Boost Your Online Anonymity: How to Disable Instagram Read Receipts

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Turn Off Instagram Read Receipts: How to Regain Your Online Privacy

Are you tired of feeling like you’re constantly connected and available on Instagram? Turning off read receipts is a simple way to reclaim some of that time and space for yourself. This feature indicates to the sender whether you’ve read their message, and while it can be helpful for some, it can also feel like you’re under a microscope.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off Instagram Read Receipts

Whether you want to avoid responding to someone altogether or just need some breathing room, disabling read receipts can be a huge relief. Without this feature, you won’t feel the immediate pressure to reply to a message, giving you time to think before responding or even ignore messages if you want to.

How to Turn Off Instagram Read Receipts (Step-by-Step)

Turning Off Read Receipts for All Instagram Contacts

Step 1: Access Your Profile Settings
Open the Instagram app on Android or iOS, and select the Profile icon at the bottom of the screen. Tap the three lines icon on the top right of the screen, which should be beside the plus icon.

Step 2: Go to Message Settings
Select the Messages and Story Replies option, under the How Others Can Interact With You section.

Step 3: Toggle Off Read Receipts
Tap Show Read Receipts and toggle it off. That’s it!

Turning Off Read Receipts for Individual Instagram Contacts

Step 1: Find the Conversation You Want to Update
Open the Instagram app on Android or iOS and click the paper plane-like icon in the top-right of your screen (beside the heart icon). Find the conversation with the person whose read receipts you want to toggle off.

Step 2: Adjust Message Settings with the Contact
Select their account name at the top of the screen. Don’t select their picture, as that will take you to their profile. You should then be taken to a screen showing their profile image, name, and options to mute them or change your theme (among others). Select Privacy and Safety.

Step 3: Toggle Off Read Receipts
Under the Who Can See Your Activity section, scroll down to Read Receipts and toggle it off. The circle should shift to the left and turn white.

Final Thoughts

Disabling read receipts on Instagram gives you more control over your online interactions and helps you maintain your boundaries. By turning off read receipts, you’re not ignoring people or avoiding communication; you’re simply reclaiming some space and time for yourself. And who knows – you might just find that it improves your relationships in the long run.