How to avoid reading a message on WhatsApp?

How to avoid reading a message on WhatsApp - briefly?

To avoid reading a message on WhatsApp, turn off notifications and disable the "Show Preview" feature.

How to avoid reading a message on WhatsApp - in detail?

To avoid inadvertently reading a message on WhatsApp, you can employ several strategies designed to help maintain your privacy and focus.

Firstly, consider disabling the 'Read Receipts' feature. This option allows senders to see when you have read their messages, which can sometimes prompt them to expect an immediate response. To turn off Read Receipts:

  1. Open WhatsApp.
  2. Go to Settings (usually represented by three dots in the top-right corner).
  3. Select 'Account'.
  4. Tap on 'Privacy'.
  5. Turn off 'Read Receipts'.

Secondly, use the 'Do Not Disturb' mode available on your device. This feature can help minimize distractions by silencing notifications from WhatsApp and other apps:

  1. Open your device’s Settings app.
  2. Scroll down to 'Digital Wellbeing & parental controls'.
  3. Select 'Do Not Disturb'.
  4. Choose the duration for which you want to enable this mode or select 'Turn on now' for immediate activation.

Thirdly, avoid opening WhatsApp notifications directly from your lock screen or notification panel. This can prevent you from accidentally reading a message before you are ready. Instead:

  1. Swipe away the notification without tapping on it.
  2. Open WhatsApp manually when you are prepared to engage with your messages.

Fourthly, consider using the 'Mute' feature for specific chats or groups that you do not want to read immediately. This will silence notifications from these conversations:

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat or group you wish to mute.
  2. Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen.
  3. Select 'Mute'.
  4. Choose the duration for which you want to mute the conversation (e.g., 8 hours, 1 week, 1 year).

Lastly, maintain a discipline of checking your messages at designated times rather than responding immediately to every notification. This practice can help you stay focused on your tasks and respond to messages in a more organized manner.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively avoid reading WhatsApp messages prematurely, ensuring that you remain in control of when and how you engage with your communications.