What Does the Green Dot Mean on Facebook
Have you ever gone to a person’s profile, and seen the same green dot everywhere?
It might also happen that an empty grey circle appears instead, so what’s the meaning of this?
Although users have had some interesting theories about what the green dot means, the truth is that Facebook clarifies that it has only one meaning, and it’s quite simple.
If you have seen the green dot next to a person’s profile picture, then do not despair - we’ll show you its meaning.
Continue reading this article to learn more about:
- What does the green dot mean on Facebook?;
- How to turn off and on the green light on Facebook;
- Everything you need to know if you see a green dot on a user page.
What Does the Green Dot Mean on Facebook?
The grey circle means that the person is currently online on Facebook - nothing more, nothing less.
If you see one green dot next to him or her profile picture, then they are actively online on the platform.
When the green dot appears, you can chat with another user because they are active or online.
It appears on the chat screen beneath your friends’ names, and you can simply see other’s status this way.
Other social media platforms and apps behave in the same way, and the Facebook app isn’t the exception.
How long does the green dot stay on your profile, you ask? Well, as long as you are active on Facebook, the active green dot will be there.
Nevertheless, there are some crucial differences and things you must know about the green dot on Messenger or a Facebook User page.
Read Also: Do you want to send messages to new friends on this platform, but There’s No Friend Button on Facebook?
Perhaps they have made their profile page private. Learn more about this matter by checking out our related blog post.
Green Dot on Facebook Page
The green dot means (on a Facebook Page) that someone is currently online on the page’s chat.
Therefore, if there’s a user active, they are checking out the messages sent by other users.
The green dot will show up next to the video icon.
You can also make a video call if you please since Facebook Messenger does have video chatting functions.
Green Dot on Facebook Messenger App
The green dot means (on Facebook Messenger) that the person is active on Facebook.
Nevertheless, there’s a catch:
- If you are active on Facebook website, others will see a green dot next to the video icon as long as you are active on Messenger and checking other’s messages;
- On the other hand, your messenger contacts can see the green dot on Messenger even if you are not using the Facebook Messenger app. This happens because even with the chat turned off, the Facebook Messenger app still runs in the background.
How to Turn Off and on Green Dots on Facebook
If you haven’t allowed Facebook access to show your online status indicator, it is because, by default, the green dot appears in everybody’s profiles.
Consequently, you need to manually turn it off and on depending on your needs.
Facebook allows you to manage active status settings from all your devices so you can show others whether you are active on Messenger or not.
Pro Tip: Did you try to send a message to your friends on Facebook through the Facebook chat, but they are not answering? Poke them instead!
Learn how to Poke Someone on Facebook here - they won’t be able to ignore you!
1. Managing the Green Dot on Facebook Website
If you want to turn the green dot on and off from the website, then you must follow these quick steps.
Step 1: Open the Facebook Webpage
Firstly, log in to your Facebook account on your desktop browser as you normally do.
Step 2: Click on the Facebook Messenger Icon
Then, click on the “Facebook Messenger” icon, and a new Messenger screen will open.
Step 3: Go to Chat Settings next to the Video Chat Camera Icon
Select the chat settings, which is a little icon that appears next to the video icon or video chat cog at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 4: Select “Turn off Active Status”
Here, you will see an option that says “Active Status.” Turn it off, and you’ll be good to go.
Remember that you can still read messages and receive messages on messenger even if you are not online.
That’s how you turn off and on the green dot on Messenger!
2. Managing the Green Dot on Facebook App
On the other hand, if you want to learn how to get rid of this dot on the Facebook app, then do the following.
Step 1: Open the Facebook or Messenger App
Firstly, open Facebook. You can either access Facebook or Messenger directly - it works either way.
Step 2: Tap on Your Facebook Profile Picture
Once you are on Facebook Messenger, tap on your profile picture. This will open a menu with many different options.
Step 3: Select “Active Status” and Turn it Off
You can change active status by scrolling down until you find the “Active Status” button, and turning it off. This way, you won’t appear active on Messenger anymore.
That’s everything you must know so far! Managing the green dot isn’t a big deal, so worry not. For more Facebook Messenger insights, GrowFollowing will be here for you.
FAQ
Why Can’t I Use the Facebook Chat?
If you can’t use Facebook Messenger nor see anybody’s picture, then perhaps your account got locked.
Learn what to do if you have a Facebook Account Locked by checking out our related blog post.
Karen is a senior technical writer and copywriter here at GrowFollowing. Her area of expertize are social media apps and new media.