WhatsApp Beta for Android Now Shows Who Can See Your Status

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, pushing the app to version 2.26.2.9. The update introduces a privacy-focused feature that allows users to see which privacy settings were used for each status update, helping them better understand who can view and reshare their content.

The feature is currently rolling out to some beta testers and will gradually become available to more users over the coming weeks.

What’s New in WhatsApp Beta 2.26.2.9

The main addition in this beta version is called “WhatsApp Status Privacy Info”. It shows users the exact audience selected when they shared a particular status update.

Many users change their status privacy settings frequently, sometimes sharing with all contacts, sometimes with selected contacts, and other times excluding certain people. Over time, it becomes easy to forget which option was used for a specific status. This new feature removes that confusion.

WhatsApp had first hinted at this feature during development in earlier beta versions. Now, with version 2.26.2.9, it is being tested with real users.

How the Status Privacy Info Feature Works

To check if the feature is available on your account:

1. Open a status you posted within the last 24 hours.

2. Open the viewers list.

3. Tap the overflow (three-dot) menu.

4. Look for a new option called “Audience”.

If enabled, tapping “Audience” opens a screen that summarizes the privacy settings used for that status.

The app clearly shows whether the status was shared with:

• My Contacts
• My Contacts Except…
• Only Share With…

If the status was shared with a restricted list, users can also see which contacts were excluded or included.

Control Over Resharing

The Audience screen also shows whether viewers are allowed to reshare the status. Since WhatsApp lets users enable or disable resharing for each status, this information is useful for people who cannot remember which option they selected.

This makes it easier to confirm whether a status is fully private, limited, or shareable, even after it has already been posted.

Why This Feature Matters

Before this update, users who were unsure about their status privacy often deleted their status just to be safe, rechecked their privacy settings, and then posted again. With the new status privacy info feature, users can simply check the audience and decide whether any action is needed.

This saves time and reduces unnecessary deletions, especially for people who use different privacy settings for different status updates.

Availability

The status privacy info feature is currently available to some beta testers using WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.2.9, though some users may also receive it through certain earlier beta versions.

WhatsApp is gradually expanding the rollout while monitoring performance and bugs. Once testing is successful, the feature is expected to reach more beta users first, followed by a wider public release.