How to turn off Skype read receipts for mobile and desktop

skype has been a long-standing communication tool in the world of technology. Useful for business and personal interactions online, Skype is available in a downloadable application on a mobile phone or desktop computer.

With read receipts becoming more available on various platforms; Skype has adopted this type of alert. Although some users prefer to keep their messaging activities anonymous, read receipts allow the recipient of a message to track the delivery of their message. From writing bubbles to a pop-up window showing that the message has been read can be comforting, but also annoying for some.

What are read receipts in Skype?

Skype read receipts are pretty easy to understand, assuming you know what to look for.

Only the message appears

If you don’t see anything above your message except the timestamp, your message has been sent but not opened.

Profile icon

When the recipient reads the message you’ve sent, you’ll see their profile photo appear just above the content on the right side.

writing bubbles

If you see the pop-up typing bubbles on the left side, just above the “Write a message” box, your recipient is typing a reply.

Some users, especially those who use Skype to communicate for business purposes, may enjoy the peace of mind that read receipts provide. Knowing that the message has been delivered and that the recipient is responding can save time and reduce any concerns about miscommunication.

If it’s the weekend and you’d rather not show your boss or colleague that you’ve read a message; Skype offers you the option to disable these read receipts.

Disable Skype read receipts for mobile devices

1. Launch the Skype app, sign in if necessary, and tap your user picture at the top of the screen (it should be centered at the top).
   
2. Scroll down and tap Settings.
   
3. From the Settings menu, selectMessenger service.
   
4. Tap the toggle button to turn off Read receipts.
   

Turn off read receipts in Skype for desktop

1. Launch the Skype app, sign in if necessary, and click the three dots to the right of your user information. SelectSettings in the drop-down menu that appears.
   
2. SelectMessenger service from the list on the left.
   
3. Use the toggle button to turn off Read receipts.
   

With Skype read receipts disabled, you’ll still see read receipts from any contacts who have the feature enabled, but they won’t be able to see which messages you’ve read. If you don’t see the contact read receipts you’re expecting, keep in mind that the feature has some limitations.

First, your contacts will need to use a version of Skype that supports read receipts. They must also sign in with a visible presence setting. Conversations with groups larger than 20 people will also not show read receipts. Finally, you won’t see them from anyone who has blocked you, even if you both continue participating in a multi-party conversation.

Skype Online Status Options

Depending on your use of Skype, the developers have implemented another useful tool to improve your online activity or privacy. An online status lets others know if you are available to chat or not. Skype has four options:

Available

This means you are online and open to chats and calls. Characterized by the green dot; Available is the default online status.

Far

If you set your online status to “Away”, others will know that you are currently busy with something else. Characterized by an orange dot; those who want to send you a message won’t expect a quick response. This online status is activated by an idle computer or you can set it manually in the settings.

Do not bother

This online status lets others know that you are not accepting messages at this time. The difference between “Do Not Disturb” generally tells others that you do not want them to contact you at this time. As long as this online status is established; You will not receive alerts about any incoming messages. This is characterized by a red symbol.

By choosing the “Do Not Disturb” option, you are presented with the option to change your messaging settings.

Invisible

The invisible status is unique in that you will still see the messaging activity but the sender will not know that you are online. Characterized by a gray and white dot; This online status is to keep you informed without others knowing that you are online.

Read receipts will be automatically disabled if the online status is set to “Invisible”.

How to change your online status

You can update your status online through your desktop or mobile device.

Desk

From the desktop app: Find your name in the top left corner of the app.

1. Click on the circle with your initials (or profile photo) and click on it.
2. The first available option should be your current online status. Click on it and a pop-up window will appear.
3. Click on any of the options you want to change your status to.

Mobile device

After launching the Skype app on your phone or tablet –

1. Tap the circle with your initials (or profile photo) located in the center at the top of the app.
2. Tap your current online status located at the top below your name and email address.
3. Choose from the four available options and tap.

Delete Skype messages

If you accidentally sent a message to the wrong person and are anxiously waiting for the reaction by looking at the read receipts, you can delete the messages you sent. There is a short amount of time to do this, but if you do it quickly enough it can alleviate any anxiety about a miscommunication.

From the desktop

1. Hover over the message you want to devalue.
2. Right click on the message
3. Click on “Eliminate”
4. Confirm if the pop-up request appears

From the mobile application

1. Press and hold the message you want to delete.
2. Tap “Delete” on the pop-up window.
3. Confirm if the option appears

Messaging apps that give you the freedom to choose your privacy are wonderful additions to online communication options.