the exact moment when someone comes online. Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or a business contact, getting an instant alert can save time and help you connect faster. While WhatsApp itself doesn’t have a built-in feature for this, there are some workarounds and apps that can notify you when someone is online.
⚠️ A Quick Note on Privacy
Before diving in, it’s important to understand that WhatsApp doesn’t officially support online status notifications. Using third-party apps may raise privacy or security concerns, so always choose safe and trusted tools. If possible, stick to official methods.
1. Manual Method (Built-in WhatsApp Status Check)
The simplest way is still manual:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Check if the person shows as “online” under their name in the chat.
While this doesn’t send automatic notifications, it’s the safest method since it uses WhatsApp directly without extra apps.
2. Use WhatsApp Web with Notifications
If you use WhatsApp Web on your computer, you can:
- Keep the chat window open with that contact.
- Use browser extensions (like Chrome notification add-ons) that alert you when activity is detected in the chat window.
This is semi-automatic and safer than third-party tracking apps.
3. Third-Party Online Tracker Apps
Some apps claim to notify you when a WhatsApp user comes online, such as:
- WaStat
- OnlineNotify (iOS tweak)
- WhatsLog
Features usually include:
- Instant push notifications when the contact is online.
- Usage history (when they were last active).
- Daily/weekly activity reports.
⚠️ Warning: These apps are not official, and some may violate WhatsApp’s terms of service. Always read reviews carefully before using them.
4. Set Custom Notifications in WhatsApp
While you can’t get “online alerts,” you can at least get instant message notifications from a specific person:
- Open chat → Tap contact name.
- Select Custom Notifications.
- Enable a special tone or popup.
This way, the moment they send you a message, you’re instantly alerted.
5. Alternative: Use Telegram or Other Apps
Some messaging apps like Telegram offer more transparent online/offline notifications. If online status is crucial, you might consider switching or encouraging your contacts to use such apps.
Final Thoughts
Getting notified when someone is online on WhatsApp can be useful, but it comes with limitations:
- Safe method: Manually checking or using WhatsApp Web.
- Advanced method: Third-party apps (use with caution).
- Alternative: Rely on custom notifications or switch to apps with built-in online alerts.
In 2025, privacy is a top concern, so use these methods responsibly and respect others’ online habits.