The blue ticks in WhatsApp let you know when others have read your message, but what if you don't like this function? Maybe you feel pressured to respond before you're ready, or prefer to use the app in a more stealthy manner.
Whatever the reason, we'll show you how to turn off the blue ticks in WhatsApp.
How to Disable WhatApp's Blue Ticks
WhatsApp's blue checkmarks are controlled by a simple toggle. To find it, open the Settings menu (on the bottom bar of the iPhone app, or under the three-dot menu at the top-right if you're on Android). Next, select the Privacy panel. Inside, find the Read Receipts toggle and turn it off.
This will stop you from sending read receipts to people you chat with, so they will no longer see blue ticks once you've opened their message. As the app explains, another effect of turning this option off is that you'll no longer be able to see blue ticks on your own messages once other people have seen them.
Note that you cannot turn off read receipts for group chats, even with this toggle. You also can't disable the "play receipts" for voice messages, so the other parties will always see those.
If you use WhatsApp Web, be aware that it's not possible to remove blue ticks from WhatsApp on your PC; you'll need to use your phone to change these options.
Read Receipts vs. Blue Ticks
In case you're unaware of the terminology, read receipts and blue ticks are the same feature. Read receipts are the function of messaging apps that tell other people when a message has been read, while the blue ticks are WhatsApp's way of showing its read receipts.
See our overview of the checkmarks in WhatsApp for more info. It's even possible to see exactly when your WhatsApp message was read.
Staying Private in WhatsApp
Now you can use WhatsApp without your contacts knowing if you've read their messages or not. While this function has a lot of benefits, such as providing confirmation for simple messages like "Be there in 10 minutes," it's not for everyone.
While you're thinking about this, there are many other ways you can make WhatsApp more secure and private.
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