As one of the most popular instant messaging platforms in the world, Google Hangouts offers tons of useful features. However, one feature that some users find intrusive and bothersome is the “last seen” status notification. This feature tells your contacts when you were last active on Hangouts, potentially overstepping the boundaries of your privacy. If you’re someone who values their privacy and wants to disable the “last seen” feature on Hangouts, read on to learn how to do it.
Detailed Discussion on How to Disable Google Hangouts’ Last Seen Feature
Disabling the “last seen” feature on Hangouts is a straightforward process that involves just a few clicks. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Disable “last seen” on Android
If you’re using Hangouts on an Android device, here’s what you need to do:
1. Open the Hangouts app on your Android device.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines at the top left corner of the screen to open the menu.
3. Select “Settings” from the menu.
4. Tap on your Google account listed at the top of the settings screen.
5. Scroll down to the “Privacy” section.
6. Toggle off the “Share your status” feature to disable the “last seen” notification.
Disable “last seen” on Desktop
If you’re using Hangouts on your desktop computer, follow these steps to disable the “last seen” notification:
1. Open the Hangouts website in your browser.
2. Click your profile picture at the top right corner of the screen.
3. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
4. Click on your Google account listed at the top of the settings screen.
5. Scroll down to the “Advanced” section.
6. Toggle off the “Share your status” feature to disable the “last seen” notification.
Concluding Thoughts on How to Disable Google Hangouts’ Last Seen Feature
Disabling the “last seen” feature on Google Hangouts can give you more control over your privacy on the platform. Whether you’re using Hangouts on your desktop or Android device, disabling the feature is a quick and easy process that only takes a few clicks.
Remember, however, that by disabling the “last seen” feature, you’ll also lose the ability to see when your contacts were last active on Hangouts. So, before disabling this feature, consider whether you will miss out on this information.
FAQs about How to Disable Google Hangouts’ Last Seen Feature
1. Can I choose who sees my “last seen” status on Hangouts?
No, there is currently no option to choose who sees your “last seen” status on Hangouts. If you enable the feature, all of your contacts will be able to see when you were last active on the platform.
2. Are there any benefits to disabling the “last seen” feature?
Yes, disabling the “last seen” feature can give you greater control over your privacy on Hangouts. By disabling this feature, you’ll prevent your contacts from seeing when you were last active on the platform, which some users may find important for privacy reasons.
3. Will disabling the “last seen” feature affect my ability to use Hangouts normally?
No, disabling the “last seen” feature will not affect your ability to use Hangouts normally. You’ll still be able to send and receive messages, make calls, and use all of the other features of the platform as usual.
