Snapchat’s ‘Half Swipe’ method allows users to check a Snapchat message without alerting the sender.
This clever gesture allows users to preview chats secretly without triggering the ‘Opened’ notification.
Whether you’re trying to avoid immediate replies or just want to glance at a message before deciding what to say, mastering the half-swipe feature gives you control over your privacy.
Snapchat has gained immense popularity amongst the youth in the last few years, allowing them to exchange media and messages. Usually, when a receiver opens a message, the ‘Opened’ notification is triggered, prompting the user to reply immediately.
However, there are times when they may want to read a message without alerting the sender or feeling pressured to respond. This awkward situation can easily be bypassed using the Half Swipe method.
Those who are still unaware of how to use this feature on Snapchat, here’s the step-by-step guide to let you know about Half Swipe to make your Snapchat experience effortless, private, and drama-free.
This is a common thing that almost every Snapchat user must have wished for at least once. If a message comes at a time when you’re not ready to reply, you can follow the steps below to peek into a message preview without triggering the ‘Opened’ status:
Open Snapchat
Go to the Chats screen.
Scroll to the chat you want to read without opening it.
Place your finger on the sender’s profile icon
Hold it and swipe right gently. Stop halfway.
Read the visible part of the message
Swipe back left
Release your finger
If you complete this process properly, it won’t trigger the ‘Opened’ notification and keep the chat unread. Next time, when you open the chat, the app will mark the text as ‘read.’
[Note: Remember, if you swipe too far or lift your finger early, Snapchat will register the message as opened. You have to be careful with the finger motion.]
Also Read: How to Check Someone Else’s Friends List on Snapchat
Half Swipe is for times when you are too busy to reply, but can’t control your curiosity. Sometimes, it’s hard to reply to some messages instantly. Users might need a minute to think. Below are the benefits of the Half Swipe method:
Control Over Responses: This feature allows full control over when and how to reply to a message without any pressure.
Maintain Privacy: It maintains privacy. You get time to understand the message context without informing the sender that you have read the message.
Avoid Awkward Conversations: If you’re not ready for a conversation or trying to ignore spam messages, half-swiping will be your best friend.
Preview Before Replying: With Half-Swipe, you can quickly scan through important messages without opening each of them.
Better Time Management: It will allow one to prioritise which chat needs immediate action, and which can wait.
[Note: Snapchat may modify this feature in future updates. It’s still unofficial, and may not be a permanent add-on.]
Since the feature isn’t built-in, occasional bugs can hamper the experience. Therefore, if you find Half Swipe isn’t working properly, there are a few quick fixes that you can try:
Close the app and launch it again. This method works when fixing glitches.
Update Snapchat. Older versions often cause issues. Try to update your Snapchat app regularly to avoid glitches.
Do not use the Snapchat Beta version as test versions may be prone to glitches and bugs.
Practice the gesture, as a slight wrong move can generate the ‘Opened’ notification. Practice the gesture first.
If none of these steps work, the feature may not be available for your version of the app temporarily, either due to Snapchat disabling it temporarily or just for your app version.
Also Read: Snapchat Surges: Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates, Stock Rises
The Half Swipe feature can protect your privacy. However, its use is still up for debate. Using this method sometimes is acceptable, but constantly depending on it to avoid conversation is not healthy and can make genuine interactions seem complicated.
The Half Swipe feature offers flexibility, privacy, and control to those who like to manage their digital interactions as they wish. It can be an occasionally used feature, not a permanent habit.
Does Snapchat still allow Half Swiping?
Ans: As of now, Snapchat's almost all versions support Half Swipe. However, it’s not an official feature. Therefore, Snapchat can remove it anytime in the future.
Can I Half Swipe on Snapchat for photos or videos?
Ans: Well, that's impossible. Half Swipe only works for text messages. Snaps, including photos, videos, and voice notes, can't be viewed following Half-Swipe.
Will the sender know if I Half Swipe?
Ans: The sender can't get any notification and that's the best part of Half-Swipe. Generally, senders get the 'Opened' notification, but with Half Swipe, it won't be the case.
Is the half swipe method safe to use?
Ans: It's not an official Snapchat feature but it's completely safe. Just keep in mind that it could stop functioning any second. It's best not to get dependent on it.
Can I half swipe on both iPhone and Android?
Ans: Yes you can. It works on both the iOS and Android Snapchat features. Just remember, the touch sensitivity may differ slightly.