How to make WhatsApp messages gray?

How to make WhatsApp messages gray - briefly?

To make WhatsApp messages appear in gray, you need to archive the chat. This changes the color of the message bubbles from blue or green to gray, indicating that the conversation has been archived.

How to make WhatsApp messages gray - in detail?

To turn WhatsApp messages gray, indicating that the message has been read by the recipient but not replied to, you need to follow a few simple steps. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining privacy and controlling when others know you've seen their messages. Here’s how to achieve this:

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that WhatsApp uses checkmarks to indicate the status of your messages. A single gray checkmark means the message has been sent but not yet delivered. Two gray checkmarks confirm that the message has been delivered to the recipient’s device. Once the recipient reads the message, these checkmarks turn blue. However, if you don't want the sender to know you've read their message, there are a couple of methods to keep your messages gray:

  1. Read Receipts Setting:

    • Open WhatsApp on your device.
    • Navigate to 'Settings'.
    • Select 'Account'.
    • Tap on 'Privacy'.
    • Find and toggle off the option for 'Read Receipts'.

    By turning off Read Receipts, you will prevent others from seeing when you've read their messages. Consequently, your messages will remain gray to indicate that they haven’t been read by you. Remember, this setting applies to all conversations and not just specific contacts.

  2. Airplane Mode Trick:

    • Before opening WhatsApp, turn on Airplane Mode on your device. This disables Wi-Fi and cellular data, preventing the app from sending or receiving any information.
    • Open WhatsApp and read the message while still in Airplane Mode.
    • Close WhatsApp completely (not just minimize it). To do this, you may need to use your device’s task manager or recent apps menu.
    • Turn off Airplane Mode and wait for your device to reconnect to the network.
    • Reopen WhatsApp. The message will still appear as unread because WhatsApp couldn't send a read receipt while in Airplane Mode.

This method is useful if you want to selectively control when certain messages are marked as read without affecting your overall privacy settings.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage how your messages appear to others and maintain a level of privacy on WhatsApp.