Guides to WhatsApp last seen and online status

Short, plain answers to the questions people ask about WhatsApp last seen and online status, from what the words mean to the privacy settings that control them.

1. What does "last seen" mean on WhatsApp?

   The meaning of last seen, how it differs from "online", and why it is sometimes missing.

2. WhatsApp last seen not showing, or online not appearing

   Why a last seen or online status can be blank for some numbers, and how to read it.

3. How to tell if someone is online on WhatsApp

   Where to look, what online really means, and whether the other person can tell.

4. How to turn off last seen on WhatsApp

   The exact settings to hide last seen and online, for everyone or just one person.

5. How to hide your online status on WhatsApp

   Stop people seeing when you are active, and what that means for trackers.