How to Turn Off Skype Read Receipts for Mobile and Desktop

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

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

What Are Read Receipts on Skype?

Skype’s read receipts are fairly simple to understand assuming you know what to look for.

Only the message appears

If you don’t see anything above your message but the timestamp – Your message has been sent but not open.

Profile icon

When the recipient reads the message you’ve sent you will see their profile picture appear just above the content on the right-hand side.

Typing Bubbles

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

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

If it’s a weekend and you’d prefer not to show your boss or colleague that you’ve read a message; Skype gives you the option to turn off these read receipts.

Turn Off Skype Read Receipts for Mobile

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

Turn Off Skype Read Receipts for Desktop

1. Launch the Skype app, sign in if necessary, and click the three dots to the right of your user information. Select Settings from the drop-down menu that appears.
   
2. Select Messaging 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 for any contacts that have the feature enabled, but they won’t be able to see which messages you’ve read. If you’re not seeing read receipts for contacts you expect, note that there are some limitations to the feature.

First, your contacts will need to be using a version of Skype that supports read receipts. They also need to be logged in with a visible presence setting. Conversations with groups of more than 20 people also won’t show read receipts. Finally, you won’t see them from anyone who has blocked you, even if you both continue to be participants in a multiparty conversation.

Skype’s Online Status Options

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

Available

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

Away

If you set your online status to “Away” others will know that you’re currently busy with something else. Characterized by an Orange dot; those who’d like to send you a message will not expect a speedy response. This online status is triggered by an idle computer or you can set it manually in the settings.

Do Not Disturb

This online status lets others know you’re not accepting messages at the moment. The difference between ‘Do not Disturb’ typically tells others you don’t want to be contacted right now. While this online status is set; you won’t be alerted to any incoming messages. This is characterized by a red symbol.

When choosing the ‘Do not Disturb’ option you’re presented with the option to change messaging settings.

Invisible

The invisible status is unique as you’ll still see messaging activity but the sender will not know that you’re online. Characterized by a grey and white dot; this online status serves to keep you in the loop without letting others know you’re online.

Read receipts will automatically turn off if the online status is set to ‘Invisible.’

How to Change Your Online Status

You can update your online status via the desktop or your mobile device.

Desktop

From the desktop application – Look for your name in the top left-hand corner of the app.

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

Mobile Device

After launching the Skype application on your phone or tablet –

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

Deleting Skype Messages

If you’ve accidentally sent a message to the wrong person and you’re anxiously awaiting the backlash by watching read receipts, you can delete messages you’ve sent. There is a short window for doing this but if you are quick enough you can alleviate any anxiety about a miscommunication.

From Desktop

1. Hover your cursor over the message you’d like to detract.
2. Right-click on the message
3. Click on “Remove”
4. Confirm if the popup request appears

From the Mobile App

1. Long hold the message you’d like to remove.
2. Tap “Remove” in the popup
3. Confirm if the option appears

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