Let’s face it: sometimes we just don’t want to reply to somebody’s messages but also really want to know what they have said. While WhatsApp allows users to turn off read receipts, Instagram offers no such option, so once you’ve voluntarily or accidentally opened an unread messages, the other person would know that you’ve seen them.
What if we told you that you can actually read someone’s Instagram chat without them knowing? In this article, we discuss how to half swipe on Instagram to view messages discreetly so that the other person wouldn’t know.
How To Half Swipe?
The half swipe method is incredibly useful to read someone’s messages on Instagram without them knowing you have opened their chat. To make your life easier, we have provided step-by-step instructions on how to use the half swipe method. To use this method, follow these simple steps:
- Open the Instagram application.
- Navigate to the direct message (DM) tab by tapping on the messenger icon at the top right corner of the screen.
- Scroll to the chat you wish to read discreetly.
- As you open the chat, quickly scroll up to prevent the newest message from loading. Doing so will prevent the “seen” status from activating.
- Now, carefully scroll down to the new message without hitting the bottom of the page or the end of the last message.
- After you have read the message, go back to the the DM tab.
Note that this method will only work for single messages. If there are multiple messages, all the messages except the last one will be marked as “seen.”
Apart from the half swipe method, there are other sneaky ways to read Instagram messages without activating the “seen” status, some of which are discussed in the next section.
How To Read Instagram Messages Discreetly?
Trust us, we’ve all been there– you receive a message on Instagram and are dying to know what it says but also don’t want the sender to know that you’ve read their chat.
While the half swipe method is effective, it is also risky because sometimes the “seen” status might get activated if you’re not quick enough, and then it’s game over. Additionally, it doesn’t work if there is more than one message.
Fortunately, there are three safer and better ways to read Instagram messages without letting the other person know that you have opened their messages. Find them below.
1. Go Offline
The first of our cheat codes is to turn off your internet temporarily to trick Instagram into thinking you haven’t read the messages because of poor connectivity. To employ this method, follow these easy steps:
- Open the Instagram application on your phone.
- Navigate to the direct message (DM) tab by tapping on the messenger icon at the top right corner of the screen.
- Scroll to the chat you wish to read discreetly.
- Turn off the internet connection on your phone. You can also turn on Airplane Mode just to be sure.
- Open the chat and read the messages while you are still offline.
- Do not switch on the internet connection until you close the application.
2. Third Party Applications and Websites
The second and least recommended method is to use third party applications. Some third party applications, websites and browser extensions claim that they let you read Instagram messages discreetly. To use this method and install a third party application or website, follow these steps:
- Search for a reliable third party app or website, such as Social Blade, Followers Plus, or InstaStory.
- Install or access the app or website of your choice.
- Log in to your Instagram account (if required).
On the flip side, that by using third party apps, websites and browser extensions, you will be giving them access to your sensitive information. Your account information and privacy might be compromised if you connect your account to an unsecured third party.
Using unauthorized third party apps also violates Instagram’s privacy policy, and may result in the suspension or ban of your Instagram account.
Some third party apps and websites may also levy a fee in exchange for information and charge you for app usage. If you want to go ahead with a third party application, choose a trusted one which has positive reviews by other users on platforms such as Reddit. So, it is imperative that you do your research in order to make informed decisions.
3. Use The Restrict Feature
The “restrict” feature on Instagram was implemented to protect users from harassment, bullying and unwanted interaction from other users on the platform. When you restrict someone on Instagram, they don’t get notified and have no way of knowing that you have restricted them.
What many people don’t know is that when you restrict someone, Instagram doesn’t tell them when you have read their messages. This result is quite similar to turning off read receipts on WhatsApp. To use this easily reversible method, follow these simple steps:
- Open the Instagram application on your phone.
- Navigate to the person’s profile and tap on the three vertical dots at the top right corner of the screen.
- From the list of options, select “Restrict.”
- Confirm the action by clicking on the blue “Restrict account” tab.
- Now, go back to the homepage and navigate to the DMs tab.
- Scroll to the chat you wish to read discreetly and open it.
- After you have viewed the messages, you can go back to their profile and remove the restriction on the user to restore normal interaction.
How To Half Swipe On Instagram Stories?
The half swipe method is not limited to chats; you can use it to view someone’s story discreetly, too. Whether it’s an ex you’re curious about or someone whose messages you have been avoiding, here’s how to view their Instagram stories without them knowing.
- Open the Instagram application on your phone.
- On the feed tab, open the story previous to the one you actually want to see.
- As the previous story starts playing, keep your finger firmly on the screen and half swipe to partially open the the next one.
- After you have gotten a glimpse of the story, swipe back to the previous story and exit the application.
The downside of this method is that you will be able to view only the first story and not the subsequent ones if the user has posted multiple stories. You will also be unable to watch videos.
Also Read: How to Organically Grow Your Instagram to Boost Exposure.
Final Thoughts
Now that you are armed with the knowledge of how to half swipe on Instagram, you will be able to view someone’s message without them knowing. If you find the half swipe method unfeasible, you can use any of the three other methods listed above. Additionally, you can effectively use the half swipe method to view someone’s story, too!
