Most Android users can now turn on read receipts, a feature that allows you to see if a text you sent has been read. To use this, you and the person you’re texting must both be using modern Android devices with a messaging app that supports RCS (Rich Communication Services) format, have RCS-enabled texting apps, and have read receipts turned on. This guide covers the steps for popular apps like Google Messages and Samsung Messages.
How to enable read receipts on Android
Follow these steps to turn on read receipts in your preferred messaging app and start seeing when your texts are read.
Method 1: Using Google Messages
- Open the Google Messages app.
- Tap your profile picture (or initials) in the upper-right corner.
- Tap Messages settings.
- Tap RCS Chats.
- Toggle Turn on RCS chats to on (the switch will turn blue).
- Toggle Send read receipts to on.
- Send a text message while connected to the internet.
- A single check mark means the message was sent to the server; two check marks mean it was delivered to the recipient’s device; colored circles indicate the message was read.
Method 2: Using Samsung Messages
- Open the Samsung Messages app on your Galaxy phone.
- Tap the three-dot menu icon (⋮) in the upper-right corner.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Chat settings.
- Toggle Share read status to the On position.
- Send a text message while connected to the internet.
- The word Read and a timestamp will appear when the recipient reads your message, and they will see the same when you read theirs.
Enabling read receipts on Android enhances your texting experience by providing real-time feedback on message status. You no longer have to wonder if your important message went unnoticed, which is especially useful in professional or personal communications where timing matters.
This feature promotes better accountability in conversations and can reduce misunderstandings. By knowing when someone has read your text, you can follow up more effectively or adjust your expectations. Overall, it makes digital interactions more reliable and intuitive for Android users.
