WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the key features of WhatsApp is the status update, which allows you to share photos, videos and messages that disappear after 24 hours.
By default, your status updates are visible to all of your WhatsApp contacts. However, you can choose to hide your status updates from select contacts. This gives you more control over who can view your status activity.
You may want to view someone’s status even if they’ve hidden it from you. There are a few tricks that can help you get around WhatsApp’s status privacy settings.
Use WhatsApp Web/Desktop
One of the easiest ways to view hidden status updates is to use WhatsApp Web or Desktop. WhatsApp’s web and desktop platforms don’t always reflect the privacy settings that are enabled on the user’s mobile device.
Here’s how to view hidden statuses using WhatsApp Web/Desktop:
- Open WhatsApp on your computer browser by going to web.whatsapp.com or download WhatsApp Desktop.
- Scan the QR code using your WhatsApp mobile app to link your account.
- Look for the contact whose status you want to view. If you see a small privacy icon next to their profile picture, it means their status updates are hidden from you on mobile.
- Click on their profile picture on WhatsApp Web/Desktop. You should now be able to view their status updates.
This WhatsApp web trick works because the privacy settings don’t sync seamlessly across platforms. You can use WhatsApp Web or Desktop to sneak a peek at status updates hidden from you on mobile.
Use Airplane Mode
Airplane mode disables all network connectivity on your phone. You can actually use airplane mode to get around WhatsApp’s status privacy settings.
Here are the steps to view hidden status updates using Airplane mode:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat for the contact whose status you want to view.
- Turn on Airplane mode on your phone. This will disconnect you from the internet.
- Open the contact’s chat again and you should now be able to view their status updates.
- Once you’ve viewed the status, disable Airplane mode to get back online.
This works because turning on Airplane mode prevents WhatsApp from checking privacy settings. Your app is temporarily “tricked” into showing all status updates as if there are no restrictions.
Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can also be used to bypass WhatsApp status privacy settings. Here’s what you need to do:
- Get a reliable VPN app and connect to a server in another country.
- Force close the WhatsApp app on your phone.
- Clear WhatsApp cache and data before re-opening the app.
- Go to the chat of the contact whose status you want to view.
By using a VPN and resetting the app, you essentially force WhatsApp to refresh. It will pull your contact’s profile information from the server again, ignoring any status privacy settings. This trick doesn’t always work but is worth a try.
Use WhatsApp Mods
There are modified or “mod” versions of WhatsApp like GBWhatsApp and WhatsApp Plus that allow you to bypass some of the restrictions in the official app. WhatsApp mods are not endorsed by WhatsApp.
Some WhatsApp mods have features that can override status privacy settings. You can download and install these apps to try and view hidden status updates.
However, using unauthorized third-party mods can be risky – your account can get banned by WhatsApp for violating the terms of service. Only use mods at your own risk.
Create a New WhatsApp Account
If all else fails, creating a new WhatsApp account can allow you to view someone’s status if they’ve hidden it from you. Here’s how it works:
- Install WhatsApp on a secondary device or use a phone number not registered on WhatsApp.
- Create a new WhatsApp account using the new number.
- Go to the contact’s chat using your new account.
- You’ll now be able to see their status updates that are hidden from your main account.
The disadvantage is that you’ll have to maintain two WhatsApp accounts. Also, if the contact has restricted status access to “my contacts except…” and specifically excluded you, their updates will remain hidden even from a new account.
Respect Privacy Settings
While the tricks above can help you view hidden WhatsApp status updates, it’s important to respect people’s privacy. If someone has intentionally restricted status access, there may be personal reasons for it.
Circumventing their settings without consent is unethical and a violation of their privacy. You should only use the legitimate workarounds when absolutely necessary.
The best option is to directly ask the contact why they’ve hidden their status from you. Communicate with them to understand their perspective. If a friend wants to temporarily hide their status activity from you, appreciate their decision and give them space.
Conclusion
WhatsApp status privacy is designed to give users control over who views their updates. If someone has restricted you from seeing their status, avoid forcing the issue. However, if you have a compelling reason to check their status, WhatsApp Web, Airplane Mode, VPNs and modded apps can provide workarounds.
Be discreet if you use these tricks and don’t violate someone’s personal boundaries without their permission. With great privilege comes great responsibility. Use your status visibility powers wisely.