SOLVED: How to read Whatsapp messages without your friends knowing

Works on both Android and iOS

Got a tricky scenario with a friend you're looking to avoid? Struggling to dodge their incessant pestering?

We're not here to judge - just provide a neat workaround for a Whatsapp feature that can give the game away: the blue tick.

Want to keep Whatsapp's "read" function working without letting others know you've read their message? Here's how.

Step One

 DON'T open the message when it comes in.
Close any notification you might have of receiving it.
Sure, if it's a short message, you'll be able to read it here without them knowing, but if it's longer, this trick is perfect.

Step two

You're going to want to head to your settings and turn your phone to 'Aeroplane mode'.
This will turn off your access to external signals such as Wi-Fi and cellular data - which is key for this to work.

Step three

Once in Aeroplane Mode, you can safely open Whatsapp and read the message.
Charming.

Step four

Once you've read it, close the app fully (Android users: hit your tab/multitask button and close it here - pictured. Apple users: double tap the home button and swipe up on the Whastapp screen to end its session). 

Step five

Now, turn Aeroplane Mode off, and resume your normal phone habits.
While you've read your friend's message, they won't have any knowledge of it - with a distinct lack of blue ticks.
You can open Whatsapp to reply to other messages from other users, but if you open their conversation the blue ticks will appear.