How to Turn Off Read Receipts on Instagram

One of the most popular photo-sharing social media platforms, Instagram is a unique and multipurpose type of platform wherein users are allowed to share their own content and at the same time use it as a channel to communicate with other users.

In short, through Instagram, you will be able to access its messenger where you could chat with your friends. However, just like in any other platforms and apps, there are times when you would like to have some privacy. One of the functions which could allow you to have this is the read receipt function.

Through read receipt function, you would know when the recipient of your message has received and read your message. Though this function could be very useful, it could also be a source of stress. When you have read a message, you would be oblige to respond since the sender of the message would see that you have read his message and not responding could be considered as rude or be seen as being dismissive. In the case when you are very busy and do not have time to respond, it is best to turn off your read recipients.

Ways to Read Instagram Messages Without Sending a Receipt

There are many ways to turn off the read receipt function and in this section of this article, we shall provide you a guideline on how to turn off read receipt function of Instagram Messenger.

Go Offline

• Do not click on the message notification on your phone. If you do, it will open the message and would appear as you have read the message.
• Open your Instagram app instead and from your home page, tap the messenger icon. Refresh your inbox and you would see pre-load of all your messages in the app.
• Swipe down on your screen to open your phone menu and tap the mobile data and WiFi icons. Turn it off.
• Once you are disconnected, you could open the messages within your inbox.
• Keep in mind if you do this method, once you go back online, your read receipt will be sent immediately.

Turn On Airplane Mode

• Open Instagram app and refresh your inbox
• Go to your phone’s menu
• Tap airplane mode
• Go back to your inbox and read your messages.
• When you turn off your airplane mode, the sender would see your read receipt which is why it is suggested to turn it off only when you are ready to reply.

Turn Activity Status Off

• Open your Instagram app
• Tap on your profile picture on the lower left-hand corner
• Open the hamburger menu on the upper right corner
• Select Settings
• Select Privacy option
• Tap on Activity Status
• Tap on the toggle button beside show activity status. Ensure it is turned off.
• Turn off show when you’re active together option as well.

Restrict the Other User

• Open your Instagram app
• Go to the person’s profile
• Click on their handle in your inbox
• Search them from your home page
• Tap on the menu button on the top right corner
• Press the restrict button

Turn off Messaging Notifications

• Open your Instagram app
• Tap on your profile page
• Open the hamburger menu on the top right
• Select settings
• Open notifications tab
• Tap to expand messages and calls
• Click off option for messages and messages requests

FAQs

Why Can’t I Turn Off Read Receipts?

The reason as to why you cannot turn off read receipts is due to its practical purpose. The feature is handy and it lets you know if there is something wrong with your Instagram app.

Another reason is that it would defeat the purpose where it could happen half of the world would be able to read receipts and half wouldn’t. This could make the feature useless.

Can I Change the Timestamp on an Instagram Read Receipt?

Fortunately, you could. However, you would have to do it on your Instagram app on your desktop. If you have checked the message on the phone, you will have to check it again on your PC and the time stamp will automatically update.

What Is A Disappearing Instagram Message?

This feature allows you to send messages and after some time, it would delete the message automatically. This is the same as the self-destructing Snapchat messages.