Instagram has come a long way in making its platform more user-friendly, and one of the most requested features is finally here: the ability to disable read receipts in DMs. If you’ve ever opened a message only to feel the pressure of a “Seen” notification staring back at you, this new feature will be a welcome relief. In this post, you can learn how to turn off read receipts on Instagram.
What Is the Read Receipts Feature on Instagram?
When someone sends you a Direct Message (DM) on Instagram, you can see their message in your inbox. Once you open and read the message, a small “Seen” notification will appear below the message. This feature lets the senders know you’ve read their message.
It can be helpful when you’re expecting a reply from someone or want to confirm that a message has been received and read. However, you may feel uncomfortable in situations where you want to remain anonymous or not engage.
How to Turn Off Read Receipts on Instagram?
For some of us, having that “Seen” pop up can create anxiety. Maybe you don’t want to respond to someone immediately, or maybe you just want to keep your activity more private. Thus, we will introduce how to turn off read receipts on Instagram. The steps are available for both Android and iOS.
Turn Off Read Receipts for One Chat
Step 1: Start by opening the Instagram app on your Android/iOS. Make sure you’re logged into your account.
Step 2: Tap the Messenger icon in the top right corner of your screen. This will bring you to your chat list, where you can see all your conversations.
Step 3: Scroll through your chat list and tap on the conversation you want to adjust the read receipt settings for.
Step 4: Once you’re inside the conversation, look at the top of the screen. You’ll see the name of the chat. Tap on it to open the chat details.
Step 5: In the chat details menu, scroll down until you find Privacy & Security. This is where you can adjust various privacy options for that specific conversation.
Step 6: Here, you can see a toggle switch next to Read Receipts. To turn off the feature, simply tap the switch. This will stop others in the chat from seeing when you’ve read their messages.
Disable All Instagram Read Receipts
Can you turn off read receipts on Instagram, including all messages? The answer is yes. Here is how to do it.
Step 1: Go to Your Profile
Open Instagram and tap on your profile icon in the lower-right corner of the screen. This will take you to your profile page.
Step 2: Access More Options
Once you’re on your profile, look at the upper-right corner and tap on the three horizontal lines (the hamburger menu) to open more options.
Step 3: Go to Your Privacy Settings
From the menu that pops up, tap Settings and Privacy. This is where you can adjust everything related to your account’s security and how others interact with you.
Step 4. Manage Message Settings
In the Privacy section, scroll until you find Messages and story replies under How others can interact with you. Tap it to open up your messaging preferences.
Step 5: Disable Read Receipts
Now you’ll see an option labeled Show read receipts. Simply toggle the switch next to Read Receipts to off. This will prevent others from seeing you’ve read their messages, letting you enjoy more privacy and flexibility in your conversations.
Re-enable Read Receipts on Instagram – If Needed
If you ever want to enable read receipts again, just follow the same steps and tap the switch next to Read Receipts to turn it back on. This way, you’re always in control of your messaging privacy based on your needs.
Why Would You Want to Turn Off Read Receipts?
Turning off read receipts can be beneficial in several situations. Here are some reasons why you might want to disable it.
Avoid Feeling Refused to Respond
If you’ve ever felt the pressure to respond immediately after reading a message, turning off read receipts gives you the breathing room you need. You can read messages when it’s convenient for you, without worrying about the sender seeing that you’ve already seen their message but not replied.
Maintain Privacy
Sometimes, you just want to browse Instagram without letting anyone know you’ve been active. Disabling read receipts helps you maintain some level of anonymity in your DMs. You can decide when to DM on Instagram.
Have More Control of Your Instagram DMs
Instagram can make it feel like you’re always “on.” Disabling read receipts allows you to take control of your online activity and manage how you interact with others. It’s a subtle way to create a healthier, more balanced relationship with social media.
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What Happens When You Turn Off Read Receipts on Instagram?
Once you turn off read receipts on Instagram, the following changes you need to know.
- Others won’t know if you’ve read their messages.
- You won’t see the “Seen” notifications for messages sent to others either.
- You can still scroll through your DMs, tap on any conversation, and read the messages freely.
- No immediate pressure to reply. You can read messages at your own pace.
- You’ll still be alerted when you get a new message or when someone replies to your posts or stories.
Conclusion
The ability to turn off read receipts on Instagram is a long-awaited update that finally gives you more control over your privacy. Follow our guide and enjoy your Instagram experience in a way that feels comfortable for you!
