How to make it so that the "read" status is not visible in WhatsApp messages?

How to make it so that the read status is not visible in WhatsApp messages - briefly?

To hide the "read" status in WhatsApp messages, you can disable read receipts by going to Settings > Account > Privacy and toggling off the "Read Receipts" option. Additionally, turning off your internet connection before reading a message will prevent the sender from seeing the "read" status.

How to make it so that the read status is not visible in WhatsApp messages - in detail?

To ensure that the "read" status is not visible in WhatsApp messages, you can follow these detailed steps:

1. Turn Off Read Receipts: WhatsApp provides an option to disable read receipts for all contacts or specific individuals. Here’s how to do it:

   • Open WhatsApp and go to the "Settings" menu.
   • Navigate to "Account" > "Privacy".
   • Under the "Messages" section, toggle off "Read Receipts".

2. Disable Last Seen Status: While this does not hide read receipts directly, it can provide an additional layer of privacy. By disabling your last seen status, others cannot see when you were last active on WhatsApp:

   • In the same "Privacy" settings menu, select "Last Seen & Online".
   • Choose who can see your last seen status (Everyone, My Contacts, or Nobody).

3. Use Airplane Mode: This is a temporary workaround that allows you to read messages without triggering the read receipt:

   • Turn on airplane mode before opening WhatsApp.
   • Read your messages while offline.
   • Close WhatsApp and turn off airplane mode only after you have finished reading.

4. Block Specific Contacts: If you want to avoid showing read receipts to specific contacts, consider blocking them:

   • Go to the contact's profile in WhatsApp.
   • Tap on "Block" and confirm your decision.

5. Delete and Reinstall WhatsApp: This method should be used as a last resort, as it requires re-configuring your account:

   • Delete WhatsApp from your device.
   • Reinstall WhatsApp and set up your account again.

Important Note: Disabling read receipts is a two-way street; if you disable them for others, they will not be able to see when you have read their messages either. This can sometimes lead to miscommunication or misunderstandings in conversation dynamics.

By following these steps, you can maintain a higher degree of privacy regarding your message reading status on WhatsApp.