What Does the Double Tick Mean in WhatsApp: Complete Guide

The doubble tick in Whatsapp means your message was delivered to the recipient’s device but hasn’t been read yet. Learn what each tick means.
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Samarth Agrawal

July 19, 2025 - 19 min read
What Does the Double Tick Mean in WhatsApp Complete Guide by SheetWA

A doubble tick in WhatsApp indicates that your message has been successfully delivered to the recipient’s device. You may have noticed different ticks on your WhatsApp messages and wondered about their meanings.

A single grey tick means your message has reached WhatsApp’s server, while two grey ticks signify it has arrived on the other person’s phone. When the ticks turn blue, it means the message has been read.

Many users confuse these WhatsApp check marks, sometimes thinking a single tick means they’re blocked, but it usually just means the recipient’s phone is off or offline. Tools like SheetWA utilize these WhatsApp checkmarks to help you monitor whether your messages have been delivered.

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Key Takeaways

  • One gray tick means your message left your phone. It reached WhatsApp’s server but not the other person’s device yet.

  • Two gray ticks show your message was sent to the other person’s phone. It does not mean they read it.

  • Two blue ticks mean the person read your message. This is true unless they turned off read receipts.

  • In group chats, blue ticks show only when everyone has read your message. Turning off read receipts hides blue ticks in single chats.

  • It does not hide them in group chats. If you see one gray tick for a long time, the person might be offline.

  • They could have no internet or you might have the wrong number. Tools like SheetWA use the same tick system.

  • They help you track if your message was sent and read. Always update WhatsApp and check your contacts. This helps avoid problems and keeps your messages working well.

WhatsApp Check Marks

When you send WhatsApp messages, you see different check marks next to each message. These marks help you know what is happening with your message. Let’s break down what each one means so you never have to guess again.

Single Tick

The first thing you might notice after sending a message is one grey checkmark. This single grey tick means your message has left your phone and reached WhatsApp’s server. It does not mean the other person has seen it yet. Sometimes, you may see one grey checkmark for a while. This can happen if the recipient’s phone is off, they have no internet, or they have not opened WhatsApp. You might wonder if you are blocked, but usually, it just means the message has not reached their device.

Tip: If you see only one grey checkmark for a long time, check if you have the right number or if the person is using WhatsApp.

Double Tick in WhatsApp

Next, you will see two gray check marks. This is the doubble tick in whatsapp that everyone talks about. When you see two grey ticks, your message has been delivered to the recipient’s phone. It does not mean they have read it, only that it is now on their device. The double check mark is a sign that your message made it through. Sometimes, you may notice two grey check marks turn up quickly, but other times, it takes longer if the person is offline.

You might wonder if these whatsapp check marks work differently for business accounts. The answer is no. Whether you use a personal or business account, the ticks work the same way. Both types of accounts show one grey checkmark, two grey check marks, and two blue checkmarks in the same way. Business accounts can have a verification badge, which helps people trust the business, but this badge does not change how the whatsapp check marks appear on your messages.

Double Blue Tick

When the two gray check marks turn blue, you know your message has been read. These two blue checkmarks are the final step in the process. Now you can be sure the recipient has opened your message. If you do not see the blue ticks, the person may have turned off read receipts, or they have not read your message yet.

Here’s a quick table to help you remember:

Check Mark

What It Means

One grey checkmark

Message sent to WhatsApp server

Two grey check marks

Message delivered to device

Two blue checkmarks

Message read by recipient

No matter if you use WhatsApp for personal chats or business, or even if you use tools like SheetWA, these whatsapp check marks always mean the same thing. This makes it easy for you to track your whatsapp messages and know their status.

Double Tick Meaning in WhatsApp

Double Check Mark Meaning
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Delivery Status

When you send a message on WhatsApp, you want to know what happens next. The doubble tick in whatsapp gives you that answer. You see two gray check marks when your message was delivered to the recipient’s phone. This is a key part of how WhatsApp keeps you informed.

Here’s how the process works:

  1. You send a message from your phone.

  2. WhatsApp creates a timestamp and a special ticket for your message.

  3. One grey tick appears. This means your message reached the WhatsApp server.

  4. The doubble tick in whatsapp shows up as two gray check marks. This means the message has been delivered to the other person’s device.

  5. If the recipient opens the message, the two gray check marks turn blue.

You might notice that the two gray check marks mean your message is on the recipient’s phone, but it hasn’t been read yet. The double check mark is a sign that your message made it through, but the person may not have seen it. WhatsApp uses its servers to confirm when the message packet reaches the other device. Even if the recipient is offline, WhatsApp stores the message and delivers it as soon as the device comes online. The timestamp updates when the message actually arrives on the phone.

Note: The doubble tick in whatsapp always means the message was delivered, but not necessarily read. If you see two gray check marks, your message is waiting for the recipient to open it.

Why Double Tick May Not Appear

Sometimes, you send a message and only see one grey tick. You might wonder why the doubble tick in whatsapp does not show up. There are a few common reasons for this:

  • The recipient’s phone is off.

  • The phone is in airplane mode.

  • The recipient has no internet connection.

  • The person has not opened WhatsApp for a while.

  • You may have the wrong phone number.

  • The recipient has blocked you.

When any of these things happen, WhatsApp cannot deliver your message to the other person’s device. Your message stays on the server, and you only see one grey tick. As soon as the recipient comes online or gets a connection, WhatsApp delivers the message, and you see the two gray check marks.

Here’s a quick table to help you spot the difference:

Status

What You See

What It Means

Sent, not delivered

One grey tick

Message is on WhatsApp server

Delivered, not read

Two gray check marks

Message was delivered to device, hasn't been read

Read

Two blue check marks

Message has been read by recipient

Tip: If you keep seeing only one grey tick, check if the number is correct or if you might be blocked. Sometimes, waiting a bit helps, especially if the recipient is in a place with poor internet.

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You can use these ticks to track your messages. If you use tools like SheetWA, you will notice the same tick system. The two gray check marks always mean your message was delivered, no matter if you send it to one person or many.

Read Status in Whatsapp Chat

Blue Ticks in WhatsApp

You probably wonder how you can tell if someone has read your message on WhatsApp. The answer is simple: look for the blue tick. When you send a message, you first see one gray tick, then two gray ticks. When those two gray ticks turn into two blue checkmarks, your message has been read. This is called the blue tick, and it is the best way to know if your message was read.

In one-on-one chats, the blue tick appears as soon as the other person opens your message. If you want to see exactly when your message was read, you can tap and hold the message, then select "Info." This will show you the time your message was delivered and the time it was read. The two blue check marks make it easy to track your message status.

Note: If you do not see the blue tick, the other person may have turned off read receipts. This means you will only see two gray ticks, even if the message has been read.

Message Info

WhatsApp gives you a handy way to check the details of your sent messages. You can use the "Message Info" feature to see when your message was delivered and when it was read. Just tap and hold your message, then tap the "Info" icon. You will see two times: one for when the message was delivered and one for when it was read. This works for both individual and group chats.

Here is a quick table to help you understand what you see in Message Info:

Status

Symbol

What It Means

Sent

One gray tick

Message sent to WhatsApp server

Delivered

Two gray ticks

Message delivered to device

Read

Two blue checkmarks

Message was read by recipient

If you turn off read receipts in your privacy settings, you will not see the blue tick for others, and they will not see it for you. However, you will still see delivery times.

Group Chats

Group chats work a little differently when it comes to the blue tick. In a group chat, the two blue checkmarks only appear when every member in the group has read your message. If even one person has not opened the chat, you will only see two gray ticks. This makes group chats more transparent.

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Here are some key points about blue tick behavior in group chats:

  • The blue tick appears only when all group members have read the message.

  • You can check who has read your message by tapping and holding the message, then selecting "Info." This shows a list of everyone in the group and when they read your message.

  • Turning off read receipts does not affect group chats. Even if you disable read receipts in your privacy settings, the blue tick will still show up in group chats.

  • Voice messages always show read receipts, no matter your settings.

This system helps you know exactly who has seen your message in a group. Privacy settings give you control in private chats, but group chats always show the blue tick for everyone.

Tip: If you want to keep your read status private, remember that read receipts only work in one-on-one chats. Group chats always show the blue tick once everyone has read the message.

Managing WhatsApp Ticks

Read Receipts

You might want more privacy when you use WhatsApp. Turning off read receipts is a simple way to do this. When you disable read receipts, the blue tick will not show up in your chats, even after you read a message. Here’s how you can turn off read receipts:

  1. Open WhatsApp and tap on Settings.

  2. Go to Account, then tap Privacy.

  3. Find the option called 'Read Receipts' and toggle it off.

When you turn off read receipts, you change how ticks work for both you and your contacts. In individual chats, messages will only show two grey ticks, even after you read them. The blue tick disappears. This setting works both ways. If you turn off read receipts, you also cannot see when others have read your messages. Group chats are different. The blue tick still appears when everyone in the group reads your message, no matter your settings. Voice messages usually still show blue indicators, so keep that in mind. Also, when you turn off read receipts, you cannot see who viewed your WhatsApp Status, and others cannot see if you viewed theirs.

Note: Turning off read receipts gives you more privacy, but you lose the ability to see when others read your messages.

Privacy Settings

WhatsApp gives you several privacy settings to help you control what others see. You can manage your last seen, profile photo, about, and status. The most important setting for message privacy is the read receipts option. When you turn off read receipts, you stop the blue tick from showing up in your chats. This helps you keep your reading habits private. Remember, this setting only works for individual chats. Group chats will always show the blue tick when everyone reads the message. Voice messages are another exception. Even with read receipts off, blue indicators may still appear when you play a voice message.

Here’s a quick look at what happens when you change your privacy settings:

Setting

What It Controls

What Changes

Read Receipts

Blue tick in individual chats

Blue tick hidden

Group Chat Read Status

Blue tick in group chats

Always visible

Voice Message Status

Blue indicator for voice messages

Usually still visible

Status Views

Who viewed your WhatsApp Status

Hidden when off

Avoid Blue Ticks

Sometimes, you want to read a message without letting the sender know. There are a few tricks you can use to avoid the blue tick. Here’s a table to help you see your options:

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Method

How It Works

Effectiveness / Notes

Turn Off Read Receipts

Disables blue tick in individual chats.

You also cannot see others’ read receipts.

Airplane Mode

Turn on airplane mode before opening WhatsApp to read messages.

Blue tick won’t appear until you reconnect to the internet.

Notification Preview

Read messages from your phone’s notification bar without opening WhatsApp.

Works for short messages; long messages may not be fully shown.

Search Bar Preview

Use WhatsApp’s search bar to preview messages without opening the chat.

Only shows part of the message.

WhatsApp Widget / 3D Touch

Use widgets or 3D Touch to peek at messages.

Platform-specific; not available on all devices.

If you use airplane mode, make sure you close WhatsApp before turning your connection back on. Otherwise, the blue tick might still appear. Notification previews are great for quick checks, but they only show short messages. Widgets and 3D Touch are handy if your phone supports them.

Tip: These tricks help you keep your reading habits private, but some have limits. Group chats and voice messages often still show the blue tick.

WhatsApp Ticks and SheetWA

Message Delivery with SheetWA

When you use SheetWA, you send WhatsApp messages right from your computer using WhatsApp Web. SheetWA works with your own WhatsApp account, so it feels just like sending messages by hand. You see the same check marks next to your messages. These marks help you know if your message was sent, delivered, or read.

SheetWA relies on WhatsApp’s tick system to give you feedback. Here’s what happens when you send messages with SheetWA:

  • You send your WhatsApp messages through WhatsApp Web.

  • SheetWA shows you the same ticks you see in the regular WhatsApp app.

  • One gray tick means your message was sent to the server.

  • Two gray ticks mean your message was delivered to the recipient’s phone.

  • Two blue ticks mean your message was read.

You do not need to learn anything new. The tick system works the same way for every message you send, whether it is to one person or many.

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Tip: If you want to check if your WhatsApp messages reached your contacts, just look at the ticks next to each message in WhatsApp Web.

Personalization and Ticks

SheetWA lets you send personalized WhatsApp messages to many people at once. You can add names, order details, or other information to each message. Even when you send hundreds of messages, each one can feel personal.

No matter how many messages you send, the WhatsApp ticks always show the real status. Each recipient gets their own message, and you see the ticks for each one. This helps you track if your messages are delivered or read. You do not have to worry about missing out on important updates. The tick system keeps you informed.

Here’s a quick look at how it works:

Message Type

Ticks You See

What It Means

Personalized

Same as regular

Sent, delivered, or read

Bulk

Same as regular

Sent, delivered, or read

You get the same clear feedback for every message, no matter how you send it.

Delivery Reports

SheetWA gives you a delivery report after you send your WhatsApp messages. This report helps you see which messages were delivered and which were not. The report uses WhatsApp ticks to show the status of each message.

Here’s what you can find in the delivery report:

  • List of all the numbers you sent messages to

  • Status for each message (sent, delivered, or not delivered)

  • Easy way to spot any problems, like wrong numbers or people not on WhatsApp

You can use this report to improve your messaging. If you see that some messages were not delivered, you can check the numbers or try again later. The delivery report makes it simple to keep track of your WhatsApp messages.

Note: The delivery report is a great tool for making sure your messages reach the right people. It helps you fix any issues quickly.

Issues and Exceptions

Issues and Exceptions
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When you send a WhatsApp message, you expect to see the usual ticks. But sometimes, things do not work as you think. There are some common reasons why your message ticks might not show up right.

Blocked Contacts

If you send a message and only see one gray tick for a long time, you might think you are blocked. When someone blocks you, your messages never reach their phone. You will always see just one gray tick. You also cannot see their profile picture or last seen time. This can be confusing if you are waiting for a reply.

Here are some signs you might be blocked:

  • Your messages always show one gray tick.

  • You cannot see the person’s profile photo or updates.

  • Their last seen or online status is hidden.

  • Calls to that contact never go through.

Tip: If you notice these signs, try to contact the person in another way. This can help you find out if you are blocked or if there is another problem.

Network Problems

A weak or bad internet connection can cause problems with message delivery. If your phone or the other person’s phone has poor internet, your message might stay at one gray tick. Sometimes, the other person’s phone is off, in airplane mode, or out of battery. In these cases, your message waits on the WhatsApp server until the device is back online.

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Here is a quick table to help you spot network problems:

Issue

What You See

What’s Happening

Recipient’s phone is off

One gray tick

Message not delivered yet

Poor internet connection

One gray tick

Message waiting for better connection

WhatsApp server problems

One gray tick

Rare, but can delay all message delivery

Sometimes, even if the other person looks online, a weak connection can stop your message from being delivered. If you use SheetWA to send lots of WhatsApp messages, always check your internet before you start. This helps your messages get delivered without trouble.

Outdated App

Using an old version of WhatsApp can cause strange problems with your message ticks. Bugs in old apps might stop ticks from updating right. You might see the wrong tick, or your messages might not show as delivered or read, even when they are.

Common problems with old apps include:

  • Ticks not turning blue, even after the message is read.

  • Last seen or online status not updating.

  • Delivery times showing wrong.

Note: To avoid these problems, always update WhatsApp to the newest version. Updates fix bugs and keep your app working well.

If you use SheetWA, keeping WhatsApp updated is extra important. This makes sure your delivery reports and tick marks are correct. Before sending a group of messages, check that your app and your contacts’ apps are up to date. This easy step can save you a lot of trouble.

Not on WhatsApp

Have you ever sent a message and waited, but nothing happened? You might see only one gray tick, and it never changes. This can be confusing. One common reason is that the person you messaged is not on WhatsApp. If a phone number is not registered, your message cannot reach them. The message stays stuck with just one gray tick.

You might wonder how this happens. Sometimes, you type a number wrong. Other times, the person deleted their account or never signed up. When you use tools like SheetWA to send messages to many people, this can happen more often. If your contact list has old numbers or numbers from people who never used WhatsApp, your messages will not go through.

Here are some signs that a number is not on WhatsApp:

  • You always see one gray tick, even after waiting a long time.

  • You cannot see a profile picture or status for that contact.

  • When you try to start a new chat, WhatsApp may say, “This number is not on WhatsApp.”

Tip: Double-check your contact list before sending messages. Make sure the numbers are correct and active on WhatsApp. This helps you avoid sending messages that never get delivered.

If you use SheetWA, you can spot these numbers in your delivery report. The report will show which messages were not delivered. It might say “Not on WhatsApp” next to those numbers. This makes it easy to find and update your contact list.

Here’s a quick table to help you remember what to look for:

What You See

What It Means

What You Can Do

One gray tick

Number not on WhatsApp

Check and update the number

No profile picture

Number may not be registered

Try contacting another way

Error message

WhatsApp says number not found

Remove from your list

You can save time and effort by cleaning up your contact list. Remove numbers that are not on WhatsApp. This way, your messages reach real people, and you get better results. If you send bulk messages, always review your data first. A little extra care goes a long way!

Responsible Use

WhatsApp Policies

You want to get your message out, but you also need to play by the rules. WhatsApp has clear guidelines to keep the platform safe and friendly for everyone. If you send bulk messages, always follow these rules to avoid trouble.

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  • Get clear permission from people before you message them.

  • Never send spam or unwanted messages. This can get your account flagged or even banned.

  • Be honest in your messages. Don’t make claims that are false or misleading.

  • Use only approved tools and message formats. This helps you stay in line with WhatsApp’s terms.

  • Give people control over how often they hear from you.

If you break these rules, you risk losing your account or facing other penalties. Following the rules keeps your communication smooth and builds trust with your audience.

Tip: Regularly review your messaging habits. Make sure you stay up to date with any changes in WhatsApp’s policies.

Consent and Opt-Out

Respecting privacy is not just polite—it’s the law in many places. Before you send any bulk messages, always get clear consent from your recipients. This means they should know what kind of messages they will get and agree to receive them.

SheetWA does not manage consent or opt-outs for you. You need to track this yourself. If someone asks to stop receiving messages, remove them from your list quickly. This shows you respect their wishes and helps you avoid complaints.

Note: Giving people an easy way to opt out makes your messages more welcome and keeps your reputation strong.

Best Practices

You want your messages to reach people, not the spam folder. Here are some simple ways to keep your account safe and your audience happy:

If you follow these steps, you lower your risk of being flagged as spam. You also make your messages more valuable to your audience.

Tip: Thoughtful, well-timed messages build trust and keep your account in good standing.

Knowing about tick marks helps you see if your message was sent, delivered, or read. Here’s a simple chart:

Tick Mark

What It Means

One gray check

Sent, not delivered

Two gray checks

Delivered, not read

Two blue checks

Read by recipient

Clock icon

Not sent (connectivity issue)

If you understand these marks, you can control your privacy and choose when to send messages. Always ask people before you message them. Use tools like SheetWA in a careful and kind way. This keeps your chats safe and friendly. When you know what tick marks mean, you can chat without worry!

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FAQ

What does a single gray tick mean on WhatsApp?

You see a single gray tick when your message leaves your phone but hasn’t reached the other person’s device yet. This usually means their phone is off or not connected to the internet.

Why do my WhatsApp messages show two gray ticks but not blue?

Two gray ticks mean your message reached the recipient’s phone. If they haven’t opened WhatsApp or turned off read receipts, the ticks stay gray. You’ll see blue ticks only when they read your message.

Can I hide the blue ticks on WhatsApp?

Yes! You can turn off read receipts in your privacy settings. Go to Settings > Account > Privacy, then switch off “Read Receipts.” Remember, you also won’t see blue ticks from others.

Do WhatsApp ticks work the same in group chats?

Not exactly. In group chats, blue ticks appear only when everyone in the group reads your message. Until then, you’ll see two gray ticks.

How does SheetWA use WhatsApp ticks?

SheetWA sends messages through WhatsApp Web. You see the same ticks—gray for sent and delivered, blue for read. The delivery report in SheetWA helps you track which messages reached your contacts.

Why do I see only one tick when using SheetWA?

If you see one gray tick, your message hasn’t reached the recipient’s device. The number might be wrong, the person could be offline, or they may have blocked you.

Can I check if someone blocked me by looking at ticks?

You might guess you’re blocked if your messages always show one gray tick. You also won’t see their profile photo or last seen. Still, there’s no official way to confirm a block.

What should I do if my message never gets delivered?

First, check the phone number. Make sure the person uses WhatsApp. If everything looks right, try again later. Sometimes, network issues or an outdated app cause delays.

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