What Does One Check Mark Mean on WhatsApp: Gray vs. Blue
You sent a message on WhatsApp and realized the mysterious ticks? What do they mean?
Ultimately, a single grey tick just means your message was sent by you and received by WhatsApp’s servers. However, it was not yet delivered to the recipient’s phone. This could be for lots of reasons: their phone might be off, for example, or they might not have an internet connection.
Both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business use a read receipt system to show you when your message is delivered and read. Let’s break down what the different ticks—single, double, and blue—actually mean.
Grey Ticks on WhatsApp
WhatsApp Single Grey Mark Case
When you message someone on WhatsApp and a single grey tick appears, this indicates the message has successfully been delivered by your phone to the WhatsApp servers, but has not yet been delivered to the recipient. There could be a few reasons:
The recipient’s phone is off.
They’re disconnected from the internet or in a dead zone.
Their phone has run out of battery.
Recipient logged out for WhatsApp or has deactivated their account.
The message is still “in transit” in this case and has yet to be seen by the other person. A single grey tick may remain on your message for a long time, particularly if the recipient is away.
WhatsApp Double Grey Tick Case
A double grey tick on WhatsApp means that the message has been successfully delivered to the recipient’s phone or another linked device, like a tablet or computer. However, the message may not have been opened yet.
It’s important to note that two grey ticks do not mean the message has been read, only that it has been delivered. If the recipient has Read Receipts turned off, the ticks will remain grey, even if they have read the message.
Difference Between One Grey Tick and Two Grey Ticks
The key difference between one grey tick and two grey ticks on WhatsApp is the delivery status of the message.
One grey tick means the message has been sent but not delivered.
Two grey ticks mean the message has been delivered to the recipient's device, but it may not have been opened yet.
Two Blue Ticks
What Does Two Blue Ticks Mean on WhatsApp?
Two blue ticks mean that the message has been read.
How Do Double Blue Ticks Work in Group Messages?
Within group chats, those double blue ticks will appear when every member of the chat has read your message. If a single person hasn’t opened it yet, the ticks will stay grey for all.
Don’t Have Any Ticks
If there are no ticks next to your WhatsApp message, it’s because the message hasn’t been sent from your phone, likely as a result of a connection problem. To sort it, make sure you have a working internet connection and refresh WhatsApp. As soon as your phone reconnects, the message will be sent, and the ticks will appear.
One Gray and One Blue Tick
In theory, you shouldn’t be able to see a grey tick and a blue tick simultaneously in WhatsApp. The ticks should turn blue at the same time when you’ve read the message. So, if you repeatedly see one grey tick and one blue tick, it may be a bug. You should get in touch with WhatsApp’s support team for help.
Should I Turn Off Read Receipts on WhatsApp Business?
For WhatsApp Business, we'd recommend leaving read receipts on. Sure, ditching the double blue tick means you can control when you reply, but your customers may wonder whether their messages are being ignored.
By leaving read receipts enabled, you can use sales psychology to your advantage. One of the main benefits of instant messaging, as opposed to email, is that it is transparent and feels personal. When a customer notices the double blue ticks, they know that their message has been read by a human on the other end. This makes your business seem more credible and trustworthy.
Don’t want customers to think you’re ignoring them? Use Quick Replies. They won’t feel ignored if they know you’ve seen the message and can respond later.
How to Turn Off WhatsApp Read Receipts on Android and iOS
If you're still considering a little more privacy, turning off read receipts is straightforward:
On Android:
Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots in the top right corner of your screen.
Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
Tap on "Privacy."
Scroll down to find "Read receipts."
Toggle the switch off—green means it's on, and gray means it's off.
On iPhone:
Launch WhatsApp and head to "Settings" in the bottom right corner.
Tap "Privacy."
Turn off the "Read receipts" option.
With these steps, you'll have more control over your messaging privacy, choosing when (or if) those blue ticks show up.
FAQ
How Do You Know If Someone Read Your Message on WhatsApp?
They read it when they have two blue check marks in your message.
Gray vs. Blue Check Mark
A single gray check mark apiece means your message was sent—but not yet delivered. Two check marks mean it was delivered to the recipient’s device—but not read. When those check marks turn blue, it means the message has been read.
How is it possible to have only one check mark after sending someone a message?
One grey tick means your message has been sent from your phone, but WhatsApp hasn't delivered it to the recipient. Their phone might be switched off, they might be offline or they might have blocked you.
My contact has read the message but the double ticks are still gray – why is this?
If the recipient has turned off Read Receipts, you won’t ever see blue ticks — the double gray ticks will remain even after they’ve read your message.
The End
And that’s all there is to WhatsApp’s check mark! The gray one, or the blue one, each tick lets you know something useful about your message.
Armed with this knowledge of what WhatsApp’s message check marks mean, you can use the app in comfort. Consider your read receipts managed well and use the platform.
Whether messaging for business or for pleasure, it’s a relief to know your messages are reaching their destination. Happy messaging!
