How to Check if Your Direct Message Has Been Read on Twitter

Last Updated: November 18, 2022

While tweets appear on the public side of Twitter, you can use Direct Messages (DMs) to engage in private side conversations with other users. Twitter enables read receipts (the feature that tells you whether someone has seen your messages) by default, but you can toggle this feature off if you prefer. This wikiHow teaches you how to find out whether someone has opened the message you sent to them on Twitter, and how to manage your read receipt preferences.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using the Twitter Mobile App

1
Open Twitter on your phone or tablet. It's the blue bird icon typically found on the home screen or in the app drawer.
2
Tap the envelope icon. It's at the bottom-right corner of your Twitter feed. This opens your Messages inbox.

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3
Tap the conversation. Tapping the name of the person you messaged will open the entire conversation. The most recent message appears at the bottom.
4
Tap the message bubble one time. If the recipient has seen the message, the word "Seen" will appear just below the message bubble, to the left of the checkmark (✓). If you see the word Seen below the checkmark after clicking, the recipient has seen the message. If not, the recipient has either not yet opened the message or has disabled read-receipts.
5
Update your read receipt preferences (optional). Twitter enables read receipts (the feature that tells you whether someone has seen your messages) by default. You have the option to turn this feature off through your settings. Here's how:
- Tap your profile photo at the top-left corner.
- Tap Settings & privacy.
- Tap Privacy and safety.
- If you want to disable read receipts, slide the "Show read receipts" switch to the Off (gray) position. It's under the "Direct Messages" header. Your changes will take effect immediately.
- To enable read receipts, toggle the switch to the On (green or blue) position.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Computer

1
Go to https://www.twitter.com in a web browser. This will bring up your feed if you're already signed in. If you're not signed in, follow the on-screen instructions to sign in now.
2
Click Messages. It's near the middle of the menu that runs along the left side of the page. This displays a list of your direct message conversations.
3
Click the conversation. Clicking the name of the person you messaged will display all messages in the conversation. The most recent message appears at the bottom.
4
Click the checkmark (✓) beneath your sent message. It'll be right below the message to the right of the time sent. If you see the word "Seen" below the checkmark after clicking, the recipient has seen the message. If not, the recipient has either not yet opened the message or has disabled read receipts.
5
Update your read receipt preferences (optional). Twitter enables read receipts (the feature that tells you whether someone has seen your messages) by default. You have the option to turn this feature off through your settings. Here's how:
- Click the More menu in the left column.
- Click Settings & privacy.
- Click Privacy and safety in the center column.
- If you want to disable read receipts, remove the checkmark from the "Show read receipts" box under the "Direct Messages" header. Your changes will take effect immediately.
- To enable read receipts, add a checkmark to the box.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I see whether a person read my message in a group conversation on Twitter if that person is not following me, but I follow that person?

Roblox Noob

Community Answer

If you previously had a conversation with a person through Direct Message, that person is able to message you regardless of if you follow them or not. Disabling the Receive Direct Messages from Anyone setting does not stop accounts from messaging you with whom you have previously had conversations and do not follow.
Question

If it says "Sent" instead of "Seen," have they seen the message?

Community Answer

No, it means you just sent it to them and they haven't read it yet. Give it some time for them to respond.