What does the ball symbol mean in WhatsApp?

What does the ball symbol mean in WhatsApp - briefly?

The ball symbol in WhatsApp represents an ongoing voice or video call. It indicates that a contact is currently engaged in a conversation with you and can be seen by both parties during the call.

What does the ball symbol mean in WhatsApp - in detail?

The ball symbol in WhatsApp is a visual indicator that communicates the status of your message delivery and read receipt. It appears next to each message you send, providing real-time feedback on its journey from your device to the recipient's.

When you send a message, the ball starts as an empty outline, indicating that your message has been sent but not yet delivered. Once the message reaches the recipient's phone, even if it's not yet read, the ball fills with one checkmark, signaling delivery. If the recipient has read your message, two checkmarks appear inside the ball, confirming receipt and acknowledgment of your communication.

For group chats, the double checkmarks indicate that all members in the group have seen your message. However, it's important to note that WhatsApp's privacy settings allow users to disable read receipts, which means you might not always see these confirmations. In such cases, the ball remains with a single checkmark even after the recipient has read the message.

Understanding the significance of the ball symbol is crucial for effective communication on WhatsApp. It helps manage expectations by providing clear insights into whether your messages have been delivered and read, enhancing the overall user experience and ensuring smooth dialogue flows.