How do I make it so that read receipts are not visible in WhatsApp?

How do I make it so that read receipts are not visible in WhatsApp - briefly?

To disable read receipts in WhatsApp, go to Settings > Account > Privacy, and then toggle off the "Read Receipts" option. This will prevent others from seeing when you have read their messages.

How do I make it so that read receipts are not visible in WhatsApp - in detail?

To ensure that read receipts are not visible in WhatsApp, you can follow these detailed steps:

  1. Understand Read Receipts: WhatsApp's read receipts indicate when a message has been viewed by the recipient. This feature is enabled by default for both individual and group chats. To disable this visibility, you need to adjust your privacy settings.
  2. Disable Read Receipts for Individual Chats:

    • Open WhatsApp on your device.
    • Navigate to Settings (usually represented by three dots or a gear icon).
    • Select Account.
    • Tap on Privacy.
    • Find the option labeled Read Receipts.
    • Turn off the toggle next to Read Receipts. This setting prevents others from seeing when you have read their messages.
  3. Disable Read Receipts for Group Chats:

    • WhatsApp does not provide an option to disable read receipts specifically for group chats within the app settings. However, there are workarounds:
      • Archive the Chat: Archiving a group chat hides it from your main chat list, but you can still receive messages and notifications. To archive, long-press on the group chat and select Archive.
      • Mute Notifications: Muting a group chat prevents new message notifications from appearing on your device. This does not disable read receipts but can help manage visibility. Go to the group chat, tap on the group name at the top, and select Mute.
  4. Use Airplane Mode (Temporary Solution):

    • If you need a temporary solution, enabling airplane mode on your device before reading a message can prevent read receipts from being sent. Here’s how:
      • Turn on Airplane Mode before opening WhatsApp.
      • Read the message.
      • Exit WhatsApp without sending a reply or turning off airplane mode.
      • Once you have read the message, turn off airplane mode and exit the app.
  5. Third-Party Apps (Not Recommended):

    • Be cautious of third-party apps claiming to disable read receipts. They may violate WhatsApp’s terms of service and could potentially compromise your privacy or security. Stick with the official methods provided by WhatsApp for the best results.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage the visibility of read receipts in WhatsApp, ensuring a higher level of privacy in your communications.