How to Half Swipe on Instagram?

Instagram is one of the most engaging social media platforms, constantly evolving with new features and tricks that users love to explore. One such trending action is the “half swipe.” If you’ve been hearing about this and wondering what it is and how to do it, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about half-swiping on Instagram, why people use it, and how to master it.

What is a Half Swipe on Instagram?

A “half swipe” is a subtle action that allows users to preview a message without marking it as read. This is particularly useful when you want to check the content of a DM (Direct Message) without notifying the sender that you’ve seen it.

Although Instagram doesn’t officially offer a half-swipe feature like Snapchat, users have found a workaround using Instagram’s messaging interface.

Why Do People Use Half Swipes on Instagram?

Half-swiping is popular for several reasons:

• Avoiding Read Receipts – Sometimes, you may want to see a message without the sender knowing.
• Curiosity Without Commitment – You might be unsure if you want to respond immediately (or at all!).
• Preventing Awkward Situations – If someone sends an unexpected or unwelcome message, you can preview it before deciding how to respond.

Now that you know why people use this trick, let’s go through how to half-swipe effectively.

How to Half Swipe on Instagram (Step-by-Step Guide)

Method 1: Using Airplane Mode (Most Reliable)

1. Open Instagram – Launch the app on your phone.
2. Go to Messages – Tap the paper airplane or messenger icon in the top-right corner.
3. Turn on Airplane Mode – Swipe down (iPhone) or swipe up (Android) and enable Airplane Mode.
4. Open the Chat – Since your internet is disconnected, you can now read messages without sending a read receipt.
5. Close the App Completely – After reading, close the app before turning the internet back on to prevent a read receipt from being sent.

Method 2: The Slow Swipe Trick

1. Go to Instagram Messages – Open the chat list.
2. Press & Hold the Chat – Without fully opening the message, try swiping slowly to the right.
3. Read the Preview – You may be able to see part of the message without triggering the “seen” status.
4. Do Not Swipe Fully – Once you’ve read enough, release the swipe before the full chat opens.

Note: This method works inconsistently and may depend on app updates.

Method 3: Using Notification Preview

1. Enable Message Notifications – Go to Instagram settings > Notifications > Direct Messages.
2. Preview from Lock Screen – When a message arrives, you can read part of it from the lock screen without opening Instagram.
3. Avoid Accidental Opens – Be careful not to tap the notification, as this will mark the message as “seen.”

Does Instagram Notify When You Half Swipe?

No, Instagram does not send a notification when you half swipe a message. However, if you fully open the chat, the sender will see a “Seen” label under their message.

Can You Turn Off Read Receipts on Instagram?

Unlike WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, Instagram does not provide an option to disable read receipts. The half-swipe trick is one of the few ways to preview messages without notifying the sender.

Alternative Ways to Manage Instagram Messages Without Read Receipts

If half-swiping is too tricky, consider these alternatives:

• Restrict the User – Instagram’s “Restrict” feature allows you to receive messages without sending read receipts.
• Read Messages on Web Version – Sometimes, messages display differently on the web, allowing you to see parts of them without opening.
• Use a Secondary Account – If possible, check messages using another account before responding.

FAQs

1. Is the half-swipe trick always effective?

No, Instagram updates may impact its effectiveness, so test it carefully.

2. Does half-swiping work on all devices?

It works best on mobile but may not function the same on the web version.

3. Can I undo a read receipt?

No, once a message is marked as “seen,” it cannot be undone.

4. Will Instagram introduce an official half-swipe feature?

There’s no official confirmation, but user demand may influence future updates.

5. Can someone tell if I half-swipe their message?

No, as long as you don’t fully open the message, they won’t know.