Master Your Privacy: Two Techniques to Disable Instagram Read Receipts

Instagram's latest update empowers users to discreetly read messages without notifying senders. Discover how to activate this feature now.

After much anticipation, Instagram, under the umbrella of Meta, has finally rolled out the option to disable read receipts. Unlike WhatsApp, where this feature has long been available, Instagram users can now selectively turn off read receipts for specific chats or all conversations at once. In this concise guide, we'll walk you through both methods of disabling read receipts on your Instagram direct messages.

How to Turn Off Instagram Read Receipts (Individual Chats)

Now, you have the freedom to disable read receipts for specific Instagram direct message chats, giving you the liberty to view messages at your convenience without alerting the sender.

To do so, just tap on the recipient's name, navigate to "privacy and safety," and switch off the read receipts option.

How to Turn off Instagram Read Receipts (All Chats)

No need to fret—escaping the hassle of disabling read receipts for each individual direct message is achievable by adjusting your settings.

Simply navigate to the "Messages and Story Replies" section within your settings. There, you'll find the option to toggle your read receipts on or off. Additionally, you can decide whether to display your activity status to followers and those you message in this same settings area, ensuring your online presence remains private.

Deciding Whether to Disable Read Receipts: Is It Worth It?

Ultimately, the choice is yours. While it's a privacy feature, and leveraging such features is wise for social media users, whether to disable read receipts depends largely on your relationships.

Some opt out of read receipts to avoid seeming impolite by reading messages without replying promptly, while others have different dynamics within their social circles.

Having this feature on platforms like Instagram grants users the liberty to read messages without immediate response pressure and discloses less activity information. It's most effective when paired with a hidden activity status.