How to Instantly Mark All Unread Messages as Read on WhatsApp (2025 Guide)

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging platforms in the world, with over 2 billion active users. Whether it's personal conversations, work-related chats, or group messages, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of incoming messages.

In many cases, most of these unread messages are either spam, less important, or part of active group discussions that don’t require your immediate attention. Reading or opening each chat just to mark it as read is time-consuming.

But here’s some good news — WhatsApp has a hidden feature that lets you mark all unread messages as read in one go, saving time and helping you keep your inbox clean.

What Is the “Mark All as Read” Feature in WhatsApp?

The “Mark All as Read” feature allows users to instantly remove the notification badge of unread messages across all chats — without opening them individually. This feature was quietly rolled out by WhatsApp and is still unknown to many users.

Why Use This Feature?

Benefit	Description
Saves Time	No need to open each chat manually.
Reduces Notification Load	Clears the unread badge and message alerts.
Keeps Inbox Clean	Helps manage multiple chats or group messages more efficiently.
Ideal for Group Chats	Especially useful for people in multiple WhatsApp groups.

Who Can Use This Feature?

All Android users (latest versions of WhatsApp)
iPhone users (iOS versions with updated WhatsApp)
Users with dozens of unread messages who want to clear notifications without reading

How to Use the “Mark All as Read” Feature on WhatsApp

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the feature:

🔸 Step 1: Open WhatsApp

Launch the WhatsApp app on your Android or iOS device.

🔸 Step 2: Access the Main Chat List

Make sure you're on the main screen showing all your recent conversations.

🔸 Step 3: Tap the Three Dots Menu

In the top-right corner, tap the three vertical dots (on Android).
For iOS users, check for a similar option under the Settings or More tab.

🔸 Step 4: Select “Mark All as Read”

From the dropdown menu, tap “Mark All as Read”.

🔸 Step 5: Done!

All unread message indicators will disappear. It will look like you’ve read every message, even though you haven’t opened a single chat.

Use Cases – When to Use This Feature

Here are some common scenarios where this feature is extremely helpful:

Case 1: Too Many Group Messages

If you're part of multiple active WhatsApp groups, unread messages can pile up quickly.

Case 2: Business Use

Professionals who use WhatsApp for business often receive broadcast messages or updates that don’t need individual attention.

Case 3: Returning After a Break

Coming back from a vacation or long break? You might not have time to check old messages. Use this feature to start fresh.

Important Notes and Tips

This feature doesn’t delete messages. It only removes the "unread" status.
You can still go back and read the messages later.
It’s not the same as archiving chats.
The feature is available only in recent versions — make sure your WhatsApp is updated.

Comparison: Manual Reading vs. Mark All as Read

Method	Manual Reading	Mark All as Read Feature
Time Required	High – Opens each chat manually	Very Low – One click
Best For	Important, personal messages	Bulk messages, group spam
Affects Message Content?	No	No
Read Receipts Sent?	Yes (if opened individually)	No (doesn’t open chats)

Additional WhatsApp Inbox Management Tips

Besides marking all messages as read, here are some other tips to better manage your WhatsApp:

Use Archive Chat: To hide chats without deleting them.
Mute Notifications: For noisy groups or contacts.
Use Labels (Business Accounts): To categorize chats like Orders, Support, etc.
Star Important Messages: So you can find them easily later.
Clear Chat Storage: Regularly delete media-heavy messages from Settings > Storage.