How To Stop Messages From Saying Delivered

How to Stop Messages From Saying "Delivered": A Comprehensive Guide

The ubiquitous "delivered" notification. For some, it's a reassuring sign their message has arrived. For others, it's a source of anxiety, pressure, and even frustration. Whether you're seeking privacy, avoiding the pressure of instant responses, or simply want more control over your messaging experience, understanding how to manage these notifications is key. This comprehensive guide will explore various methods and techniques across different messaging platforms to help you achieve this.

Understanding "Delivered" Notifications

Before diving into solutions, let's understand why these notifications exist. They're primarily designed to provide confirmation that your message has successfully reached the recipient's device. This is beneficial for ensuring message delivery, particularly in less reliable network conditions. However, the psychological impact of a "delivered" notification—and its absence—can be significant, creating expectations and potentially impacting communication dynamics.

Many users desire to turn off these notifications for a variety of reasons:

• Privacy: Knowing a message has been delivered can feel intrusive, especially in situations where immediate responses aren't expected or desired.
• Reduced Pressure: The "delivered" notification can create pressure on both the sender and receiver, leading to feelings of being constantly "on call."
• Avoiding Unnecessary Anxiety: Seeing "delivered" but not receiving a reply can cause unnecessary worry and anxiety.
• Managing Expectations: It allows for more asynchronous communication, giving both parties flexibility in their response times.
• Professional Boundaries: In professional contexts, controlling notifications can help establish clear boundaries and manage workload.

Methods to Stop "Delivered" Notifications: A Platform-by-Platform Guide

The methods for disabling "delivered" notifications vary significantly depending on the messaging platform you use. Below, we explore some common platforms and strategies:

1. iMessage (iOS and macOS)

Unfortunately, iMessage doesn't offer a direct setting to disable "delivered" receipts. The feature is intrinsically linked to the end-to-end encryption that enhances privacy. However, you can manage the impact of these notifications through these methods:

• Turn off Read Receipts: While you can't completely eliminate "delivered," you can disable "read" receipts. This prevents the recipient from seeing when you've read their message, minimizing the pressure for an immediate reply. Go to Settings > Messages > Send Read Receipts and toggle it off. This affects your receipts as well; recipients won't see your read receipts.
• Manage Expectations: Communicate your preferences upfront. Let your contacts know that you may not respond immediately due to time constraints or other factors. This sets realistic expectations and reduces any potential misinterpretations caused by the "delivered" notification.
• Use a Different Messaging App: Consider using a different app for less urgent communications where read receipts aren't as critical.

2. WhatsApp

WhatsApp offers a more straightforward solution:

• Disable Read Receipts: Go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Read Receipts and toggle it off. This disables both sending and receiving read receipts, meaning neither you nor your contacts will see when messages are read. Note that this is a mutual setting; if they have read receipts enabled, you will still see it on their end when they receive your message.

3. Messenger (Facebook)

Similar to WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger allows for disabling read receipts:

• Disable Read Receipts: Go to Settings > Chat Settings > Send Read Receipts and toggle it off. This prevents your contacts from seeing when you’ve read their messages, and vice versa.

4. SMS/Text Messages (Android and iOS)

Standard SMS/text messages typically don't include "delivered" notifications in the same way as dedicated messaging apps. The confirmation is typically handled at the carrier level and is not a feature you can control directly within the messaging app. However, some advanced features from Android phone or carrier services might show this status.

• No Direct Control: There's generally no setting to disable "delivered" notifications for standard text messages.

5. Telegram

Telegram allows for granular control over message read receipts:

• Disable Read Receipts: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Read Receipts. You can choose to disable read receipts entirely or selectively, choosing which contacts see your read receipts.

6. Signal

Signal is known for its strong emphasis on privacy. While it displays "sent" and "received," it doesn’t show a "delivered" status. This default setting aligns with its privacy-focused design.

7. Other Messaging Platforms

Many other messaging apps (e.g., Viber, Skype) often provide similar options within their privacy settings to disable read receipts. Check the specific settings within each app to find the relevant option.

Beyond App Settings: Strategies for Managing Expectations

Even with disabled read receipts, managing communication expectations is crucial:

• Communicate Your Preferences: Be upfront about your availability and response times. Let people know when you'll be checking messages.
• Use Different Communication Methods: For urgent matters, consider using a phone call or video call instead of relying on messaging apps.
• Set Boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries around your communication habits. Don't feel pressured to respond instantly to every message.
• Use Status Updates: Use your social media or messaging app status to communicate your current availability.
• Batch Processing: Check and respond to messages at designated times throughout the day rather than reacting to every notification immediately.

The Ethical Considerations of Disabling "Delivered" Receipts

While disabling "delivered" receipts provides personal benefits, it's essential to consider the ethical implications. In some cases, it could lead to misunderstandings or create the impression of being ignored. Transparency is key. If you regularly disable read receipts, communicate this to your contacts to avoid any confusion. Open communication promotes trust and understanding.

Conclusion: Reclaiming Control Over Your Messaging Experience

The desire to stop messages from showing "delivered" stems from a need for greater control and privacy in our digital interactions. While the exact methods vary between platforms, understanding the available options and managing communication expectations are crucial for a healthier and less stressful messaging experience. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can reclaim control and foster more mindful communication habits. Remember that open communication about your preferences is key to maintaining healthy relationships, both personal and professional, even when adjusting notification settings.