To enable others to see when you have read their messages in iMessage, you need to turn on "Read Receipts" in your iPhone's settings. You can set this globally for all conversations or customize it for individual chats.
How to Turn On Read Receipts in iMessage
Turning on read receipts allows senders to see a "Read" notification with a timestamp beneath your messages once you've viewed them. This feature is exclusive to iMessage (blue bubbles) and does not apply to standard SMS/MMS messages (green bubbles).
Enabling Read Receipts Globally for All iMessage Conversations
This setting applies to all new and existing iMessage conversations by default.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Messages.
- Under the "Messages" section, locate "Send Read Receipts" and toggle it On (the switch will turn green).
Once enabled, anyone sending you an iMessage will see a "Read" notification when you open their message, unless you specifically disable it for a particular conversation.
Controlling Read Receipts for Individual Conversations
You can override your global read receipt settings for specific iMessage conversations, giving you more control over your privacy.
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Tap to open the specific iMessage conversation for which you want to adjust read receipts.
- Tap on the contact's name or photo at the very top of the screen.
- In the details screen that appears, find "Send Read Receipts" and toggle it On or Off for that specific conversation.
This individual setting will take precedence over your global read receipt setting for that particular chat.
What Are iMessage Read Receipts?
Read receipts are a notification feature within Apple's iMessage service. When enabled, they inform the sender that you have opened and viewed their message. This provides immediate confirmation of message delivery and viewing status.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To inform the sender that their iMessage has been seen by the recipient. |
| Global Setting | Applies to all new and existing iMessage conversations by default, controlling your read receipt status across the board. |
| Per-Conversation Setting | Allows you to enable or disable read receipts for a specific chat, overriding your global preference for that particular conversation. |
| Visual Indicator | When read receipts are active, the word "Read" followed by a timestamp (e.g., "Read 9:41 AM") appears directly below your message within the sender's conversation thread. |
| Privacy Impact | Enabling read receipts means others know exactly when you've viewed their messages, which can be a consideration for personal privacy. |
| Platform Specificity | This feature works exclusively between Apple devices using iMessage (blue bubbles). It does not function for standard SMS text messages (green bubbles) sent to non-Apple devices or when iMessage is unavailable. |
Important Considerations
- iMessage Only: Read receipts only function when both parties are using iMessage. They will not appear for SMS/MMS messages (green bubbles).
- Recipient Control: You can only see if someone has read your message if they have their read receipts enabled.
- Privacy: Be mindful of privacy implications. Enabling read receipts means others will know precisely when you've viewed their messages, which might not always be desired.
- Availability: While the steps provided are generally consistent, Apple may introduce minor interface changes with new iOS versions. For the most up-to-date information, you can always refer to Apple's official support page for Messages.
