WhatsApp tests new online contacts section on Android with centralized hub
WhatsApp is developing a dedicated section called Contatos that will act as a centralized hub to view which calendar users are active on the app. The functionality was identified in beta version 2.26.13.3 for Android and allows users to access information about recent activity without having to open individual conversations. The feature will be accessible through the settings menu and will bring together specific lists that organize suggestions and presence status of saved contacts.
Nova section centralizes suggestion and activity lists
The functionality includes two main areas of organization. The first presents suggestions of unknown profiles that share common groups with the user. The second list displays saved contacts who are currently online or have had recent activity, making it easier to start conversations at the appropriate time. The location of the section may still be subject to adjustments as the resource remains in an advanced development phase.
More on this story: WhatsApp will stop working on Android 5.0 and 5.1 from September 2026
Apenas contacts with privacy settings that allow last seen display appear in the activity list. Essa approach maintains the balance between convenience and privacy control while respecting each user’s individual preferences. The system does not change existing rules about displaying online status.
Aba Online shows real-time presence
- Exibe active users at that moment within the platform.
- Inclui profiles last seen five or ten minutes ago.
- Respeita individual privacy settings for each contact.
- Permite ordering by name or connection status according to implemented options.
- Exclui profiles that hide the last seen activity list.
Essa organization allows users to monitor availability in a more practical way without the need to navigate through individual chats. The list can be sorted according to the final options implemented by Meta. The feature differs significantly from the current new conversation area which does not offer details about recent contact activity.
Hub centralized to manage connections
The new Contatos section acts as a central point for managing interactions within the application. Ela gathers profiles from the cell phone’s calendar and presents presence indicators without requiring navigation through individual conversations. Usuários that keep the last seen visible for saved contacts will have greater visibility in the list, facilitating quick communication scenarios like work or family coordination.
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Testadores beta should receive the new feature first when it is released for wider experimentation. The trial version does not currently provide full access to the feature for all beta program participants. Meta has not released details about the official launch schedule for ordinary users.
Desenvolvimento remains in the initial phase with possible refinements
Version 2.26.13.3 for Android served as the basis for identifying the functionality under development. Test Equipes observe behaviors and make interface adjustments as needed. The lack of full access for testers indicates that adjustments are still needed before a wider release.
Learn more: WhatsApp app ends support for Android 5.0 and 5.1 in September 2026
Meta typically releases features gradually after initial beta testing, refining functionality before expanding access to more users. Future Atualizações applications for Android should provide more information about the rollout. WhatsApp reinforces its commitment to updates that simplify daily use without compromising users’ security and privacy.
