# `bird whatsapp mark-read`

## Usage

```bash
bird whatsapp mark-read <message-id> [flags]
```

## Description

Mark a WhatsApp message as read

Mark one inbound WhatsApp message as read, optionally showing a typing indicator at the same time. Accepted asynchronously (202); there is no status to poll and no webhook.

Build the request from flags, a JSON WhatsAppReadReceiptRequest body via --body-file ("-" reads
stdin), or both — a flag overrides the matching body field. Run --example to
print a ready-to-edit body, or --dry-run to print the resolved request without
sending it.

## Examples

```bash
# print the body shape (no credentials needed)
bird whatsapp mark-read --example

# the body it prints:
```

```json
{
  "typing_indicator": true
}
```

## Options

#### Request

| Name                | Description                                                  |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `--body-file`       | Read the JSON request body from this file; "-" reads stdin   |
| `--example`         | Print a complete example request body, then exit             |
| `--dry-run`         | Print the resolved request without sending it, then exit     |
| `--idempotency-key` | Deduplication key; a retry with the same key won't act twice |

#### Options

| Name                 | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `--typing-indicator` | Show a typing indicator to the contact as well as marking the message read. WhatsApp clears it when you send your next message, or after 25 seconds, whichever comes first. Only ask for one if you are about to reply. |
| `--response-schema`  | Print the fields this command returns, then exit                                                                                                                                                                        |

## Related

| Name                                                                    | Description                                      |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| [`bird whatsapp get`](/docs/cli/reference/whatsapp-get)                 | Get a WhatsApp message                           |
| [`bird whatsapp list`](/docs/cli/reference/whatsapp-list)               | List WhatsApp messages                           |
| [`bird whatsapp list-events`](/docs/cli/reference/whatsapp-list-events) | List events for a WhatsApp message               |
| [`bird whatsapp media`](/docs/cli/reference/whatsapp-media)             | Download a received WhatsApp message's media     |
| [`bird whatsapp preview`](/docs/cli/reference/whatsapp-preview)         | Preview a WhatsApp message in the public builder |
| [`bird whatsapp send`](/docs/cli/reference/whatsapp-send)               | Send a WhatsApp message to one recipient         |

## Related resources

- [Should I use a Bird SDK or call the API directly?](/explained/platform/should-i-use-an-sdk-or-call-the-api-directly) (answer)
- [Build your first integration](/learn/paths/integration) (course)
- [Send your first email](/docs/get-started/send-your-first-email) (docs)

[Get an implementation brief](/learn/workspace?topic=api-basics)