How to Read Snapchat Messages Without Opening: Tricks & Tips

Snapchat is known for its disappearing messages and notification alerts, but sometimes you might want to read a message without marking it as “opened”. Whether you’re trying to stay discreet or want to preview a conversation, there are ways to view Snapchat messages without triggering the read receipt. These methods work well for quick peeks without alerting the sender. Let’s dive into this guide on how to read Snapchat messages without opening them.

2 Ways to Read Snapchat Messages Without Opening

There are two simple ways to read Snapchat messages without marking them as “opened”. These tricks are easy to follow and work like a charm for keeping things low-key. Let’s walk through these methods and show you how to stay discreet while staying in the loop.

Method 1: Use Airplane Mode

One of the easiest and most reliable ways to read Snapchat messages without marking them as “opened” is by using Airplane Mode. This method allows you to go offline while viewing the message, ensuring the app can’t update its servers with the read receipt. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get it done:

1. Open Snapchat: Launch the Snapchat app and navigate to the chat section where the unread message is located. Do not open the message yet — just note its presence.
2. Turn on Airplane Mode: Access the control center and activate Airplane Mode. This will disconnect your device from Wi-Fi and mobile data, ensuring Snapchat cannot communicate with its servers.
3. Read the Message: Now that you’re offline, open the chat and read the message. Since there’s no internet connection, Snapchat won’t register it as “opened”.
4. Close Snapchat Completely: Exit the app and ensure it’s not running in the background. On most phones, you can swipe up from the bottom (or use the recent apps menu) to force-close Snapchat.
5. Uninstall Snapchat (Optional but Recommended): To guarantee the app doesn’t update the read status once you reconnect, uninstall Snapchat before turning Airplane Mode off. This removes any cached data that might sync when you go back online.



6. Turn Off Airplane Mode: Once Snapchat is closed (or uninstalled), turn Airplane Mode off and reconnect to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
7. Reinstall Snapchat (If Uninstalled): If you uninstalled the app, head to the App Store or Google Play Store to reinstall Snapchat. Log back into your account. Since the app does not record you reading the message, it will still appear unread.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to go through the trouble of uninstalling and reinstalling the app, double-check that Snapchat isn’t running in the background before reconnecting to the internet. Force-closing the app should work in most cases. However, uninstalling is the most foolproof way to ensure the read receipt doesn’t update.

Using Airplane Mode this way gives you peace of mind while reading Snapchat messages discreetly. Just be aware that if you reopen the app while connected to the internet without clearing its data, it may still update the message status.

Method 2: Half Swiping

Half-swiping is a clever way to preview Snapchat messages without fully opening them. It’s a quick and straightforward technique that doesn’t require extra steps like enabling Airplane Mode. However, it does take a bit of practice to master, so proceed carefully to avoid accidentally opening the message. Here’s how it works:

1. Navigate to the Chat: Open Snapchat and head to the chat section. Find the message you want to preview.
2. Swipe Slowly: Press and hold on the sender’s Bitmoji or profile icon. Slowly swipe right until part of the message appears. Be cautious not to swipe all the way, as this will mark the message as read.
3. Read the Preview: Once you can see a portion of the message, you can decide whether to open it fully later. Release the swipe when you’re done to keep the message marked as unread.

Tip: Be extra careful with the swiping motion. If you accidentally swipe too far, the message will open, and the sender will be notified that you’ve read it. Practice on less important chats first to get the hang of it without any pressure!

Half-swiping is great for a quick glance, but remember, it doesn’t show the full conversation. For more detailed insights without notifying the sender, you may need to explore additional tools or techniques.

How to Monitor Children’s Snapchat Without Them Knowing

If you’re a parent concerned about your child’s Snapchat activity, simply previewing messages isn’t enough. Snapchat’s built-in features, like the Family Center, don’t provide full access to message content, and the methods for discreetly viewing messages won’t give you the full picture. For parents who want a more comprehensive way to monitor Snapchat and other online activities, Msafely is the perfect solution.

Msafely is a powerful, all-in-one monitoring tool designed to give parents peace of mind by providing detailed insights into their child’s digital world. Whether you’re worried about inappropriate content, risky interactions, or harmful influences, Msafely makes it easier to stay informed. Here’s how it works:

Message Tracking

With the function to track Snapchat, Msafely lets you read all incoming and outgoing messages on the app, even those that disappear. This means you can see the actual content of conversations, giving you a clear understanding of your child’s interactions. It’s an essential feature for spotting potential issues like bullying, grooming, or exposure to harmful language.

Screen Monitoring

With Msafely’s real-time screen monitoring, you can see exactly what your child is doing on their phone as it happens. Whether they’re browsing, chatting, or watching videos, this feature ensures you’re always aware of their activities. It’s like having a window into their online world without being intrusive.

Call and Location Tracking

Msafely goes beyond just Snapchat by offering call monitoring and location tracking. You can monitor who your child is communicating with via calls and texts while also keeping tabs on their real-time location. This feature is invaluable for ensuring their safety, especially when they’re out and about.

Discreet Operation

One of Msafely’s most impressive features is its ability to operate silently in the background. Unlike other monitoring tools, Msafely ensures your child won’t know you’re watching their activity. This allows you to gather accurate insights without disrupting their trust or routine.

Why Choose Msafely?

Msafely offers parents a unique advantage by providing a complete, detailed view of their child’s digital interactions. It’s more than just a monitoring tool—it’s a way to ensure your child’s safety and well-being in an increasingly digital world.

With Msafely, parents can go beyond the limits of basic Snapchat controls and preview methods, gaining deeper insights into their child’s activities and ensuring they’re safe from harm. Parenting in the digital age is challenging, but with Msafely, you don’t have to navigate it alone.