Having the blue ticks on WhatsApp is a sign that your messages have been delivered and read by the recipient. However, sometimes due to glitches or restrictions, the blue ticks may disappear. Getting the blue ticks back on WhatsApp is possible by trying a few troubleshooting steps.
What do the blue ticks mean?
The blue ticks on WhatsApp indicate that your message has been successfully delivered and read by the recipient. A single grey tick means the message has been successfully sent from your end. Double grey ticks mean it has been delivered to the recipient’s device. Double blue ticks appear when the recipient has opened and read your message.
Why did my blue ticks disappear?
There could be a few reasons why the blue ticks are not appearing on your WhatsApp messages:
- Your internet connection or the recipient’s internet connection is unstable
- The recipient has disabled read receipts in their WhatsApp settings
- Your messages are not reaching the recipient due to their phone being switched off
- The recipient has blocked you on WhatsApp
- There is a temporary glitch or bug in the app
How to get blue ticks back on WhatsApp
1. Check your internet connection
An unstable internet connection can prevent the double blue ticks from appearing. Switch between WiFi and mobile data to see if it fixes the issue. Also try restarting your phone to refresh the connection.
2. Ask the recipient to check their read receipts settings
Many WhatsApp users disable read receipts for privacy reasons. Kindly ask the recipient to check their WhatsApp settings and enable read receipts. On Android devices, it is in WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy. On iOS, it is in WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy.
3. Try again later if the recipient’s phone is off
If the recipient’s phone is switched off or without an internet connection, your messages will remain pending with grey ticks. Wait for the recipient to switch their device back on before expecting blue ticks.
4. Unblock each other if you were blocked
If either person has blocked the other, no ticks will appear at all. Unblock each other from the Blocked Contacts tab under WhatsApp Settings. Once unblocked, you can start seeing tick marks again.
5. Update to the latest WhatsApp version
Having an outdated version of WhatsApp can sometimes lead to glitches like no blue ticks. Update WhatsApp to the latest version from your device’s app store to fix bugs.
6. Log out and log back into WhatsApp
If other troubleshooting steps don’t work, try logging out of your WhatsApp account and logging back in. This refreshes the app and reconnects the account.
7. Clear WhatsApp cache/data
As a last resort, you can try clearing cached data and app data for WhatsApp. This will reset the app and refresh all settings. Note that it will also delete your WhatsApp chat history.
What to do if someone has blocked you
If you have been blocked by the recipient, no amount of troubleshooting on your end will get the blue ticks back. You will have to either wait for them to unblock you or try to reach them on a different messaging platform.
How to politely ask someone to enable blue ticks
Since read receipts are a personal preference, you need to politely convey that blue ticks are important for you without seeming demanding. Here are some ways to ask:
- “Would you mind activating read receipts when we chat? Seeing the blue ticks helps me know my messages got through.”
- “I wanted to ask if you could enable read receipts only for our conversations. Seeing those blue checkmarks would put my mind at ease.”
- “Could you do me a favor and turn on read receipts when I message you? I totally understand if you’re not comfortable with it.”
What to do if they refuse to enable blue ticks
If someone refuses to enable read receipts for you, do not get upset or pressurize them. Respect their privacy settings and find alternate ways to confirm they have read your messages, like a quick reply or acknowledgement during chats.
Use WhatsApp’s other features to confirm message delivery
If you cannot get the blue ticks back, make use of WhatsApp’s other features to confirm your messages are being delivered and read:
- Media Previews – See profile photos and text snippets of messages in notifications.
- Typing Indicators – Shows when the recipient starts and stops typing.
- Record Voice Notes – Ask them to reply with a voice note.
- Message Info – Long press on a sent message to see if it has reached the recipient.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting your WhatsApp notification settings, internet connectivity, app version, and chatting with the recipient can help get back the message read receipts or blue ticks. However, if someone has chosen to disable read receipts, you will need to respect their privacy choices and not pressure them. Make use of WhatsApp’s other features to confirm your messages are going through.