This article shows you how to turn off read receipts (which let people know if you've read their messages) on WhatsApp within a private conversation. However, it is not possible to deactivate them in a group chat.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using an iPhone
Step 1. Open WhatsApp
The icon depicts a white telephone handset inside a green dialogue bubble.
If this is your first time opening WhatsApp, you will first need to set up the application
Step 2. Tap Settings
This option is located at the bottom right.
If a conversation opens up, first tap the top left button to go back
Step 3. Tap Account
This option is at the top of the page.
Step 4. Tap Privacy
This option is located at the top of the account page.
Step 5. Swipe the Read Receipts button to turn it off
This button is located at the bottom of the screen. Swiping left will disable read receipts in private conversations, so blue check marks will no longer appear in chats to confirm message viewing.
If the button is white, then read receipts have already been disabled
Method 2 of 2: Using Android
Step 1. Open WhatsApp
The icon depicts a white telephone handset inside a green dialogue bubble.
If this is your first time using WhatsApp, you will first need to set up the application
Step 2. Tap ⋮
This button is located at the top right.
If a conversation opens up, first tap the top left button to go back
Step 3. Tap Settings
This option is at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
Step 4. Tap Account at the top of the page
Step 5. Tap Privacy
This option is located at the top of the account page.
Step 6. Disable the button next to the Read Receipts item
This option is located almost at the bottom of the page. Disabling the button disables read receipts in private conversations, preventing blue check marks from appearing in chats to confirm viewing a message.
