Read receipts can tell another iMessage user when you have read a message. You can change the default behavior for Messages and, in supported situations, manage the setting for an individual conversation.
Turn Off Read Receipts Generally
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap Messages.
- Find Send Read Receipts.
- Turn it off.
Change Read Receipts for One Conversation
- Open Messages.
- Open the conversation.
- Tap the person’s name or conversation details at the top.
- Change Send Read Receipts if that option is available.
Read Receipts Are Not the Same as Delivery Status
Turning off read receipts prevents the other person from receiving a normal “Read” indication from you. It does not necessarily remove every delivery-status indicator or messaging-service behavior.
Messaging Service Matters
Read-receipt behavior depends on the service used for the conversation and the settings supported by both participants. Do not assume every text conversation follows identical iMessage rules.
If Someone Still Sees Read Status
Review the per-conversation setting as well as the general Messages setting. Other messaging apps also have their own read-receipt controls that are separate from Apple’s Messages settings.
Privacy Expectations Still Matter
Turning off read receipts changes the status shown by supported messaging services, but it does not prevent someone from inferring that you saw a message from your reply timing or other activity. Treat it as a convenience and privacy preference, not as a way to conceal all messaging behavior.
Per-Conversation Choices Are Useful
You may prefer read receipts for family or coworkers while keeping them off more broadly. Where supported, individual conversation controls make that compromise possible.