WhatsApp introduced the Status feature in 2017, offering users a way to share short-lived updates similar to Instagram Stories. With this feature, users can post text, photos, videos, and GIFs that automatically disappear after 24 hours. All Status updates are protected with end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy and security.

While WhatsApp does not send direct notifications for Status updates, regularly viewing the Status tab can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially if many contacts post frequent updates. To help users manage this better, WhatsApp provides a mute and unmute Status updates feature, allowing you to hide updates from selected contacts without blocking or removing them.

Here is a detailed, easy-to-follow guide explaining how to mute and unmute Status updates on WhatsApp and why this feature can significantly improve your overall app experience.

What Are WhatsApp Status Updates?

WhatsApp Status updates allow users to share moments with their contacts for a limited time. These updates appear under the Status tab and remain visible for 24 hours before disappearing automatically. Users can view who has seen their Status, and replies are sent as private messages.

Although Status updates do not trigger notifications like chat messages, they still appear prominently in the app. For users who prefer a cleaner, less distracting experience, muting certain contacts’ Status updates can be very helpful.

Why Mute WhatsApp Status Updates?

Muting Status updates does not remove a contact or affect your chats. Instead, it simply hides their updates from your main Status feed. This feature is useful if:

• Some contacts post too many Status updates
• You want fewer distractions while using WhatsApp
• You prefer to see updates only from close friends or family
• You want more control over your Status feed

Muted Status updates are moved to a separate section, keeping your main Status list uncluttered.

How to Mute a WhatsApp Status Update

You can mute Status updates for any contact by following these steps:

Step-by-Step Guide to Mute Status Updates

1. Open the WhatsApp app on your smartphone.
2. Tap on the Status tab to view updates shared by your contacts.
3. From the list, locate the contact whose Status updates you want to mute.
4. Tap and hold on the contact’s name.
5. Select the Mute option when prompted.

Once muted, the contact’s Status updates will no longer appear in your main Status feed. Instead, they will be moved to the Muted updates section.

How to Unmute WhatsApp Status Updates

If you later decide that you want to see Status updates from a muted contact again, WhatsApp makes it easy to reverse the action.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unmute Status Updates

1. Open the WhatsApp app on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Status tab.
3. Scroll down to find the Muted updates section.
4. Tap and hold on the contact you want to unmute.
5. Tap on the Unmute option.

After unmuting, the contact’s Status updates will reappear in your main Status list.

Important Things to Know About Muted Status Updates

• Muting a Status does not notify the other person.
• You can mute or unmute Status updates at any time.
• Muted contacts can still see your Status updates unless you restrict them separately.
• The feature works the same way on both Android and iOS devices.
• Muting Status updates does not affect chat notifications.

Difference Between Muting Chats and Muting Status Updates

Although the mute option for chats and Status updates works similarly, they serve different purposes:

• Muted chats silence message notifications.
• Muted Status updates hide visual updates from the Status tab.
• Both features help reduce distractions without blocking contacts.

Using these tools together allows you to fully customise your WhatsApp experience.

Final Thoughts

The ability to mute and unmute Status updates on WhatsApp is a simple yet powerful feature that gives users greater control over what they see inside the app. Whether you want to avoid constant updates from certain contacts or simply keep your Status feed clean and focused, this option helps you personalise your experience without affecting relationships or conversations.

With just a few taps, you can manage Status visibility according to your preferences. If you find WhatsApp Status updates distracting, try muting a few contacts today and enjoy a calmer, more organised messaging experience.