Prefer privacy? Here’s how to disable RCS read receipts on your Samsung Galaxy or Android phone using Google Messages, the default texting app.
What Are Read Receipts on Android?
Read receipts are part of RCS (Rich Communication Services)—Android’s modern messaging standard that upgrades old SMS texting. Features like typing indicators, high-res media sharing, and read receipts are all part of RCS, giving Android messaging a WhatsApp-like experience.
- Unlike SMS, RCS lets senders see when a message is delivered and read
- Enabled by default on most Android phones—including Samsung Galaxy devices using Google Messages
Why You Might Want to Turn Off Read Receipts
Not everyone loves read receipts. Here’s why:
- Avoid pressure to respond immediately
- Maintain privacy over when you read a message
- Keep your conversations on your terms
Whether it’s for plausible deniability or simply personal comfort, turning off read receipts is easy.
How to Turn Off Read Receipts on Android (Google Messages)
Most Android and Samsung Galaxy phones now use Google Messages as the default texting app. Here’s how to turn off read receipts:
- Open Google Messages
- Tap your profile picture/avatar in the top-right corner
- Select Messages settings
- Tap on RCS chats
- Find the toggle labeled Send read receipts
- Turn it OFF
That’s it—others will no longer see if or when you’ve read their messages.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Both parties must have RCS enabled for read receipts to work at all.
- If you’re using a different texting app (e.g., Samsung Messages), the steps may vary or the feature may not exist.
- Turning off read receipts won’t affect other apps like WhatsApp or Signal—they have their own settings.
For Samsung Galaxy Users
While some Galaxy devices previously used Samsung Messages, Google Messages is now the default. So this guide applies directly, but:
- If you’re still using Samsung Messages, read receipts are usually only visible if RCS is enabled, and steps to disable them are found under Settings > Chat settings (if applicable).
Read receipts are turned on by default in Google Messages on Android phones. To disable them, go to the app’s settings > RCS chats > toggle off “Send read receipts”—and enjoy texting with more privacy.
