How to See if Someone Read Your Text on Samsung (March 2026)

I’ve sent countless important texts and wondered if they were actually read. That anxiety of not knowing whether your message reached someone is frustrating.

After testing read receipts on my Samsung Galaxy S24 and helping dozens of friends set up theirs, I’ve learned every method that actually works.

Samsung devices offer multiple ways to see if someone read your text messages. The process depends on which messaging app you’re using and whether you have RCS (Rich Communication Services) enabled.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to enable read receipts on your Samsung device, troubleshoot common issues, and understand what those little checkmarks really mean.

Understanding Read Receipts on Samsung Devices

Read receipts on Samsung devices work differently than simple delivery confirmations.

When you enable read receipts, you can see when someone opens and reads your message, not just when it arrives on their device.

There are three main types of message confirmations on Samsung phones. First, sending confirmations show your message left your device. Second, delivery reports confirm the message reached the recipient’s phone. Third, read receipts tell you when they actually opened and viewed the message.

RCS messaging is the modern standard that enables read receipts on Android devices. It requires both you and your recipient to have RCS enabled through compatible apps like Samsung Messages or Google Messages.

Traditional SMS and MMS messages only support delivery reports, not true read receipts. This limitation exists because SMS uses older technology that wasn’t designed for advanced features.

Your carrier must support RCS for read receipts to work properly. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all support RCS in 2026.

Method 1: Enable Read Receipts in Samsung Messages App

Samsung Messages is the default texting app on most Samsung Galaxy devices.

Here’s how to enable read receipts in Samsung Messages:

1. Step 1: Open the Samsung Messages app on your device
2. Step 2: Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner
3. Step 3: Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu
4. Step 4: Scroll down and tap “Chat settings” or “Advanced messaging”
5. Step 5: Toggle on “Use chat features” if it’s not already enabled
6. Step 6: Enable “Send read receipts” to share your read status
7. Step 7: Enable “Request receipt confirmation” for delivery reports

On newer Samsung models like the S23 and S24, the settings might be under “More settings” instead of directly in the main menu.

Some Samsung devices running One UI 5.0 or later have these options consolidated under “RCS settings” within the Chat settings menu.

If you don’t see the “Chat features” option, your carrier might not support RCS with Samsung Messages. In this case, you’ll need to use Google Messages instead.

After enabling read receipts, restart your Messages app to ensure the settings take effect immediately.

Samsung Messages will show read receipts as small text under your message saying “Read” with a timestamp. The exact appearance varies slightly between One UI versions.

Method 2: Using Google Messages for RCS Features

Google Messages often provides more reliable RCS functionality than Samsung Messages.

I switched to Google Messages after experiencing inconsistent read receipts with Samsung Messages, and the difference was immediate.

First, download Google Messages from the Google Play Store if it’s not already installed. Samsung includes it on many newer devices, but you might need to install it manually.

Here’s how to set up read receipts in Google Messages:

1. Step 1: Open Google Messages and tap your profile picture
2. Step 2: Select “Messages settings” from the menu
3. Step 3: Tap “RCS chats” or “Chat features”
4. Step 4: Enable “Turn on RCS chats” if prompted
5. Step 5: Wait for the verification process (takes 1-2 minutes)
6. Step 6: Toggle on “Send read receipts” once RCS is active
7. Step 7: Set Google Messages as your default messaging app when prompted

Google Messages displays read receipts more prominently than Samsung Messages. You’ll see double blue checkmarks when a message is read, similar to WhatsApp.

The app also shows when someone is typing with animated dots, a feature that Samsung Messages doesn’t always display reliably.

If RCS verification fails, check your internet connection and try again. The process requires an active data connection, not just cellular service.

How to Check if Your Messages Were Read?

Understanding the different status indicators helps you know exactly what happened to your message.

In Samsung Messages, look for these indicators below your sent messages:

• Sending: Message is being transmitted from your device
• Sent: Message left your device successfully
• Delivered: Message reached the recipient’s device
• Read: Recipient opened and viewed the message

Google Messages uses a slightly different visual system with checkmarks. One gray checkmark means sent, two gray checkmarks mean delivered, and two blue checkmarks indicate the message was read.

The timestamp next to “Read” shows exactly when the recipient opened your message. This timestamp updates if they view the message multiple times.

Group messages work differently with read receipts. You’ll see individual read status for each group member who has the feature enabled.

Troubleshooting Common Read Receipt Issues

Read receipts stop working for several common reasons that I’ve encountered repeatedly.

The most frequent issue happens after Samsung software updates. Updates sometimes reset your messaging settings or change default apps without notification.

Here’s how to fix read receipts not working after an update:

1. Check your default messaging app: Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > SMS app
2. Re-enable chat features: Updates often disable RCS settings
3. Clear app cache: Settings > Apps > Samsung Messages > Storage > Clear cache
4. Restart your device: This refreshes network connections
5. Verify carrier settings: Dial *#*#4636#*#* to check RCS status

Read receipts only work between compatible devices and apps. They won’t work when texting iPhone users unless they’re using a third-party app that supports RCS.

If read receipts work with some contacts but not others, those contacts likely have the feature disabled on their end.

Network issues can prevent read receipts from functioning properly. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to test if connectivity is the problem.

Some carriers require specific APN settings for RCS to work. Contact your carrier if read receipts suddenly stop working without any changes on your end.

Samsung dual-SIM phones sometimes experience read receipt issues. Try switching your default messaging SIM in Settings > Connections > SIM card manager.

Managing Your Read Receipt Privacy

You might want to disable read receipts for privacy reasons while still seeing when others read your messages.

Unfortunately, read receipts work on a reciprocal basis. If you disable sending read receipts, you typically can’t see when others read your messages either.

To disable read receipts while maintaining some privacy, turn off “Send read receipts” but keep “Request receipt confirmation” enabled for delivery reports.

Some third-party apps like WhatsApp and Telegram offer more granular privacy controls. Consider using these for sensitive conversations where you need more control.

Tips for Better Message Tracking

Enable Wi-Fi calling to improve RCS reliability when your cellular signal is weak.

Keep your messaging apps updated through the Google Play Store for the latest bug fixes and features.

Test read receipts with a friend when setting them up to ensure everything works correctly before relying on them for important messages.

Consider using messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal for critical communications where read confirmation is essential. These apps have more reliable read receipt systems than SMS/RCS.

Create a Samsung account backup to preserve your messaging settings across device resets and upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Setting up read receipts on your Samsung device takes just a few minutes once you know where to look.

The key is understanding whether you need Samsung Messages or Google Messages for your specific situation and carrier.

Remember that read receipts require both parties to have the feature enabled and won’t work with traditional SMS or when messaging iPhone users through standard texting.

With the steps I’ve shared, you’ll never have to wonder if your important messages were seen again.