Numerous social networks and similar websites or services allow users to see if their friends are online. Facebook, Google Plus, Skype and Xbox Live, to name a few, all have designated friends lists that indicate the status of each individual friend -- specifically whether each online or not.
Video of the Day
Step 1
Look over to the sidebar on the right side of Facebook. If a sidebar isn't present, click "Chat" in the bottom right corner. If you're using the mobile app, tap the Friend List icon on the top right.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Notice if there is a green dot next to a friend listed. If so, that friend is currently online and on Facebook. If an icon that looks like a mobile phone appears next to the friend, he is not directly on Facebook but is accessible via mobile phone.
Step 3
Use the search bar (at the bottom on the desktop and at the top on the mobile apps) to type a person's name if you're looking to see if someone specific is online. If neither a green dot nor mobile phone icon appears next to a Facebook friend's name, that person is not online.
Google Plus
Step 1
Locate the Hangouts sidebar on the right on the home screen of Google Plus. This is the easiest way to view a list of friends.
Step 2
Click in the search field and start typing the name of the friend you're curious about.
Step 3
Check the profile icon to the left of the name you're looking for when it appears. If a green dot is present toward the bottom right of the image, that person is online. If a green dot doesn't appear on the person's profile image, that person is not online.
Skype
Step 1
Open your list of friends on Skype either on your computer or by opening the Skype mobile app.
Step 2
Check under each individual name to see that person's online status. If a green bubble with a check mark appears underneath a specific name, that person is online and available for chatting on Skype.
Step 3
Look for other symbols that could still mean a person is online. If a yellow bubble with clock hands appears underneath a name, that person is logged in, but away at the moment. If a red dash appears on the online symbol, that person is online but doesn't want anyone disturbing her. If a gray bubble with an X mark appears underneath a specific name, that person is not online.
Xbox Live
Step 1
Go to xbox.com and log in with your Microsoft account.
Step 2
Hover over your Xbox Live username on the top right and click "Friends" in the menu.
Step 3
Scroll down to the Online section of the Friends page. There, all friends that are currently online are displayed.