To stop Google Messages from sending either indicator, open your profile icon, go to Messages settings > RCS chats (or Chat features), and switch off Send read receipts and Show typing indicators. They are separate settings, so turn off both if you want to stop sending both.
Turn off read receipts and typing indicators
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Open Google Messages.
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Tap your profile icon.
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Tap Messages settings, then RCS chats. If your app uses different wording, look for Chat features.
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Switch off Send read receipts.
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Switch off Show typing indicators.
Google documents these controls in its RCS settings instructions. Menu labels may vary by app version.
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Send read receipts: stops you from sending read acknowledgements. When you send read receipts, recipients can see when you have read their messages; Google says they need read receipts enabled to tell when you have read theirs.
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Show typing indicators: stops other people from seeing that you are typing in a conversation with them.
These are outgoing controls. Google’s instructions do not document a separate setting here for hiding other people’s read receipts or typing indicators from your screen, so switching these off should not be treated as a way to hide incoming indicators.
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Choose between individual controls and turning off RCS
If you want to keep RCS features, leave RCS on and disable only the indicators you do not want to send. Turning off RCS is a broader option: Google says it also turns off read receipts and typing indicators. RCS supports internet-based messaging and features such as high-resolution media sharing; SMS/MMS remains available through your carrier.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match| Option | What changes | RCS features |
|---|---|---|
| Turn off Send read receipts | Stops sending read acknowledgements | Remain on |
| Turn off Show typing indicators | Stops signaling that you are typing | Remain on |
| Turn off both individual controls | Stops sending both kinds of indicators | Remain on |
| Turn off RCS chats | Turns off both indicators | RCS is disabled; SMS/MMS remains available |
For the RCS-wide option, use the RCS chats or Chat features screen and turn off RCS chats. Google’s RCS help page explains that typing indicators and read receipts turn off with RCS.
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When these indicators apply
Read receipts and typing indicators apply to conversations using RCS. Google’s RCS FAQ says they do not work when the recipient does not have RCS chats. SMS/MMS conversations do not gain these RCS indicators.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Read receipts in business chats
Google says an RCS business chat sends the business a read receipt for each of its messages that you read. See Google’s read-receipt instructions for managing this behavior.
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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