Yes, WhatsApp will show you as online to your contacts if you are on a voice or video call on the app. This is because WhatsApp needs to maintain an active internet connection during calls, which means the app detects you as being online.
How WhatsApp Online Status Works
WhatsApp’s online indicator shows your contacts when you are actively using the app. There are three online statuses on WhatsApp:
- Online – You are currently in the app
- Last seen recently – You were using WhatsApp any time within the last 15 minutes
- Last seen at [time] – You haven’t used WhatsApp for 15 minutes or more
The online status automatically updates based on your activity in the app. As soon as you open WhatsApp, your contacts will see you as online. If you don’t interact with the app for a few minutes, it will switch to “Last seen recently.” After 15 minutes of inactivity, your last seen time will show.
WhatsApp Calls Require an Internet Connection
When you make or receive a WhatsApp call, the app maintains a constant internet connection to transmit audio and video between you and the other participant. This means WhatsApp detects that you are actively using the app, and shows your online status.
It does not matter whether the call is voice or video – both require WhatsApp to keep a connection open. As soon as you answer or initiate a call, your online status will turn green for your contacts.
Your Online Status is Visible During the Entire Call
You remain online for the full duration of a WhatsApp call. Your online status will display from the moment you answer or place the call, up until the call is disconnected.
It does not turn off if you switch to another app or lock your phone during the call. As long as the call is connected, WhatsApp maintains the internet link and shows you as online.
One-to-One and Group Calls Both Show Online
It does not make a difference if the WhatsApp call is a private one-to-one conversation or a group call. Both individual and group calls require WhatsApp to keep the connection open.
So if you are on a call with just one friend or several people together in a group, your contacts will see your online status either way.
How to Hide Your Online Status
If you do not want certain contacts to see when you are online, there are a few options:
- Disable read receipts – This stops contacts from seeing when you’ve read their messages. However, it does not affect your last seen and online status.
- Turn off last seen – Stops anyone outside of your contacts from seeing your last seen time. But your contacts will still see when you’re online.
- Hide status from specific contacts – Prevent just a few chosen contacts from viewing your online and last seen status.
The only way to appear permanently offline is to block someone. Blocked contacts will never be able to view your profile or online status.
Managing Your Online Privacy
Many WhatsApp users want to control their online privacy settings. Here are some tips:
- Think carefully before blocking contacts just to hide your status, as they will no longer be able to chat with you.
- Turn off read receipts if you don’t want everyone knowing when you’ve looked at their messages.
- Use the “hide status” option to be selective about who can see you’re online.
- Keep in mind calls will show your online status – so mute the app if you want to avoid this.
- Set your status to permanently invisible if you want to stay fully offline.
Invisible Mode Can Hide Your Online Status
If you activate WhatsApp’s invisible mode, it will prevent your online status from updating during calls.
When invisible mode is enabled, your contacts will not be able to see your:
- Last seen status
- Online status
- Status updates
This provides maximum privacy by hiding your online status at all times, even during calls.
How to Turn on Invisible Mode
To activate invisible mode on WhatsApp for iPhone:
- Open WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy
- Turn off ‘Last Seen’ and ‘Profile Photo’
On WhatsApp for Android:
- Open WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy
- Disable ‘last seen’, ‘profile photo’ and ‘about’
Once invisible mode is on, your online status will not update during WhatsApp calls or when using the app normally. You will appear permanently offline.
Disabling Internet Will Also Hide Online
If you force WhatsApp to disconnect from the internet, it will prevent your online status from being visible. Here are two ways to do this:
- Airplane mode – Turning on airplane mode suspends all internet connectivity on your phone. WhatsApp will show you as offline.
- Disable Wi-Fi and mobile data – Manually disconnecting from Wi-Fi and mobile data has the same effect. WhatsApp will have no internet access.
However, remember that cutting off WhatsApp’s internet access will also prevent calls from connecting.
Using WhatsApp Web/Desktop Shows You Online
Your online status also updates when you use the desktop and web versions of WhatsApp.
If you are logged into WhatsApp Web or the desktop app on your computer, your contacts will see you as online on your phone as well.
This is because WhatsApp links your account across all platforms. Being active on any version shows your online status.
Make Informed Choices About Your Privacy
Ultimately, it’s up to each user to decide their preferences for online privacy. Here are some final tips:
- Recognize the advantages of your contacts seeing when you’re online, such as for timely conversations.
- Understand which situations might make you want to hide your online status.
- Balance the benefits against any privacy concerns you may have.
- Use WhatsApp’s status controls to find the right setup for your needs.
With WhatsApp’s range of status and privacy options, you can choose the right level of visibility and online privacy for your usage of the app.