While tweets are publicly displayed on Twitter, direct messages (MDs) allow you to initiate private conversations with other users. Twitter activates the read receipts feature by default (which allow you to understand if a person has seen your messages), but you can deactivate it if you prefer. This article explains how to know if someone has opened a message you sent them on Twitter and how to manage preferences related to read receipts.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using the Twitter Application
Step 1. Open Twitter on your phone or tablet
The icon looks like a blue bird and is usually found on the Home screen or in the application menu.
Step 2. Click on the envelope symbol
It is located in the lower right corner of the feed. This will open your inbox.
Step 3. Tap on a conversation
Pressing on the name of the person you wrote to will open the entire conversation. The most recent message appears at the bottom of the chat.
Step 4. Tap the message bubble once
If the recipient has seen it, the word "Viewed" will appear under the dialog box, to the left of the check mark (✓). If after touching the balloon you see the word Displayed next to the check mark, then the recipient has seen the message. If not, they haven't opened it yet or turned off read receipts.
Step 5. Update your preferences for read receipts (optional)
Twitter automatically turns on read notifications (this feature lets you know if someone has seen your messages). You can turn it off in the settings. Here's how to do it:
- Tap on your profile photo in the top left corner.
- Select Settings and privacy.
- Select Privacy and security.
- If you want to turn off read receipts, slide your finger on the "Show read notifications" switch (it will turn gray). It can be found in the section titled "Direct Messages". The changes will be applied immediately.
- To turn on read receipts, swipe the switch again (it will turn green or blue).
Method 2 of 2: Using a Computer
Step 1. Visit https://www.twitter.com using a browser
If you are already logged in, your feed will open. If you haven't logged in, follow the onscreen instructions to log in.
Step 2. Click on Messages
This option is located more or less in the center of the menu located on the left side of the page. The list of private conversations will appear.
Step 3. Click on a conversation
By clicking on the name of the person you wrote to, all the messages of the conversation will be displayed. The most recent one is at the bottom of the chat.
Step 4. Click the check mark (✓) under the sent message
It is located just below the message, to the right of the sending time. If after clicking the check mark you see the word "Viewed" below, the recipient has read the message. If not, he hasn't opened it yet or turned off read receipts.
Step 5. Update your preferences for read receipts (optional)
Twitter automatically activates read receipts (i.e. the feature that allows you to understand if someone has viewed your messages). You can disable this feature in the settings. Here's how to do it:
- Click on the menu Other in the left column.
- Click on Settings and privacy.
- Click on Privacy and security in the center column.
- If you want to disable read receipts, remove the check mark from the "Show read notifications" box. It can be found in the section titled "Direct Messages". The changes will be applied immediately.
- To enable read notifications, check the box.
