While usually uploaded tweets are publicly displayed on Twitter, you can still take advantage of the direct messages (DM) feature to chat privately with other users. Twitter turns on read receipts automatically, but you can turn this feature off if you want. This wikiHow teaches you how to find out if someone has opened a message you sent them on Twitter, as well as how to manage read message reports preferences.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using the Twitter Mobile App
Step 1. Open Twitter on your phone or tablet
This app is marked by a blue bird icon which is usually displayed on the home screen or in the app drawer.
Step 2. Touch the envelope icon
It's in the lower-right corner of the Twitter feed page. The inbox page of the “Messages” segment will open after that.
Step 3. Touch chat
Select the username to which you have messaged to open the chat thread. The most recent messages will be displayed at the bottom of the thread.
Step 4. Touch the message bubble once
If the recipient has viewed or read the message, a " Seen " status will be displayed below the message bubble, to the left of the tick icon (“✓”). If you see the word " Seen ” under the tick icon after clicking the balloon, the recipient has read the message. Otherwise, the recipient hasn't opened the message or has disabled message read reports for their account.
Step 5. Update read message report preferences (optional)
Twitter activates read receipts (a feature that tells you whether the other person has read you) automatically. You have the option to disable this feature via account settings. Here's how:
- Tap your profile photo in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Choose " Settings & privacy ”.
- Choose " Privacy and safety ”.
- If you want to turn off the read message report, toggle the " Show read receipts " switch to the off or “Off” position (grey). This switch is under the "Direct Messages" heading. Changes will take effect immediately.
- To activate the read message report, slide the switch to the on position or “On” (green or blue).
Method 2 of 2: Using a Computer
Step 1. Visit https://www.twitter.com via a web browser
The feed page will be displayed if you are already logged in to your account. If not, follow the on-screen instructions to sign in to your account.
Step 2. Click Messages
It's in the middle of the menu on the left side of the page. A list of your chat threads or private messages will be displayed.
Step 3. Click chat
Select the username to which you have messaged to display all messages in the chat thread. The most recent messages are shown below the thread.
Step 4. Click the tick icon (“✓”) below the sent message
The icon is just below the message, to the right of the time the message was sent. If you see the word "Seen" under the tick after the icon is clicked, the recipient has read your message. Otherwise, the recipient hasn't opened the message or turned off the message read report for their account.
Step 5. Update read message report preferences (optional)
Twitter activates read receipts (a feature that tells you whether the other person has read you) automatically. You have the option to disable this feature via account settings. Here's how:
- Click the menu " More ” in the left column.
- Click " Settings & privacy ”.
- Choose " Privacy and safety ” in the middle column.
- If you want to turn off read message reports, uncheck the "Show read receipts" box under the "Direct Messages" heading. Changes will take effect immediately.
- To enable read message reports, add a check to the box.
