What does "was online" mean in WhatsApp?

What does was online mean in WhatsApp - briefly?

In WhatsApp, the phrase "was online" indicates that the contact was actively using the app and had an internet connection at a specific time in the past. This status is displayed below the user's name in their chat or profile to provide insight into their recent activity.

What does was online mean in WhatsApp - in detail?

The status message "was online" on WhatsApp indicates the last time the user was active on the platform. When someone is actively using WhatsApp, their status changes to "online," indicating that they are currently engaged with the app. However, once they close the application or switch to another app without minimizing WhatsApp, their status updates to "was online" followed by the time of their last activity.

This feature helps users understand when their contacts were last active on the platform. It is particularly useful for assessing whether a message has been seen and determining the best time to reach out for a conversation. However, it's important to note that this status does not guarantee that the user will see or respond immediately, as they may have switched off their device or chosen to disable read receipts.

Additionally, WhatsApp provides an option to control who can see your "last seen" status, including the "was online" information. Users can choose between everyone, my contacts, or nobody in the privacy settings of the app. This allows for greater control over personal data and preferences regarding visibility on the platform.

In summary, "was online" on WhatsApp signifies the most recent time a user was active within the application, offering valuable insights into their potential availability and responsiveness.