Check Your PS5 Settings: The New Feature Sony Quietly Turned On That You’ll Want to Disable

Latest PS5 Update has brought a new read feature which many would prefer to be turned off!

Sony’s latest PS5 update has quietly added a read receipt feature for messages. Here’s how to turn it off and keep your PS5 interactions private.

Also learn the new additions brought recently to the PS Plus!

Sony’s Quiet PS5 Update: Message Read Receipts Are Now Default

In a recent update, Sony made a subtle change to the PlayStation Network (PSN) on PS5 impacting all users and not just PS Plus subscribers. With no fanfare, they’ve added a message read receipt featurewhich notifies people when you’ve opened their messages. If you’ve used apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messengerthis feature will feel familiar—but unlike those platforms, this one was turned on by default for all users.

While this update may seem minorit has raised privacy concerns among playersparticularly for those who prefer to keep their gaming interactions more private. If you’re someone who enjoys reading messages without others knowingyou’re probably wondering how to turn this feature off. News as reported initially by PlayStation LifeStyle.

PSN Has a New Privacy Setting That You Might Want to Turn Offhttps://t.co/AuyPjjX2wI

— PlayStation LifeStyle (@PSLifeStyle) November 19, 2025

Why Would You Want to Turn Off Read Receipts?

For many players, this new feature feels like an unnecessary intrusion into their online privacy. Here are a few reasons why you might want to disable it:

• Privacy First: Some gamers value their privacy, especially when interacting with strangers or random players online. If you’re gaming in public or don’t want others to know when you’ve seen their message, keeping read receipts off makes sense.

• Avoiding Unwanted Attention: Especially in multiplayer games or online communities, you may receive messages from toxic players or people you don’t know. Being notified that someone has read your message can sometimes invite pressure to respond right away, or worse, escalate a situation.

• Control Over Your Responses: Sometimes you might want to read a message and take your time to think before replying. With the read receipt on, you might feel an unspoken expectation to reply sooner than you’d like.

Turning Off Read Receipts: A Quick Guide

The good news is that turning off the read receipt feature on PS5 is quick and simple. You’ll need to access the PS App or use your console’s settingsbut either way, you’ll have full control over the feature.

• To start, open the PS App on your mobile device (make sure you’re logged in).
• Head to your Settingsand from there, navigate to the PlayStation Network (PSN) section.
• In the privacy settings menuyou’ll find an option for “Personal Information | Messaging.”
• Tap on “Modify” next to “Read Receipts” and then choose “Do not allow.”

That’s it! Your messages will no longer send notifications when you read them. If you prefer, you can also do this directly through your PS5’s settingsthough using the app is often quicker.

A Small Change, Big Impact

It’s the kind of small update that could easily fly under the radarbut for those who care about privacyit’s worth knowing about. Sony’s decision to add this feature by default without alerting users feels a bit like an oversight. After all, not everyone is comfortable with their every action being tracked and displayed for others.

In an age where privacy is more important than everit’s nice to know that you can turn off the message read receipt feature whenever you like. By disabling it, you ensure that your PS5 experience remains as private as you want it to be.

 

In Conclusion: Stay in Control of Your Privacy

With the recent PS5 updatethe PSN now lets you know when others have read your messagesbut this feature might not be for everyone. Sony might roll out more updates like this in the futurebut for now, turning off read receipts on PS5 is a quick and effective way to keep your online life private.

Have you already noticed this change? What do you think of this new feature set on by default? Let us know in the comment section below!

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