How to Disable the "Message Seen" Blue Ticks in WhatsApp

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Tested

Want to get rid of the pesky blue ticks in WhatsApp? Luckily, they’re super easy to disable whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android. Just follow these steps and soon you won’t have to worry about other people seeing when you’ve read their messages. Then you can take the time to craft careful replies and start messaging in peace again.

Things You Should Know

WhatsApp lets others know you've read their messages with two blue checkmarks.
To disable this feature, you'll need to go into your WhatsApp Privacy settings and uncheck the Read Receipts option.
Read receipts are always sent for group chats.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using an iPhone

1
Open WhatsApp. It’s the green app with the white phone and chat bubble icon.
- If you’ve never opened WhatsApp before, you'll need to take a few minutes to set up your account before you continue on.
2
Tap Settings. You’ll find it in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- If WhatsApp opens to a conversation, first tap the back button in the top-left corner of the screen.
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3
Tap Account. It's near the top of the page.
4
Tap Privacy. This option is at the top of the "Account" page.
5
Slide Read Receipts to the "Off" (left) position. This green switch is at the bottom of the screen; sliding it left will disable read receipts in non-group conversations, which will prevent the dreaded blue "Message Seen" ticks from appearing in your chats. That’s all there is to it!
- If the switch is white, read receipts are already disabled.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Android

1
Open WhatsApp. It's the green app with a white phone and chat bubble icon.
- If this is your first time opening WhatsApp, you'll need to set up WhatsApp before moving on.
2
Tap ⋮. You can find this button in the top-right corner of your screen.
- If WhatsApp opens to a conversation, first tap the back button in the top-left corner of the screen.
3
Tap Settings. It's at the bottom of the drop-down menu here.
4
Tap Account. It's near the top of the page.
5
Tap Privacy. This option is at the top of the "Account" page.
6
Tap the checkbox to the right of Read receipts. This option is near the bottom of the page. Un-checking the Read receipts box will both disable read receipts in non-group conversations and prevent the blue "Message Seen" ticks from appearing in your chats. You should be good to go now!

Community Q&A

Question

How do I disable the "message seen" blue ticks in WhatsApp in group chats?

Community Answer

There's no way to do this. If you really want, you'll have to cut off all internet connection on your phone before opening the group chat.
Question

What do two blue checks mean in WhatsApp?

Community Answer

They mean that the recipient has read the message you've sent.