Slack shows read receipts, but only in direct messages and threads
Slack does have read receipts, but they work differently depending on where you send a message. In direct messages between two people, you'll see a small checkmark icon next to your message once the other person has opened it. In group direct messages (three or more people), you can see who has read the message by clicking on the message itself. However, read receipts do not work in channel messages — there's no way to know if someone has read what you posted in a public or private channel.
The read receipt appears as a small icon near the timestamp of your message. A single checkmark means the message was delivered to Slack's servers. A double checkmark or a small avatar means the recipient has opened the message. The timing varies — sometimes it shows up instantly, sometimes it takes a few seconds, depending on the recipient's connection and whether they have Slack open.
Key Takeaways
- Read receipts appear in one-on-one direct messages and group direct messages, but not in channels.
- In direct messages, a double checkmark or small avatar icon shows that the person has read your message.
- You can turn off read receipts for yourself in Slack's preferences, which hides your read status from others.
- Channel messages have no read receipt feature, so you cannot see whether people have read posts in public or private channels.
How to find read receipts in direct messages
Open any direct message conversation with another person. Send a message or look at a message you've already sent. After the recipient opens Slack and views the conversation, a small icon will appear next to your message. In a one-on-one direct message, this is usually a small checkmark or the person's avatar photo, positioned near the message timestamp on the right side.
In a group direct message with three or more people, click directly on the message you want to check. A panel will open on the right side of your screen showing which people have read it. The names appear in a list, sometimes with timestamps showing when they read it. If someone hasn't read it yet, their name won't appear in that list.
How to turn off your own read receipts
If you don't want others to see when you've read their messages, you can disable read receipts for yourself. Open Slack and click your profile picture in the top left corner. Select "Preferences" from the menu that appears. Look for the section labeled "Privacy" or scroll down until you find "Read receipts."
Toggle the setting to turn off read receipts. The exact wording varies — it might say "Let others see when you've read their messages" or simply "Read receipts." When you turn this off, others will no longer see when you've opened and read their direct messages. This setting applies to all your direct messages, and you cannot turn it on for some conversations and off for others.
Keep in mind that turning off read receipts is a personal choice that affects how others see your activity. Some workplaces or teams expect people to leave read receipts on so that others know messages have been seen. Check with your team or workspace admin if you're unsure whether turning this off is appropriate for your workplace.
Why channels don't have read receipts
Slack channels are designed for group communication where many people may or may not read every message. Adding read receipts to channels would create a lot of noise and make it harder to focus on the actual conversation. Instead, Slack lets you see how many people have reacted to a message using emoji reactions, which is a lighter way to show engagement without tracking individual reads.
If you need to know whether specific people have seen a channel message, you can mention them directly using the @ symbol. This sends them a notification and makes it more likely they'll respond. You can also use threads to keep conversations organized and see who has participated in the discussion.
Read receipts on mobile versus desktop
Read receipts work the same way on Slack's mobile app (iOS and Android) as they do on the desktop version. When you open a direct message on your phone, the sender will see that you've read it. Similarly, you'll see read receipts from others when they open your direct messages on their phones or computers.
The main difference is how the icons appear on smaller screens. On mobile, the read receipt icon may be smaller or positioned slightly differently, but it functions identically. If you turn off read receipts in your preferences, that setting applies across all devices — desktop, phone, and web browser.
What read receipts don't tell you
A read receipt only means someone opened the message — it doesn't mean they understood it, agreed with it, or will act on it. Someone might open a message, see the first line, and then get distracted. Read receipts also don't show whether someone read the entire message or just glanced at it.
Additionally, read receipts can be misleading if someone has Slack open in the background. Opening the app or switching to the Slack window triggers the read receipt, even if the person isn't actively paying attention. Don't assume silence after a read receipt means the person is ignoring you — they may simply be busy or thinking about how to respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see read receipts for messages I sent in a channel?
No. Slack does not provide read receipts for channel messages. You cannot see whether individual people have read posts in public or private channels. If you need confirmation that someone saw a channel message, mention them directly or send them a direct message.
If I turn off read receipts, will I still see when others have read my messages?
No. Turning off read receipts is a two-way street. When you disable the setting, you won't see read receipts from others, and they won't see read receipts from you. It's an all-or-nothing preference that applies to your entire workspace.
Do read receipts work in Slack threads?
Yes. If you send a message in a thread within a direct message, read receipts will show. However, if the thread is in a channel, read receipts do not work — the same rule applies as with regular channel messages.
What does a single checkmark mean versus a double checkmark?
A single checkmark typically means the message was delivered to Slack's servers but hasn't been read yet. A double checkmark or avatar icon means the recipient has opened the message. The exact appearance depends on your Slack workspace settings and the device you're using.
Can I see the exact time someone read my message?
In group direct messages, yes — when you click on a message to see who read it, timestamps sometimes appear showing when each person opened it. In one-on-one direct messages, Slack typically shows only that the message was read, not the exact time.