WhatsApp’s tick feature allows users to see when their messages have been delivered and read. The ticks start off grey, indicating the message has been sent. When delivered, they turn blue, and when read, they turn blue with two checks. However, sometimes the ticks stay grey indefinitely, even if the recipient has actually read the message. There are a few possible reasons for this:
Poor Internet Connection
One of the most common reasons the ticks don’t turn blue is because of a poor internet connection. In order for the ticks to change color, WhatsApp needs to send a delivery receipt from the recipient’s device back to the sender’s device. If the recipient has a slow connection, or is in an area with no reception, this receipt can’t be sent, so the ticks remain grey. The message may be read, but the reading status simply can’t be updated.
Read Receipts Turned Off
Within WhatsApp’s settings, users can turn read receipts off. This prevents the double blue ticks from ever appearing, even if the messages have been read. With read receipts disabled, the sender will only ever see single grey ticks. The recipient remains totally anonymous.
New Group Message
In a group chat, grey ticks indicate the message was successfully sent by the sender. However, other group participants will not be able to view the message until the sender’s ticks turn blue. This prevents situations where some people see the message before others. So even if individuals have read the message, their ticks will remain grey until the original sender’s turn blue.
Blocked Senders
If a WhatsApp user blocks someone, the blocked person’s messages will never display as read. Their messages to the blocker will always have grey ticks. This is because no delivery receipts can be sent if the blocker isn’t receiving the blocked person’s messages at all.
Do Not Disturb Mode
A user who has enabled Do Not Disturb mode will still receive messages, but read receipts are disabled automatically. So messages they read during this time retain grey ticks for the sender. Once DND mode is switched off, upcoming messages will display as read again.
Unauthenticated Devices
WhatsApp can only run on one mobile device at a time with the same number. If the app is used on an unauthenticated device, read receipts stop working. So even if messages are read on the unauthorized device, grey ticks will remain on the sender’s end.
Banned or Blocked Senders
Just like individual users can block contacts, WhatsApp also bans some accounts engaged in spam/abusive behavior. Messages from banned or blocked accounts will forever stay single grey tick for all recipients. No other tick colors can display.
Glitches
Like any technology, WhatsApp can occasionally suffer glitches or bugs resulting in inconsistent tick behavior. A message may display as unread even if read. But a simple reboot/reinstallation can usually resolve tick display issues if it’s just a minor glitch.
When Do Grey Ticks Turn Blue?
WhatsApp’s ticks follow a clear progression based on message status:
Grey Tick (Message Sent)
– The message has left your device and is on its way to the recipient. At this point, the recipient can’t view or read it.
Blue Tick (Delivered to Recipient’s Device)
– The message has successfully reached the recipient’s device. They may view and read it now if the app is open.
Double Blue Tick (Read by Recipient)
– The recipient has opened the chat screen and read your message.
So grey ticks turn blue once the message is delivered. And they turn double blue once the recipient opens WhatsApp and views the message content.
Does a Grey Tick Mean the Message Wasn’t Delivered?
Not necessarily. As mentioned, grey ticks staying grey could just indicate a technical issue preventing status updates. Unless you receive an explicit delivery failure notification, assume your message was delivered even if it stays single grey tick indefinitely.
Some reasons grey ticks may persist despite successful delivery:
- Poor connection preventing delivery receipts
- Read receipts disabled by recipient
- You’re blocked by the recipient
- Banned user bug preventing tick updates
- Recipient has Do Not Disturb enabled
So don’t panic if your ticks don’t turn blue. The message was likely delivered fine.
Can Recipients Read Messages Before Blue Ticks?
Yes, users can open and view messages before your ticks turn blue if they have an unstable connection.
Here is the exact situation where this can happen:
- Your message is stuck on grey tick due to poor recipient connection.
- The recipient opens WhatsApp sporadically and views your message.
- Their device fails to send a delivery receipt back to you.
- Your tick remains grey, but they’ve read the message.
Once their connection improves, delivery receipts will resume and you’ll see the single blue tick. But for that brief moment, they can read messages before your ticks update.
Can You Prevent Grey Ticks?
There is no way to force WhatsApp ticks past grey manually. But a stable internet connection ensures you see status updates promptly.
You can also request the recipient disable read receipts. This will permanently hide their read status from you, preventing further tick frustrations. Just keep in mind others may not agree to this if they wish to maintain read privacy.
Troubleshooting Grey Ticks
Try these steps if your WhatsApp ticks consistently remain grey and never turn blue:
Check Your Network Strength
Ensure you have a strong WiFi or mobile data connection. Change locations if signal is poor.
Verify Service Status
Check if WhatsApp is experiencing an outage on a status site like Downdetector. Outages can delay ticks.
Update the App
Install the latest WhatsApp version on your device in case it’s a bug causing grey ticks.
Restart Your Phone
Quickly power cycle your device in case of a minor software glitch preventing tick updates.
Unregister and Reinstall WhatsApp
As a last resort, unregister your number and reinstall WhatsApp fresh to rectify stubborn grey tick issues.
Conclusion
While grey WhatsApp ticks can be frustrating, they don’t necessarily mean your messages aren’t being delivered properly. With read receipts disabled by recipients, connectivity issues, or app problems, the ticks don’t always provide an accurate message status.
If you consistently see grey ticks past the first few minutes of sending, politely contact the recipient to confirm if your messages are reaching them. Don’t bombard them if ticks remain grey indefinitely. And remember you can request to disable read receipts if the grey ticks cause you undue anxiety. With some tweaks and troubleshooting, you can minimize grey ticks and enjoy more transparent messaging.
| Tick Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Grey | Message sent |
| Blue | Delivered to recipient |
| Double Blue | Read by recipient |