What do double ticks mean? - briefly
Two check marks signal that a message has reached the recipient’s device; when they become filled or colored, they confirm the message was opened.
What do double ticks mean? - in detail
Double checkmarks indicate that a message has been delivered to the recipient’s device. When the marks change from a single to a pair, the sender can be confident the data reached the intended phone or computer.
If the pair turns blue (or another highlighted colour, depending on the platform), it signals that the recipient has opened the conversation and viewed the message. The transition from gray to colored confirms that the content was displayed on the screen.
Additional nuances:
- Some services show a third state, such as a filled‑in checkmark, to denote that the message was forwarded or saved.
- In group chats, each participant’s status may be reflected individually; the double check appears only after all members have received the message.
- Certain privacy settings allow users to hide read receipts, causing the double check to remain gray even after the message is seen.
Understanding these symbols helps users gauge communication flow and manage expectations about response times.