The Pressure to Reply
By default, Apple’s iMessage service includes a feature called “Read Receipts.” When someone sends you a blue-bubble text message, their iPhone will display a tiny “Delivered” tag. The precise moment you open the Messages app and view their text, that tag instantly changes to “Read” alongside the exact timestamp. While some users appreciate this transparency, it creates immense social pressure. If you open a message while at work but do not have time to reply immediately, the sender knows you are actively ignoring them. To regain your privacy and reply on your own schedule, you must disable the receipt transmitter.
How to Turn Off Global Read Receipts
You can revoke the Messages app’s permission to broadcast your read status via the system settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down the main list until you find the Apple apps section and tap on Messages.
- Scroll down to the middle of the page.
- Look for the master toggle switch labeled Send Read Receipts.
- Toggle this switch to the Off position (the green background will disappear).
The Permanent “Delivered” Status
The change is absolute and instantaneous. You can now open the Messages app and read every single text message you receive. The sender will only ever see the word “Delivered.” They will have absolutely no idea if you have read the message or if your phone is simply sitting on a desk untouched, completely removing the social pressure to reply instantly.