How To Read Snapchat Messages Without Other People Knowing

Like most messaging apps, Snapchat alerts someone when you open and read a message they've sent, but did you know it's possible to discretely read messages without the other person knowing? At any time, users can tap the chat icon on the bottom navigation bar to access direct messages with friends. Snapchat users can send one-on-one messages, have group chats with up to 100 friends, and even start voice or video calls. It's not quite as robust as an app like WhatsApp or iMessage, but for someone who spends a lot of time on Snapchat, the messaging component gets the job done.

As mentioned above, Snapchat also has read receipts for messages. If someone sends you a direct message, they can see if you've opened it and whether you're typing a response back. It's a feature found in most messaging apps these days. However, unlike its competitors, Snapchat doesn't have a built-in way to disable it. No matter who you're talking to or how your settings are configured, opening a message on Snapchat always lets the other person know.

Related: Snapchat Deleting Chats 24 Hours After Viewing? Change This Setting

How To Read Snapchat Messages Without Them Knowing

That said, there is an unofficial workaround for this. It involves disconnecting your phone from the internet and tinkering with Snapchat settings, but it's an easy way to stop the feature. Open the Snapchat app on your phone, tap the chat icon at the bottom of the screen, and wait for your messages to load. Before opening the message you want to read, you'll need to turn on Airplane mode. On iPhones, swipe down from the top-right corner and tap the airplane icon to enable Airplane Mode. On Android, swipe down twice from the top of the screen and tap the airplane icon.

Once done, go back to Snapchat and open the message you want to read. After reading the message, tap the arrow icon in the top right corner to go back. Tap your profile icon in the top left of the screen and then tap the settings (gear) icon in the top right. Go to Privacy Controls, and tap 'Clear Data.' Scroll down and tap on 'Clear Cache.' Tap 'Clear' on the pop-up to confirm your action. Once the cache is cleared, you can disable Airplane Mode, wait for your phone to reconnect to the internet, and Snapchat will act like you never opened the message that you just read. It's not the most glamorous solution, but it's a handy way to read Snapchat messages without the sender knowing.

Use The Half-Swipe Method

Another convenient way to read messages without people knowing on Snapchat is by using the half swipe method. This isn't an official feature by any means, but it's been available on the app for years and is one of those handy workarounds that lets users quickly preview a chat without displaying a read receipt. It's a tricky action, and one that's best practiced a few times.

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To half swipe on Snapchat, go to the chat screen and find the chat you want to view. Place your finger on the sender's Bitmoji (don't long-press), and gently swipe to the right, without taking your finger off the screen. View the message, and then swipe your finger back to the left. If done correctly, you'll be able to read the chat without the other person knowing. Unfortunately, it's not possible to view Snaps this way, but the half swipe is great for secretly viewing Snapchat messages.

Source: Snapchat