Displaying an instant messaging (IM) presence indicator for each of a plurality of devices associated with a first user, wherein the plurality of devices include a first device representing a first type of instant messaging device and second device representing a second type of instant messaging device. Presence information is acquired for the first and second devices. A first device type identifier is associated with a first activation/deactivation flag indicative of whether or not the first device is activated to receive incoming instant messages, and a second device type identifier is associated with a second activation/deactivation flag indicative of whether or not the second device is activated to receive instant messages. The device type identifiers and activation/deactivation flags are transmitted to a third device associated with a second user for display on the third device.