WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing users to easily communicate with friends, family, coworkers, and more through text, voice, video, and status updates. One handy feature is the ability to receive notifications when your contacts update their WhatsApp status. This allows you to stay up-to-date on what your connections are sharing in real-time.
How WhatsApp status notifications work
Whenever someone in your WhatsApp contacts list posts a new status update, you will receive a notification banner at the top of your screen so you can view it. This happens automatically and does not require any special settings to be enabled.
Status updates can include text, photos, videos, and GIFs. As soon as one of your contacts adds new content as their status, you will be notified. The notification will include their name and profile photo along with a preview of the status.
Tapping on the notification will open WhatsApp and take you directly to that contact’s status where you can view the full update. You can also swipe away the notification without viewing the status right away. It will remain accessible within WhatsApp when you do want to check it out.
Customizing your WhatsApp status notifications
While status update notifications are turned on by default for all contacts, WhatsApp does provide customization options. You can control which contacts you receive notifications from.
Muting status notifications
If you no longer wish to receive status notifications from a particular contact, you can mute them:
- Open the WhatsApp chat with that contact
- Tap the contact’s name at the top of the chat window
- Select Mute notifications > Mute status
This will stop notifications for that contact’s status updates until you unmute them. You can still view their status manually by opening the chat.
Disabling notifications for specific contacts
Another option is disabling notifications entirely for certain contacts:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Notifications > Contact info & messages
- Select the contacts you want to disable
- Toggle off Show notifications
This will disable all notifications from the selected contacts, including new messages and calls in addition to status updates.
Turning off all status notifications
If you want to completely turn off status notifications from everyone, that can be done as well:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Notifications
- Toggle off Status updates
This will disable status notifications globally while still allowing message and call notifications to come through.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp status notifications
If you are no longer receiving status update notifications from your WhatsApp contacts, there are a few things you can check:
Notifications disabled for the app
Make sure WhatsApp notifications are enabled at the system level in your device settings. Go to Settings > Notifications and check that WhatsApp has notifications turned on.
Internet connectivity issues
Status notifications rely on an internet connection. Check that your WiFi or cellular data is working properly in WhatsApp by trying to send a message. Connection issues can prevent status notifications from coming through.
Outdated version of WhatsApp
Ensure you are running the latest version of the WhatsApp app. Open your device’s app store, search for WhatsApp, and check if there are any pending updates to install. The newest version may have bug fixes related to notifications.
Notifications disabled in WhatsApp
Go into WhatsApp Settings > Notifications and make sure that Status updates are enabled. If they were switched off, turning them back on can restore status notifications.
Individual contact notification settings
Check the notification settings for individual contacts. Make sure none are muted or have notifications disabled as described above. That will prevent you receiving their status updates.
Too many status updates
If you have many contacts frequently posting status updates, WhatsApp may stop sending notifications for some if there are too many coming through. Try muting statuses from contacts you don’t need updates from.
Restarting your device
As a last resort, try restarting your Android device or iPhone to troubleshoot any software glitches that may be interfering with WhatsApp sending status notifications.
Using WhatsApp status responsibly
While status updates can be fun and useful, there are some best practices users should keep in mind:
- Be thoughtful about what you share publicly in status updates
- Avoid posting anything too personal or that violates someone’s privacy
- Don’t overwhelm your contacts with constant status updates
- Keep in mind statuses disappear after 24 hours
- Review your audience selector when posting potentially sensitive statuses
Following this WhatsApp status etiquette helps ensure you don’t annoy your contacts or share anything you may later regret.
Status alternatives on WhatsApp
If you prefer not to use WhatsApp status but still want to share updates with your contacts, there are a couple alternatives:
Text status
You can set a text-only status that displays under your name in chats. This can be updated anytime in Settings > Profile.
Shared media
Instead of posting in your status, you can share photos, videos, and other media directly into group chats or individual chats for your contacts to see.
Profile photo
Changing your WhatsApp profile photo periodically can also be a way to refresh your look for contacts without using status.
Conclusion
WhatsApp status notifications help you stay up-to-date with the latest updates from all your contacts in real-time. Take advantage of customization settings to control which notifications you receive. If you stop receiving status notifications properly, try troubleshooting your settings, connectivity, app version, and individual contact notification configuration. And be sure to use WhatsApp status responsibly and respectfully.