This wikiHow teaches you how to tell if someone has read a text message you sent via iMessage, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using iMessage
Step 1. Make sure the person you're messaging is also using iMessages
This is the only way to know if he has read the message.
- If the message that comes out is blue, it means that the person can receive messages through iMessages.
- If the message that comes out is green, it means that he is not using iMessage on his tablet or phone (usually on an Android device). You won't be able to tell if the person has read the message you sent.
Step 2. Turn on read message notification
As long as you and the person you are sending the message to both have this feature enabled, you can see if the message has been read. If you're the only one turning it on, the person can know if you read their messages, but you won't know if they've read your messages. Here's how to enable the read messages feature:
- open Settings on iPhone.
- Scroll down the screen, then touch Messages.
- Slide the "Send Read Receipts" button to the On (green) position.
Step 3. Connect the device to the internet
You must use the internet to send messages in iMessages. So, make sure the device is connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi. If you are not online, the message will be sent in the form of a regular SMS. You will not be able to know whether the SMS message has been read or not.
Step 4. Open Messages
The icon is a green and white conversation bubble that's usually at the bottom of the home screen.
Step 5. Write or reply to a message
Make sure it says "iMessage" in the typing area. This text indicates that you are connected to the internet and that the person to whom the message is sent can receive iMessages.
Step 6. Send the message
When you send an iMessage message, the words "Delivered" will appear at the bottom when the message has been sent.
Step 7. Wait for the notification that the message has been read
If the recipient of the message has activated the message read feature, the words "Read" will appear below the message.
Method 2 of 3: Using WhatsApp
Step 1. Run WhatsApp on iPad or iPhone
The icon is a green and white conversation bubble with a white telephone receiver inside. If you send a message via WhatsApp, the message has been read feature is automatically activated. This means that by default you can find out if the recipient of a message has read the message you sent.
Step 2. Create or reply to an existing message
Step 3. Touch the Send button
The icon is a blue circle with a white paper airplane inside.
Step 4. Check the check mark in the lower right corner of the message you sent
- If your message has not been delivered, a gray checkmark will be displayed. This means that the recipient of the message has not opened WhatsApp after you sent the message.
- If he has opened WhatsApp after you sent the message but the message has not been opened, two gray ticks will be displayed.
- If he has read the message, the two gray ticks will turn blue.
Method 3 of 3: Using Facebook Messenger
Step 1. Launch Facebook Messenger on your iPad or iPhone
The icon is in the form of a blue and white conversation bubble with a lightning bolt flashing to the side. This app is usually located on the home screen. Messenger is automatically set to notify users that messages have been read.
Step 2. Touch the person you want to message
A conversation with the person will be opened.
Step 3. Type in the message you want to send, then touch the Send button
The icon is a blue paper airplane in the lower-right corner of the message.
Step 4. Check message status
- A blue tick in a white circle means the message has been sent, but the recipient hasn't opened the Messenger app.
- A white tick in a blue circle means that the person opened Messenger after you sent the message, but he hasn't read it.
- If the profile picture of the person to whom the message is sent appears in a small circle below the message, your message has been read.
