WhatsApp's read receipt system, which uses blue ticks to indicate message views, has prompted users to seek ways to avoid its visibility. For iPhone 6s and later models, 3D Touch allows users to preview messages through a 'Peek' window without marking them as read. By applying pressure to a conversation thread, users can access a glance at messages before deciding to fully open the conversation.
Another approach involves checking notifications on the home screen, enabling message previews without opening the app. Users can also enable Airplane Mode to read messages privately, though they must close WhatsApp before disabling the mode to maintain the unread status.
For permanent solutions, users can disable read receipts entirely through WhatsApp settings. This option, found under Account > Privacy, prevents both sending and receiving read receipts, offering complete control over message visibility. However, this also means users cannot track if others have viewed their messages.