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Before you start
- WhatsApp set up
- A one-to-one conversation containing a message you sent
A clear way through this guide.
We’ll show you one step at a time. When you’re ready, press Done — next step. You can go back or take a break whenever you like.
5 steps · Your own pace
Read the marks beside a WhatsApp message
Step 1 of 5: Find an outgoing message
Open a conversation and look at a text message you sent. The indicator is normally near its time. Check your own outgoing message rather than one received from the other person; the marks describe your message’s status.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 2 of 5: Recognise a pending message
A clock-like symbol means the message is waiting to send. Check that the phone has an internet connection and give it time. Sending the same message repeatedly can create duplicates once the connection returns.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 3 of 5: Read grey check marks
One grey check mark means sent; two mean delivered to the recipient’s phone or linked device. A single mark can persist when their device is offline. It does not, by itself, show that you have been blocked.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 4 of 5: Understand blue check marks
Two blue check marks normally mean read in a one-to-one chat when read receipts are enabled. People can disable read receipts, so grey marks do not prove unread. Group delivery/read indications behave differently.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 5 of 5: Check details only if useful
Touch and hold your outgoing message and look for Info or Message info; it may be inside a menu. Review any delivered/read times shown. If you need an answer urgently, use an appropriate agreed contact method instead of watching the marks.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Take your time. Next marks this step done.
You’ve finished this guide.
Every step is complete. You can come back and practise again whenever you like.
Your small practice task.
Find one message you sent and identify its delivery indicator.
Completing the guide records your progress here; it does not check your device settings.
A common question.
Why are the marks grey after someone replies?
Read receipts may be off or not yet reflected. Do not use the colour alone as proof that a person has not read your message.
Official help, if you need it.
These links provide the product’s own instructions or relevant public guidance. Settings can differ by model and software version.