How to half swipe on Instagram 2024 - steps explained

An Instagram DM image that shows how to half swipe to read messages without being seen

An Instagram DM image that shows how to half swipe to read messages without being seen

We all know that you can half-swipe on Snapchat to read messages discreetly. But did you know that you can do the same on Instagram to read DMs without being seen? If this is new to you, let's dive into how you half-swipe on Instagram.

Although there are several methods to view Instagram DMs without marking them as read - such as turning off read receipts - half-swiping remains a favoured technique among users. This method is particularly popular for its stealth and ease of use.

In this guide, we will show you how to half-swipe on Instagram, so you can read Instagram DMs without being seen. While you are here, make sure you learn how to half-swipe on Snapchat with the new update.

How to half-swipe on Instagram 2024

To half-swipe on Instagram, aim to keep the new message off-screen by quickly swiping down to bring older messages into view. Then, carefully scroll back up to read the new message without fully bringing it into view.

Here is how to half-swipe on Instagram to read DMs without being seen:

  • Tap the chat and swipe down immediately: As soon as you open the conversation, quickly swipe down to scroll to previous messages in the chat.
  • Slowly scroll down to read the new message: Only scroll far enough to read most of the message, stopping before it's fully on-screen to avoid marking it as read.

Note that this method works best in chats with extensive conversation histories. If the chat is relatively new with few prior messages, you won't have enough content to scroll down through to use this technique effectively.

What does half-swiping mean on Instagram?

Half-swiping is a Snapchat technique where users partially swipe into a chat to peek at it without marking it as read. This technique takes advantage of Snapchat's interface, allowing users a bit more privacy and control over their messaging.

On Instagram, the approach to achieve a similar effect - read DMs without being seen - doesn't involve a "half-swipe." Instead, users open the DM and quickly scroll up before the message is fully opened to avoid triggering the read status.

With that, we are wrapping up our guide on how to half-swipe on Instagram. Unlike Snapchat, which has a peek a peek feature that alerts if someone half-swipes, Instagram does not detect half-swiping. So, you can use this workaround confidently.