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

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

To disable read receipts in WhatsApp, go to the app's settings, select "Account," then "Privacy." From there, toggle off "Read Receipts."

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

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

  1. Disable Read Receipts for All Contacts:

    • Open WhatsApp on your device.
    • Navigate to the 'Settings' menu (usually represented by three dots or a gear icon).
    • Select 'Account.'
    • Tap on 'Privacy.'
    • Under 'Read Receipts,' toggle off the option. This will disable read receipts for all your contacts, meaning they won't see when you have read their messages.

  2. Disable Read Receipts for Specific Contacts:

    While WhatsApp does not allow users to selectively disable read receipts for individual contacts directly through the app settings, there are workarounds:

    • Read Messages in Notification Bar:
      • Ensure that your device's notification settings allow previews of messages.
      • When you receive a message, read it directly from the notification bar without opening WhatsApp. This way, the sender won't see the 'read' status.
    • Use Airplane Mode:
      • Turn on Airplane Mode before reading the message.
      • Open WhatsApp and read the message.
      • Close WhatsApp before turning off Airplane Mode. This method prevents WhatsApp from sending a read receipt to the sender.

  3. Use Third-Party Applications:

    There are third-party applications available that can help manage read receipts, though it's essential to be cautious about privacy and security when using such tools. Always ensure you download apps from trusted sources.

  4. Understand the Limitations:

    • Disabling read receipts will also prevent you from seeing when your messages have been read by others.
    • The above methods primarily apply to individual chats; group chats may have different visibility settings depending on the group's configuration.

By following these steps, users can effectively manage their privacy and control who sees when they have read a message in WhatsApp.