How do I set up WhatsApp so that read receipts are not visible on Android?

How do I set up WhatsApp so that read receipts are not visible on Android - briefly?

To hide read receipts on WhatsApp for Android, open the app, go to "Settings" > "Account" > "Privacy," and then toggle off "Read Receipts." This will prevent others from seeing when you've read their messages.

How do I set up WhatsApp so that read receipts are not visible on Android - in detail?

To configure WhatsApp on your Android device to hide read receipts, you need to follow a series of detailed steps. This process involves adjusting specific settings within the app and potentially utilizing additional features or third-party apps, as WhatsApp does not natively support disabling read receipts for individual messages. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:

  1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your Android device.
  2. Access Settings: Tap on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the screen. This will open the menu where you can select "Settings".
  3. Privacy Settings: In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on "Account". From there, select "Privacy".
  4. Read Receipts: Within the Privacy settings, look for the option labeled "Read Receipts". This setting controls whether others can see when you have read their messages.
  5. Disable Read Receipts: To disable read receipts, toggle off the switch next to "Read Receipts". This will prevent other users from seeing the blue checkmarks indicating that you have read their messages.
  6. Verify Changes: After disabling read receipts, verify that the setting has been applied by sending a message to a contact and checking if the checkmarks appear as usual when they receive your message. However, remember that this will hide read receipts for all your contacts, not just specific individuals.
  7. Third-Party Apps: If you want more granular control over which messages show read receipts, consider using third-party apps or custom ROMs. Some custom ROMs and Xposed modules offer advanced privacy features that can selectively hide read receipts for specific contacts or conversations. However, be cautious when installing such software, as it may void your device's warranty and could potentially compromise the security of your data.
  8. Alternative Methods: Another method is to use WhatsApp's built-in "Airplane Mode" trick. When you receive a message and want to read it without sending a read receipt, immediately turn on Airplane Mode before opening the message. This will prevent WhatsApp from sending a read confirmation to the sender until you disable Airplane Mode again.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage your privacy settings on WhatsApp for Android and control whether others see that you have read their messages.