WhatsApp has one unique feature that allows the sender to acknowledge if the receiver has seen the WhatsApp message. Ever wonder what does one check mark mean on WhatsApp? It only tells that the mobile sent the text, but it did not receive it on the other side. Whereas two blue check marks on WhatsApp on the chat confirm viewing the message.

But have you ever felt the need to read a WhatsApp message without letting the sender know you've read it? Maybe it's a message from your boss, and you want to prepare your response carefully. Or perhaps it's a text from a friend discussing a surprise party, and you don't want to spoil the surprise by opening it right away.

Whatever the reason, the ability to read WhatsApp messages secretly can be a handy trick. Imagine being able to see what's been said without triggering blue ticks or updating your "last seen" status. The good news is that there are several simple yet effective ways to do just that.

In this guide, we'll share multiple methods that allow you to read WhatsApp messages without the sender knowing, giving you the freedom to respond on your own terms.

In this article
    1. Read WhatsApp Messages Without Sender Knowing by Disabling Last Seen Option
    2. Read WhatsApp messages without opening via the Notification Bar
    3. How to Read WhatsApp Messages Without Blue Tick
    4. [Bonus] Track Someone's WhatsApp Online Status Without Them Knowing
    5. Use the WhatsApp Chat Widget to Read WhatsApp Messages Secretly (Android)
    6. How to read WhatsApp messages without opening with Airplane Mode Hack
    7. How to read WhatsApp messages without the Sender Knowing via 3D Touch (iPhone)

Can I Read a WhatsApp Message Without the Sender Knowing?

Yes, it is possible to read WhatsApp messages without the sender knowing you've seen them. WhatsApp's default settings include read receipts, which inform the sender when you've read their message by displaying a blue tick or double tick mark.

However, you can disable this feature or employ various workarounds to read messages without triggering the read receipt.

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Note: What if I need to read others' messages on their phone? Is there any way to do that? Actually, there is. Check out how by clicking the link.

How to read a WhatsApp message without the sender knowing?

In this section of our article, we have listed a handful of methods for how to read WhatsApp messages without opening them. Let’s dive in!

Method 1: Read WhatsApp Messages Without Sender Knowing by Disabling Last Seen Option

One of the simplest ways to read WhatsApp messages without the sender knowing is to disable the "Last Seen" option in your WhatsApp settings. This feature shows other users the last time you were active on the app.

By turning it off, you can effectively hide your online status and read messages without triggering read receipts.

Here's how to read WhatsApp messages without sender knowing:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp and tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner. Select "Settings" > "Account" > "Privacy."

how to read whatsapp messages without sender knowing by disabling last seen

Step 2: Tap on "Last Seen" and change the setting to "Nobody."

Now, when you read a message, the sender won't see the blue ticks indicating that you've seen it, and your online status will remain hidden.

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Recommended reading: How to Turn off Disappearing Messages on WhatsApp? Click to learn more.

Method 2: Read WhatsApp messages without opening via the Notification Bar

Another straightforward method to read WhatsApp messages without the sender knowing is to use your device's notification bar. When a new message arrives, you can view a preview of the message in the notification without actually opening WhatsApp.

To read WhatsApp messages without opening using the notification bar:

Step 1: Ensure that WhatsApp notifications are enabled on your device. When a new message arrives, drag down the notification bar to view the preview.

read messages in notification pane without the sender knowing

Step 2: Read the message preview without opening WhatsApp or triggering the read receipt.

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Note: Keep in mind that the length of the preview depends on your device's settings and the length of the message itself.

Method 3: How to Read WhatsApp Messages Without Blue Tick via Third-Party Tool

If you're looking for a more comprehensive solution, KidsGuard is a powerful third-party app that allows you to read WhatsApp messages without the sender knowing and without triggering the blue ticks. KidsGuard is a parental control app that provides advanced monitoring features, including the ability to view WhatsApp messages remotely.

To use KidsGuard to read WhatsApp messages without the sender knowing:

Step 1: Install KidsGuard on your device and set it up according to the instructions. Log in to the KidsGuard online dashboard from any web browser.

use kidsguard app to read whatsapp messages without opening chats

Step 2: Navigate to the "WhatsApp" section, where you can view all WhatsApp messages without triggering read receipts.

KidsGuard is a paid app, but it offers a free trial period, allowing you to test its features before making a purchase.

[Bonus] Track Someone's WhatsApp Online Status Without Them Knowing

WaLastseen is a third-party app designed to track a person's online activity on WhatsApp, such as when they were last seen. While it provides insights into user behavior, it's important to note that using these apps within privacy boundaries. In this section, you can understand how to see WhatsApp messages without someone knowing.

Key Features

  • Multiple Account Monitoring: This innovative WhatsApp tracker app allows users to track multiple people's online activity, such as their kids and family members, without any hassle.
  • Data Analysis: You will be able to view the history of when the contact you chose became online and the time they spent on the app.
  • Notification Customization: Users get the opportunity to customize the alert setting for specific contact to notify them when a particular person is online on WhatsApp.
  • Offline Tracking: The WaLastseen Tracker app will track WhatsApp activity even when you are offline, and the data can be accessed later.
Pros
  • The tool's user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to manage multiple contacts simultaneously.
  • WaLastseen tracking app sends real-time alerts when a contact comes online and keeps you updated instantly.
Cons
  • Tracking someone's WhatsApp activity without their knowledge raises significant privacy issues and can violate their trust.

Simplified Step-by-Step Guide to Track WhatsApp Activities via WaLastseen

Explore the following step-by-step instructions to understand the installation process and how to track WhatsApp messages from other phones via WaLastseen:

01of 03Install the App and Add the Contact you Want to Track

To initiate the process, install the latest version of WaLastseen from the Play Store on Android or by accessing the QR Code available on the official website. Once you have installed the app, sign up with your email and tap the "Add Contact" button from its main interface.

adding the whatsapp contact
02of 03Select the Person to Start Tracking

After tapping the "Add Contact" button, find the individual you like to follow and hit the "Add" button. It will bring you to the new window where you have to press the "Start Tracking" button to initiate the monitoring process.

start tracking
03of 03Start Analyzing the Online Activity

Moving forward, you will be able to see the detailed activity logs of the person you choose. To check the detailed timeline, tap on the person's profile in the app and navigate to the "Activity" tab to see how long your selected contact stay active on WhatsApp.

access-the-activity-tab

Thus, there is no doubt that WaLastseen provides a reliable online WhatsApp tracking solution. With its robust features, it provides real-time insights into when a person was last online and detailed statistics.

Method 4: Use the WhatsApp Chat Widget to Read WhatsApp Messages Secretly (Android)

If you're an Android user, you can take advantage of the WhatsApp Chat Widget to read WhatsApp messages without opening the app. This feature allows you to access your WhatsApp conversations directly from your home screen or notification bar, making it easier to read messages discreetly.

Here’s how to read WhatsApp messages without blue tick:

Step 1: Long-press on an empty area of your home screen. Tap on "Widgets" and search for the "WhatsApp Chat Widget." Select the desired widget size and tap "Add Widget."

use an android widget to read whatsapp messages without opening whatsapp

Step 2: Choose the conversation you want to access from the widget.

Now, you can read WhatsApp messages without opening the app by simply tapping on the widget.

Method 5: How to read WhatsApp messages without opening with Airplane Mode Hack

The Airplane Mode hack is a clever trick that allows you to read WhatsApp messages without the sender knowing and without triggering the read receipt. This method works by temporarily disconnecting your device from the internet, reading the message, and then reconnecting.

Here's how to use the Airplane Mode hack:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp and navigate to the conversation you want to read.

Step 2: Turn on Airplane Mode on your device. Read the message(s) while in Airplane Mode.

enable airplane mode to read whatsapp messages without opening whatsapp

Step 3: Once you've finished reading, turn off Airplane Mode to reconnect to the internet.

This method prevents WhatsApp from sending the read receipt to the sender while you're in Airplane Mode. However, keep in mind that the sender will eventually see the read receipt once you reconnect to the internet.

Method 6: How to read WhatsApp messages without the Sender Knowing via 3D Touch (iPhone)

If you're an iPhone user with a device that supports 3D Touch, you can use this feature to read WhatsApp messages without the sender knowing and without opening the app. 3D Touch allows you to preview the content of apps and messages by applying a firm press on the app icon or notification.

Here’s how to read WhatsApp messages without opening it on iPhone:

Step 1: Make sure 3D Touch is enabled on your iPhone (Settings > General > Accessibility > 3D Touch).

3d touch

Step 2: When a new WhatsApp message arrives, firmly press on the notification to view the message preview. Read the message preview without opening WhatsApp or triggering the read receipt.

This method provides a quick and discreet way to read messages without leaving a trace.

[BONUS] Back Up Your Secret WhatsApp Chats to PC: MobileTrans

Do you worry about keeping your WhatsApp chats private and safe? Then you should back them up to your computer using Wondershare MobileTrans. This helpful tool lets you move and save your WhatsApp stuff like messages, pictures, videos and more from your phone to your computer.

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Here's how to back up your WhatsApp chats using MobileTrans:

Step 1: Install MobileTrans on your PC. Connect your mobile device to your computer using a USB cable. Select “Backup & Restore”. Now select “App Backup & Restore”.

mobiletrans interface

Step 2: In MobileTrans, select "WhatsApp".

choose whatsapp

Step 3: Choose data types to transfer, like “Messages”. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the backup process.

choose transfer type

By backing up your WhatsApp chats to your PC, you can ensure that your conversations remain private and secure, away from prying eyes.

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Recommended reading: Where can I get a MobileTrans crack safely? Read and learn more!

Conclusion

In today's digital age, privacy and discretion have become increasingly valuable commodities. Whether you're trying to avoid an awkward situation or simply want to buy yourself some time before responding, the ability to read WhatsApp messages without the sender knowing can be a game-changer.

In this comprehensive guide, we've explored various methods to achieve this, ranging from simple tweaks to your WhatsApp settings to more advanced techniques involving third-party apps.

From disabling the "Last Seen" option and using the notification bar preview to leveraging the power of apps like KidsGuard and WaLastseen, there's a solution to suit every user's needs.

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FAQ

  • Is it legal to read someone's WhatsApp messages without their knowledge?
    While the methods mentioned in this guide allow you to read messages discreetly, it's important to remember that accessing someone's private communications without their consent may be illegal or unethical. These techniques should only be used for legitimate purposes, such as monitoring your child's online activities or avoiding awkward situations temporarily.
  • Will the sender still see the read receipt eventually?
    In most cases, yes. While some methods like disabling read receipts or using the Airplane Mode hack can prevent the sender from seeing the read receipt immediately, they will eventually see it once you reconnect to the internet or reopen WhatsApp.
  • Can these methods be used on other messaging apps?
    Many of the techniques discussed in this guide can be applied to other messaging apps as well. However, the specific steps may vary depending on the app's settings and features.
Rafael Kaminski
Rafael Kaminski Dec 14, 24
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