And that is why you’re here. We’ll show you how to secretly read your Facebook messages and then reply at your leisure.
Read Messenger messages without the sender knowing on a phone
When you send a message on Facebook Messenger you’ll see a circle with a tick inside appear next to the text box. Then, if the recipient opens it, this will disappear and be replaced by the person’s icon. That’s how you know it’s been read.
Facebook Messenger does not allow you to turn off these read receipts, but there are workarounds that can give you back some control.
The most effective way of stopping read receipts is to turn off your internet connection. Here’s how the process works.
Read Messenger on PC or laptop without the sender knowing
Even on desktop, Facebook doesn’t provide an option to turn off Messenger read receipts. But here you can benefit from third-party browser plug-ins without resorting to turning off Wi-Fi or unplugging a network cable.
If you use Chrome then there are a fair number of choices. Head to the Chrome Web Store and search for Unseen.
This cunning extension will automatically block read receipts being sent when you open a message.
Click the Add to Chrome button and the extension will install, then when you use Chrome to access Facebook Messenger you’ll be able to read messages in private.
Firefox users can try FB Unseen, which does the same job. To install it open up a new tab in Firefox, click the three lines up the top right corner then select Add-ons from the menu that appears. Now search for the app and click the Add to Firefox button.
So, there you go. The words Facebook and privacy might seem at odds with each other, but at least using these tips you can claw back a small amount of discretion in Messenger.
Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.
