Sometimes, after reading a message on Facebook Messenger, we don't want to respond immediately. This begs the question: can we read a message on Messenger without it being seen? The answer is: there are some ways to view the message's contents, but not every method is completely reliable.

The easiest way to read messages from notifications
is to read them from your mobile's notification panel. When a new Messenger message arrives, a portion of it may appear in the notification. You can read the message from there without tapping the notification. However, the full text of longer messages may not appear in the notification.

Using Message Previews
You can display the contents of incoming messages on the lock screen or in notifications if you've enabled message previews for Messenger in your phone's Notification Settings. This method may work as long as you don't open the Messenger chat directly to read the message.

The Airplane Mode method?
The internet often suggests a method for reading Messenger messages in Airplane Mode. It recommends turning off the internet after receiving the message, opening the chat, and then closing the app. However, this method doesn't necessarily work the same on every device and app version. The "Seen" status may update after you turn the internet back on.

Should you use third-party apps?
There are many apps or websites that claim to let you read Messenger messages without them being seen. But be wary of suspicious apps that ask for login information. Don't enter your Facebook password or OTP on an unknown app or website.

Overall, Notification Preview is the easiest option, but no method can 100% guarantee that Seen Status will never be updated. Messenger features can also change over time.

PC: Jagran