The short answer is yes, WhatsApp status replies are private and end-to-end encrypted. When you reply to someone’s status, the message is visible only to you and the recipient. Not even WhatsApp can read the contents of your private status replies.
How Do Status Replies Work in WhatsApp?
WhatsApp status allows users to share text, photos, videos that disappear after 24 hours. When someone views your status, they have the option to reply privately. This opens up a private chat with the status poster to have a conversation about that status update.
Status replies work just like normal WhatsApp messages. They are end-to-end encrypted, which means the messages are secured with lock and key and only you and the person you’re communicating with can read them.
End-to-End Encryption
WhatsApp employs end-to-end encryption for all kinds of messages sent on its platform, including chats, group messages, calls, media files and status replies. This essentially means no third party, including WhatsApp itself, can access the content of your communications.
End-to-end encryption ensures your conversations remain private and secure. The messages are encrypted on your device before being sent to the recipient. Only you and the person receiving it have the special keys needed to decrypt and read the messages.
Who Can See Your Status Reply?
When you reply to a status, the response is visible only to you and the status poster. It is not visible to other people who also viewed the status. Your private reply does not show up in the ‘Viewed by’ list that status posters see either.
So if you reply to a friend’s status, your response is end-to-end encrypted and completely private between you and your friend. Nobody else, including WhatsApp, can eavesdrop or read the contents of that reply.
Private Replies vs Public Comments
Besides private replies, WhatsApp also allows users to post public comments on statuses. When you post a public comment, it is visible to the status poster as well as anyone else who views that status.
Public comments are not end-to-end encrypted. They can be seen by the status poster as well as their contacts who view that status. So public commenting is better suited for generic reactions or non-private messages.
If you want to have a personal, private conversation about a status, use the reply feature instead of posting a public comment.
How to Reply to a Status Privately
Replying privately to a WhatsApp status is easy:
- View the status you want to reply to in the ‘Status’ tab.
- Tap and hold on the status to bring up the reply button.
- Type your reply in the text box at the bottom.
- Tap the send icon to respond privately.
Your status reply will be sent via an end-to-end encrypted chat visible only to you and the status poster.
How to Post a Public Comment
To post a public comment instead:
- View the status and tap on the comment icon in the footer.
- Type your comment in the text box.
- Tap the send icon to post publicly.
Public comments are visible to anyone who views that status. Use reply for private conversations.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
While status replies are private, here are some important things to be aware of:
- Replying to a status opens a private chat with that contact. They will be able to see your profile photo and when you’re online.
- Deleting the status after getting a reply will not delete the conversation – the other person will still see your reply.
- You can report problematic status replies to WhatsApp if needed.
- Always be thoughtful about what you reply to statuses.
Replying Opens a Private Chat
When you respond to a status, it automatically opens a 1-to-1 private chat with that person. This means they can see your profile photo, online status and ‘last seen’ time if you have those settings turned on.
So while the contents of your reply are encrypted, the act of replying itself allows that person to observe some of your WhatsApp activity. Keep this in mind when replying privately.
Status Deletion Does Not Delete Replies
If someone replies to your status and you subsequently delete that status, it does not remove the conversation. They can still view the reply in their private chat with you even if the original status is gone.
Similarly, if you reply to a status that gets deleted, the status poster will still be able to see your reply text in their chat with you.
You Can Report Problematic Replies
While most status replies are harmless conversations, occasionally bad actors may try to abuse the feature. If someone replies to your status inappropriately, you can report them to WhatsApp for violating terms of service.
WhatsApp reviews all reports and takes action if needed, including banning accounts. Don’t hesitate to report any uncomfortable or malicious status replies.
Be Thoughtful When Replying
Because status replies are private, it’s important to be respectful and thoughtful with your responses. Do not say anything you wouldn’t be comfortable saying directly to the person.
If you accidentally reply to the wrong status or change your mind, you can simply delete your reply to take it back. The other person will see “This message was deleted” instead of the contents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can WhatsApp see my status replies?
No. WhatsApp cannot see the content of your private status replies due to end-to-end encryption. The messages are secured and decrypted only on your devices.
Do deleted status replies get deleted for both parties?
No. If you delete your status reply, it will be deleted from your end only. The recipient will still be able to see the message in your chat thread with them.
Can I reply privately to group status updates?
No, currently you cannot reply privately to a group’s status. You can only post public comments that are visible to all group participants.
Can I stop someone from replying to my status?
There is no direct way to stop someone from replying to your status. You can block them to prevent any communication.
Do status replies inform the other person?
Yes, when you reply to a status the recipient gets a notification that you replied to their status update.
The Bottom Line
WhatsApp status replies are end-to-end encrypted like all other WhatsApp messages. This means the contents are private between you and the person you are replying to. Not even WhatsApp can access or read your status conversations.
However, bear in mind replying opens up a chat window where they can observe some of your activity. Be thoughtful and respectful when replying privately to statuses.