How to keep messages unread in WhatsApp?

How to keep messages unread in WhatsApp - briefly?

To keep messages unread in WhatsApp, you can use the "Mark as Unread" feature. Simply long-press on a chat or message and select the option to mark it as unread. This will ensure that the message remains unread until you manually change its status.

How to keep messages unread in WhatsApp - in detail?

Keeping messages unread in WhatsApp can be useful for various reasons, such as prioritizing important communications or marking messages for later response. Here are detailed steps and tips on how to achieve this:

For Android Users:

  1. Disable Read Receipts:

    • Open WhatsApp and go to the Settings menu by tapping on the three dots in the upper right corner.
    • Navigate to "Account" > "Privacy."
    • Toggle off the option for "Read Receipts." This will prevent others from seeing when you have read their messages, but it won't keep your messages unread for yourself.

  2. Use Archive Feature:

    • Long-press on the chat you want to mark as unread.
    • Tap on the archive icon (box with a downward arrow) at the top of the screen. This will move the conversation out of your main inbox but won't mark it as read.
    • To access archived chats, scroll to the bottom of your chat list and tap on "Archived Chats."

For iOS Users:

  1. Disable Read Receipts:

    • Open WhatsApp and go to "Settings" by tapping on the gear icon at the bottom right corner.
    • Navigate to "Account" > "Privacy."
    • Toggle off the option for "Read Receipts." This will prevent others from seeing when you have read their messages, but it won't keep your messages unread for yourself.

  2. Use Mute Feature:

    • Open WhatsApp and go to the chat you want to mute.
    • Tap on the contact or group name at the top of the screen.
    • Select "Mute" from the menu that appears.
    • Choose how long you want to mute the conversation (8 hours, 1 week, or 1 year).
    • This will prevent notifications but won't mark the messages as read if you manually open the chat.

General Tips for All Users:

  • Avoid Opening Chats: Simply avoid opening chats that you want to keep unread. If a notification pops up, do not tap on it to view the message.
  • Use Notification Settings: Customize your notification settings to ensure that previews of messages are not displayed. This can help in avoiding accidentally reading messages.
    • On Android: Go to "Settings" > "Notifications" > "WhatsApp." Turn off "Show preview."
    • On iOS: Go to "Settings" > "Notifications" > "WhatsApp." Turn off "Show Previews."
  • Use Widgets: If you're using an Android device, consider using the WhatsApp widget. This allows you to see unread messages without opening the app and marking them as read.

By following these detailed steps and tips, you can effectively manage your WhatsApp messages and keep those you wish to remain unread in a organized manner.