PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Computers and Electronics
Internet
Online Communications
Instant Messaging
Snapchat
How to Half Swipe on Snapchat to Read Messages Secretly Download Article View Snaps without opening them with this step-by-step guide Written by Rain Kengly
Last Updated: July 7, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
How to Half-Swipe
|
What is half-swipe on Snapchat?
|
Video
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain is a tech writer and editor for wikiHow with over 5 years of professional writing experience. In the past, Rain has worked with other creative writers as a Writing Tutor at San Francisco State University and has published gaming features, guides, and news articles for a variety of media outlets. Rain shares a lifelong passion for writing and gaming and is eager to grow alongside new tech inventions. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 227,787 times. Learn more...
Half-swipe on Snapchat involves partially opening the message but releasing it before it fully opens. This way, you can see the message's contents without notifying the sender. Keep in mind that Snapchat+ users may see half-swipes if they're currently watching the chat screen. This article will show you how to half-swipe on Snapchat using your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
Things You Should Know
To half-swipe on Snapchat, gently tap and hold the sender's icon, then slowly swipe to the right. Read the message, and then swipe left to close the chat.
Half-swiping will only work to view text messages, not image or video Snaps.
Snapchat+ users may see the "eyes" emoji if you half-swipe while they're on the chat screen. [1]XResearch source
Steps
Section 1 of 2:
How to Half-Swipe
Download Article
1 Open the Snapchat app. Avoid clicking on any message notification in your Notification Center. This will take you directly to the message itself, which is something you’re trying to avoid.
Half-swiping will only work on text Snaps, not image or video Snaps.
Keep in mind that Snapchat+ users will see the "eyes" emoji if you half-swipe while they're in the chat window. [2]XResearch source
2 Tap the Chat tab. This is where you’ll find all your messages. You can find this between the Map and Camera tabs.
When you have a new message, there will be a blue circle at the top right of the message box icon.
This is also the place where you can check a Snap’s status.
Advertisement
3 Gently place your finger on the sender’s Bitmoji or icon. Don’t click or release your finger.[3]XResearch source
Use a light press. A hard press will pull up the sender’s information and alternate options instead.
4 Without letting go, slowly swipe to the right. This will reveal the message in its chat log. If there is more than one message, they will all show up here.
Keep your finger on the screen at all times.
Leave a small space between the chat log and the right edge of your screen to avoid releasing too early.
Incorrectly done, this will open the chat and notify the sender that it's been read.
5 Read the message. You can take as long as you need.
If you take a screenshot while half-swiping, the sender will be notified.
6 Swipe back to the left when you’re finished reading. Make sure the chat log is swiped to the left before releasing your finger.
If you release your finger before the chat log completely disappears, you will open the message and notify the sender. [4]XResearch source
Successful half-swipes will still have the New Chat notification next to the sender.
Advertisement Section 2 of 2:
What is half-swipe on Snapchat?
Download Article
Half-swipe allows you to check Snapchat messages without notifying the sender. This trick is particularly helpful if you don’t want to reply to certain people but still want to see the message. Half-swiping also gives you time to think about your response before letting the sender know their message has been seen.
For Snapchat+ users, half-swipes are indicated by the "eyes" emoji if they're on the chat screen.[5]XResearch source However, you may be able to get away with it if you open it when they're inactive or offline.
As of January 2024, you can still half-swipe on Snapchat.
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
Half-Swiping on Instagram: How to View Messages & Stories in SecretHow toRead Snapchat Messages Without the Other Person Knowing2 Simple Ways to Replay a Snapchat Once or TwiceCan You Unsend a Snap on Snapchat? Quick & Easy StepsSnapchat: How to Look at Snaps You've Sent + FAQs3 Easy Ways to Reopen Snapchat Pictures, Videos, and StoryHow to Save Pictures from Snapchat Chat Without Taking a Screenshot3 Easy Steps to View Messages on Snapchat2 Simple Ways to View Pictures and Videos on SnapchatHow toScreenshot a SnapchatSave Snapchat Conversations: Chats, Photos, and VideosHow toSend a Snapchat Without a Photo3 Easy Ways to View Your Saved Messages on SnapchatHow to Delete Snapchat Messages Another User Saved: 6 Steps Advertisement
Written by: Rain Kengly wikiHow Technology Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain is a tech writer and editor for wikiHow with over 5 years of professional writing experience. In the past, Rain has worked with other creative writers as a Writing Tutor at San Francisco State University and has published gaming features, guides, and news articles for a variety of media outlets. Rain shares a lifelong passion for writing and gaming and is eager to grow alongside new tech inventions. This article has been viewed 227,787 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 6Updated: July 7, 2025 Views: 227,787 Categories: Snapchat In other languages Portuguese Indonesian Dutch Hindi Vietnamese Spanish Japanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 227,787 times.
Is this article up to date?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Written by: Rain Kengly wikiHow Technology Writer Click a star to vote Co-authors: 6Updated: July 7, 2025 Views: 227,787
Quizzes & Games
Emoji TestTake QuizSnapchat Username GeneratorGenerate NamesAm I Giving Someone the Ick QuizTake QuizShould I Text Him or Not QuizTake QuizCraft the Perfect Reply to Any TextGenerateAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
Half-Swiping on Instagram: How to View Messages & Stories in SecretHow toRead Snapchat Messages Without the Other Person Knowing2 Simple Ways to Replay a Snapchat Once or TwiceCan You Unsend a Snap on Snapchat? Quick & Easy Steps
Featured Articles
13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestHow toEnjoy the HolidaysHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly Quiz
Trending Articles
Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How toMake Out
Featured Articles
200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy BetterHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me Quiz
Featured Articles
15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute
Watch Articles
How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair
Trending Articles
Have I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)
Quizzes & Games
Am I Annoying QuizTake QuizTurn Your Message into EmojisGenerateHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizSabrina Carpenter Lyric QuizTake QuizAm I a Certified Yapper QuizTake QuizGuess the Emoji QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Computers and Electronics
Internet
Online Communications
Instant Messaging
Snapchat
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help:
Tech troubles got you down? We've got the tips you need
Download Article View Snaps without opening them with this step-by-step guide Written by Rain Kengly 
Advertisement 
Written by: Rain Kengly wikiHow Technology Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain is a tech writer and editor for wikiHow with over 5 years of professional writing experience. In the past, Rain has worked with other creative writers as a Writing Tutor at San Francisco State University and has published gaming features, guides, and news articles for a variety of media outlets. Rain shares a lifelong passion for writing and gaming and is eager to grow alongside new tech inventions. This article has been viewed 227,787 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 6 Updated: July 7, 2025 Views: 227,787 Categories: Snapchat In other languages Portuguese Indonesian Dutch Hindi Vietnamese Spanish Japanese 
Take Quiz
Generate Names
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Generate
Take Quiz 
Generate
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
705 
1 Open the Snapchat app. Avoid clicking on any message notification in your Notification Center. This will take you directly to the message itself, which is something you’re trying to avoid. 
2 Tap the Chat tab. This is where you’ll find all your messages. You can find this between the Map and Camera tabs. 
3 Gently place your finger on the sender’s Bitmoji or icon. Don’t click or release your finger.[3] 
4 Without letting go, slowly swipe to the right. This will reveal the message in its chat log. If there is more than one message, they will all show up here. 
5 Read the message. You can take as long as you need. 
6 Swipe back to the left when you’re finished reading. Make sure the chat log is swiped to the left before releasing your finger. 
Half-swipe allows you to check Snapchat messages without notifying the sender. This trick is particularly helpful if you don’t want to reply to certain people but still want to see the message. Half-swiping also gives you time to think about your response before letting the sender know their message has been seen. 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.