Will Bumble Ever Add Read Receipts? What the Experts Say in 2025

Bumble has redefined digital connections through its privacy-first approach, sparking one of the most persistent rumors in online dating: Will Bumble ever add read receipts? If you’re wondering whether Bumble will join its competitors and launch a feature that lets you know when your messages are read, this expert.

What Are Read Receipts and Why Are They a Big Deal?

Read receipts are notifications or marks indicating your message has been opened and read by the recipient. This is standard in WhatsApp (blue ticks), Messenger (“seen”), and increasingly, premium dating apps. For users, it means:

• Clarity: Know if your message was ignored or just not seen.

• Pressure: Sometimes unwanted, pushing users to respond instantly.

• Transparency: For some, it’s peace of mind; for others, it can fuel anxiety.

Does Bumble Show Read Receipts as of 2025?

The Unambiguous Answer: No, Bumble Does NOT Have, Show, or Plan to Add Read Receipts

Bumble does not show read receipts in any part of its app—Date, BFF, or Bizz. This applies to both free and Premium users:

• No blue checkmarks or “seen” tags

• No settings toggle for read receipts

• Upgrading to Bumble Premium does NOT unlock them

• No indication for text, image, or audio messages

As of mid-2025, there is no publicly announced plan by Bumble to add this feature.

The Privacy Philosophy: Why Hasn’t Bumble Added Read Receipts?

Bumble’s privacy-first design is deliberate and grounded in extensive user research and global privacy best practices:

• Reduces Pressure: Without read receipts, users aren’t forced to reply instantly or explain delays.

• Protects User Comfort: Users engage at their own pace, reducing “Why did you leave me on read?” drama.

• Promotes Thoughtful Conversation: More time to reflect before replying = more genuine interactions.

• Universal Application: This philosophy extends across all of Bumble’s products—no receipts, ever.

“Bumble does not offer any sort of read receipt feature, either by default or as part of a premium upgrade. That means it’s not possible to tell if a user you’ve been conversing with has read your message. Of course, the opposite is true as well — other users won’t see an indication if you have read their messages, either.”

What If You Want Read Receipts? How Does Bumble Compare?

Bumble’s approach stands in sharp contrast to apps that monetize message read status:

“Expert” Speculation: Will Bumble Add Read Receipts in the Future?

No Official Plan or Announcement

• User Feedback: Private, pressure-free messaging consistently ranks as a top reason users choose Bumble.

• Brand Image: Privacy is core to Bumble’s brand, making a reversal unlikely.

• Market Research: With growing privacy regulation and market demand for less intrusive design, most experts believe read receipts are not coming soon to Bumble.

Hidden or Test Features?

• Technical researchers have documented API calls that theoretically surface message status, but these are not enabled for ordinary users, and Bumble has closed loopholes and clarified its stance in public statements. Attempting to exploit such features risks violating Bumble’s terms of service.

Rumors and Misinformation

Many low-authority blogs or forums claim there are read receipts hidden in settings or available with Premium, or that you can activate them with a trick. These claims are false and not supported by Bumble’s support team or official help documents.

Current Alternatives: How to “Tell” If a Match Has Seen Your Bumble Message

• Typing Indicator: If you see the three-dot animation, the other user is (or was) typing—a strong hint your message was seen, but not definitive.

• Profile Updates: If a user’s photo, bio, or status is updated, they’re active in-app, but you can’t know if they read your message.

• Reply: The only certain indicator is a direct reply.

There’s no official or reliable workaround—don’t trust tools, extensions, or guides that say otherwise.

Pros and Cons of No Read Receipts

Pros:

• More relaxed experience; no pressure to instantly reply

• Encourages more thoughtful, less transactional conversations

• Less drama (“Why haven’t you replied?” syndrome)

• Protects user privacy and data

Cons:

• Can’t tell if you’re being ignored or just overlooked

• Ambiguity if matches go silent

Still, most privacy advocates believe the pros outweigh the cons, and Bumble’s user community continues to grow because of this approach.

Best Practices on Bumble Messaging in 2025

• Craft unique, engaging first messages—avoid generic “hey”

• Wait at least 24–48 hours before a polite follow-up

• Don’t spam or double-message excessively

• Focus on meaningful conversation, not system notifications

• Move to another platform (like WhatsApp) if you both want read receipts—but only after trust is established

Why Privacy Should Drive Online Messaging

Bumble’s approach is strongly backed by global privacy authorities. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), the world’s leading nonprofit for digital privacy, recommends limiting features that pressure instant replies or expose activity without consent. Learn more about these best practices at:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there any way to turn on read receipts or unlock them with Premium?
A: No. Neither paid nor free users get any form of read receipt on Bumble.

Q: Do rumors about hidden “settings,” “blue ticks,” or “API tricks” mean receipts are coming soon?
A: No. All public statements and technical documentation confirm no read receipts for users, now or planned.

Q: Will Bumble ever add read receipts by popular demand?
A: User feedback currently supports the privacy-first model, with zero indication of upcoming changes.

Read More: How Does Bumble Handle Message Read Status in 2025?

Conclusion: Trust in Privacy, Not Notifications

While app features evolve, Bumble users in 2025 should not expect the arrival of read receipts—now, or soon. The company’s unwavering emphasis on privacy, user control, and drama-free communication places it among the best choices for those who want meaningful connections—without the stress of digital receipts.