Read receipts can be incredibly useful—letting people know when you’ve seen their message. But for many users, they feel more intrusive than helpful. Whether you want more privacy, less pressure to respond immediately, or simply prefer to message on your own time, turning off read receipts is a simple and effective solution. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to turn off read receipts on both iPhone and Android across the most popular messaging apps, including iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and more.

What Are Read Receipts?

Read receipts are indicators that show the sender when you’ve opened or viewed their message. These appear differently depending on the platform:

• iMessage (iPhone) – “Read” below the last message
• WhatsApp – Blue checkmarks
• Messenger – Small profile icon next to the message
• SMS (Android) – “Read” or “Seen” in supported messaging apps

While useful, they can make you feel obligated to reply instantly, which is why many people prefer disabling them.

How to Turn Off Read Receipts on iPhone

iPhones use iMessage, which has its own read receipt controls. You can disable read receipts for everyone or for individual contacts.

Turn Off Read Receipts for All Contacts on iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Messages.
3. Toggle off Send Read Receipts.

Once disabled, people will only see “Delivered” instead of “Read.”

Turn Off Read Receipts for Individual Contacts (iPhone)

This option gives you more control—ideal if you want read receipts on for certain people.

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Select the conversation with the person.
3. Tap their profile photo or name at the top.
4. Tap Info (or the “i” icon).
5. Toggle off Send Read Receipts.

This setting applies only to that specific conversation.

How to Turn Off Read Receipts in WhatsApp on iPhone

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings (bottom right).
3. Tap Privacy.
4. Toggle off Read Receipts.

Important:

• You won’t be able to see read receipts from others anymore, either.
• Group chats still show read receipts even if disabled for private messages.

How to Turn Off Read Receipts in Facebook Messenger (iPhone)

Messenger does not offer a built-in option to disable read receipts. However, you can:

• Read messages from the notification preview
• Turn on Airplane Mode before opening the message
• Use Messenger Lite (some older versions limited read receipts)

Once the message is opened online, the sender will know.

How to Turn Off Read Receipts on Android

Android messaging apps vary depending on your device, but you can easily disable read receipts for RCS messaging, WhatsApp, and other platforms.

Turn Off Read Receipts in Android Messages (Google Messages)

If you use Google Messages with RCS (Rich Communication Services) enabled, read receipts may be turned on by default.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Messages.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right.
3. Select Messages settings.
4. Go to RCS chats.
5. Toggle off Send read receipts.
6. (Optional) Turn off Show typing indicators as well.

This prevents your contacts from seeing when you’ve read or opened messages.

Turn Off Read Receipts in Samsung Messages

Samsung phones often use both Google Messages and Samsung’s own app.

For Samsung Messages:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap the three dots (menu).
3. Go to Settings.
4. Tap More settings.
5. Select Chat features (or similar options).
6. Toggle off Read receipts.

If RCS is not enabled, the option may not appear.

Turn Off Read Receipts in WhatsApp on Android

WhatsApp settings are the same across platforms.

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap the three dots (top right).
3. Select Settings.
4. Tap Privacy.
5. Toggle off Read Receipts.

Note:

• Disabling read receipts will also hide read confirmations from others.
• Group chats always show read receipts.

Turn Off Read Receipts in Facebook Messenger (Android)

Like iPhone, Android users cannot completely disable Messenger read receipts. The only workarounds are:

• Reading messages from notifications
• Using Airplane Mode
• Viewing messages inside the chat head preview without fully opening it

Messenger automatically shares when a message is viewed once opened.

Bonus: Turn Off Read Receipts on Other Popular Apps

Below are quick guides for additional apps you may use.

Instagram

Instagram does not allow users to turn off read receipts (“Seen”).
Workarounds:

• View messages in notification previews
• Restrict the user → view their message → unrestrict them
• Use Airplane Mode for quick reading

Telegram

Telegram offers per-chat control similar to iMessage.

However, you cannot disable read receipts completely except by using:

• Secret chats (more privacy-focused but still show read indicators)
• Notification previews

Snapchat

Snapchat always shows when messages or snaps are opened.
There is no way to disable read receipts in Snapchat.

Privacy Tips to Manage Read Receipts Smartly

• Disable previews on your lock screen to avoid accidental openings.
• Use Do Not Disturb during busy times so you don’t feel pressured.
• Try messaging apps like Signal, which offer more privacy controls.
• If you need to read messages secretly, rely on notification history or Airplane Mode.

Final Thoughts

Turning off read receipts on iPhone and Android is a great way to regain privacy and reduce the pressure to reply instantly. With options available across iMessage, Android Messages, WhatsApp, and more, you can control when and how others see your activity. While some apps like Messenger and Snapchat don’t allow disabling read receipts fully, simple workarounds can help manage your privacy.

Now that you know how to turn off read receipts across all major platforms, you can message freely and at your own pace—without worrying about who’s watching your activity.