How to make read receipts invisible in WhatsApp?

How to make read receipts invisible in WhatsApp - briefly?

To make read receipts invisible in WhatsApp, you can disable the "Read Receipts" feature in your privacy settings. This will prevent others from seeing when you have read their messages.

How to make read receipts invisible in WhatsApp - in detail?

To make read receipts invisible in WhatsApp, you can follow these detailed steps:

For iOS Devices:

  1. Disable Read Receipts:

    • Open the WhatsApp application on your iPhone or iPad.
    • Navigate to the "Settings" tab located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
    • Tap on "Account."
    • Select "Privacy."
    • Under "Messages," toggle off "Read Receipts."
  2. Turn Off Last Seen:

    • While still in the "Privacy" settings, you can also turn off your last seen status by toggling off "Last Seen."

For Android Devices:

  1. Disable Read Receipts:

    • Open WhatsApp on your Android device.
    • Tap on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner to access the menu.
    • Select "Settings."
    • Go to "Account."
    • Tap on "Privacy."
    • Uncheck the box next to "Read Receipts."
  2. Turn Off Last Seen:

    • In the same "Privacy" settings, you can also disable your last seen status by unchecking the box next to "Last Seen."

Additional Tips:

  • Airplane Mode Trick:

    • For both iOS and Android devices, you can temporarily turn on Airplane Mode after reading a message. This will prevent WhatsApp from sending read receipts until you disable Airplane Mode again.
  • Block the Contact:

    • If you want to hide your online status or last seen from specific contacts without blocking them entirely, you can block and then unblock the contact. However, this method is not recommended for long-term use due to its impracticality.

Important Considerations:

  • Reciprocal Privacy:

    • Remember that disabling read receipts also means you will not be able to see when others have read your messages.
  • Group Chats:

    • In group chats, the "Read by" feature is always enabled and cannot be disabled. This informs all participants when a message has been read by anyone in the group.

By following these steps, you can effectively make read receipts invisible in WhatsApp, enhancing your privacy while using the app.