diff --git a/bitchat/App/ConversationUIModel.swift b/bitchat/App/ConversationUIModel.swift
index 4883a04c..e1d6581f 100644
--- a/bitchat/App/ConversationUIModel.swift
+++ b/bitchat/App/ConversationUIModel.swift
@@ -67,6 +67,12 @@ final class ConversationUIModel: ObservableObject {
         chatViewModel.sendMessage("/clear")
     }
 
+    /// Dismisses the unread indicator for a conversation the user has not
+    /// opened; does not emit read receipts.
+    func clearUnread(for peerID: PeerID) {
+        chatViewModel.markPrivateChatRead(peerID)
+    }
+
     func sendHug(to sender: String) {
         chatViewModel.sendMessage("/hug @\(sender)")
     }
diff --git a/bitchat/App/PeerListModel.swift b/bitchat/App/PeerListModel.swift
index 4f1fc633..197f5d54 100644
--- a/bitchat/App/PeerListModel.swift
+++ b/bitchat/App/PeerListModel.swift
@@ -106,6 +106,12 @@ final class PeerListModel: ObservableObject {
         chatViewModel.startPrivateChat(with: peerID)
     }
 
+    /// Clears the unread badge for one direct or group conversation without
+    /// opening it or sending read receipts.
+    func clearUnread(for peerID: PeerID) {
+        chatViewModel.markPrivateChatRead(peerID)
+    }
+
     func toggleFavorite(peerID: PeerID) {
         chatViewModel.toggleFavorite(peerID: peerID)
     }
diff --git a/bitchat/App/PrivateConversationModels.swift b/bitchat/App/PrivateConversationModels.swift
index 80d5cf29..0b4db03f 100644
--- a/bitchat/App/PrivateConversationModels.swift
+++ b/bitchat/App/PrivateConversationModels.swift
@@ -183,6 +183,13 @@ final class PrivateConversationModel: ObservableObject {
         chatViewModel.markPrivateMessagesAsRead(from: peerID)
     }
 
+    /// Clears the unread badge for the selected conversation without sending
+    /// read receipts — for when new messages arrive while the thread is open.
+    func clearUnreadForSelectedConversation() {
+        guard let peerID = selectedPeerID else { return }
+        chatViewModel.markPrivateChatRead(peerID)
+    }
+
     private func bind() {
         conversations.$selectedPrivatePeerID
             .receive(on: DispatchQueue.main)
diff --git a/bitchat/Localizable.xcstrings b/bitchat/Localizable.xcstrings
index e498a20e..64e24275 100644
--- a/bitchat/Localizable.xcstrings
+++ b/bitchat/Localizable.xcstrings
@@ -60220,6 +60220,564 @@
         }
       }
     },
+    "conversation.accessibility.mark_read" : {
+      "comment" : "Accessibility label for clearing unread on the open conversation",
+      "extractionState" : "manual",
+      "localizations" : {
+        "ar" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "تحديد المحادثة كمقروءة"
+          }
+        },
+        "bn" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "কথোপকথন পঠিত হিসেবে চিহ্নিত করুন"
+          }
+        },
+        "de" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "unterhaltung als gelesen markieren"
+          }
+        },
+        "en" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "mark conversation as read"
+          }
+        },
+        "es" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "marcar la conversación como leída"
+          }
+        },
+        "fa" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "علامت‌گذاری گفتگو به‌عنوان خوانده‌شده"
+          }
+        },
+        "fil" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "markahan ang pag-uusap bilang nabasa"
+          }
+        },
+        "fr" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "marquer la conversation comme lue"
+          }
+        },
+        "he" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "סמן את השיחה כנקראה"
+          }
+        },
+        "hi" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "बातचीत को पढ़ा हुआ चिह्नित करें"
+          }
+        },
+        "id" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "tandai percakapan sudah dibaca"
+          }
+        },
+        "it" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "segna la conversazione come letta"
+          }
+        },
+        "ja" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "会話を既読にする"
+          }
+        },
+        "ko" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "대화를 읽음으로 표시"
+          }
+        },
+        "ms" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "tandakan perbualan sudah dibaca"
+          }
+        },
+        "ne" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "कुराकानीलाई पढिएको चिन्ह लगाउनुहोस्"
+          }
+        },
+        "nl" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "gesprek markeren als gelezen"
+          }
+        },
+        "pl" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "oznacz rozmowę jako przeczytaną"
+          }
+        },
+        "pt" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "marcar a conversa como lida"
+          }
+        },
+        "pt-BR" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "marcar a conversa como lida"
+          }
+        },
+        "ru" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "отметить разговор как прочитанный"
+          }
+        },
+        "sv" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "markera konversationen som läst"
+          }
+        },
+        "ta" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "உரையாடலைப் படித்ததாகக் குறி"
+          }
+        },
+        "th" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "ทำเครื่องหมายว่าอ่านการสนทนาแล้ว"
+          }
+        },
+        "tr" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "sohbeti okundu olarak işaretle"
+          }
+        },
+        "uk" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "позначити розмову як прочитану"
+          }
+        },
+        "ur" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "گفتگو کو پڑھا ہوا نشان زد کریں"
+          }
+        },
+        "vi" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "đánh dấu cuộc trò chuyện đã đọc"
+          }
+        },
+        "zh-Hans" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "将对话标记为已读"
+          }
+        },
+        "zh-Hant" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "將對話標記為已讀"
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    },
+    "conversation.action.mark_read" : {
+      "comment" : "Context menu action that clears the unread badge for one conversation",
+      "extractionState" : "manual",
+      "localizations" : {
+        "ar" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "تحديد كمقروء"
+          }
+        },
+        "bn" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "পঠিত হিসেবে চিহ্নিত করুন"
+          }
+        },
+        "de" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "als gelesen markieren"
+          }
+        },
+        "en" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "mark as read"
+          }
+        },
+        "es" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "marcar como leído"
+          }
+        },
+        "fa" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "علامت‌گذاری به‌عنوان خوانده‌شده"
+          }
+        },
+        "fil" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "markahan bilang nabasa"
+          }
+        },
+        "fr" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "marquer comme lu"
+          }
+        },
+        "he" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "סמן כנקרא"
+          }
+        },
+        "hi" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "पढ़ा हुआ चिह्नित करें"
+          }
+        },
+        "id" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "tandai sudah dibaca"
+          }
+        },
+        "it" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "segna come letto"
+          }
+        },
+        "ja" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "既読にする"
+          }
+        },
+        "ko" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "읽음으로 표시"
+          }
+        },
+        "ms" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "tandakan sudah dibaca"
+          }
+        },
+        "ne" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "पढिएको चिन्ह लगाउनुहोस्"
+          }
+        },
+        "nl" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "markeren als gelezen"
+          }
+        },
+        "pl" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "oznacz jako przeczytane"
+          }
+        },
+        "pt" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "marcar como lido"
+          }
+        },
+        "pt-BR" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "marcar como lida"
+          }
+        },
+        "ru" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "отметить как прочитанное"
+          }
+        },
+        "sv" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "markera som läst"
+          }
+        },
+        "ta" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "படித்ததாகக் குறி"
+          }
+        },
+        "th" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "ทำเครื่องหมายว่าอ่านแล้ว"
+          }
+        },
+        "tr" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "okundu olarak işaretle"
+          }
+        },
+        "uk" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "позначити як прочитане"
+          }
+        },
+        "ur" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "پڑھا ہوا نشان زد کریں"
+          }
+        },
+        "vi" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "đánh dấu đã đọc"
+          }
+        },
+        "zh-Hans" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "标记为已读"
+          }
+        },
+        "zh-Hant" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "標記為已讀"
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    },
+    "conversation.tooltip.mark_read" : {
+      "comment" : "Tooltip for clearing unread on the open conversation",
+      "extractionState" : "manual",
+      "localizations" : {
+        "ar" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "إزالة شارة غير المقروء دون إرسال إيصالات القراءة"
+          }
+        },
+        "bn" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "পঠিত রসিদ না পাঠিয়ে অপঠিত ব্যাজ মুছুন"
+          }
+        },
+        "de" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "ungelesen-markierung entfernen, ohne lesebestätigungen zu senden"
+          }
+        },
+        "en" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "clear unread badge without sending read receipts"
+          }
+        },
+        "es" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "quitar la marca de no leído sin enviar confirmaciones de lectura"
+          }
+        },
+        "fa" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "حذف نشان خوانده‌نشده بدون ارسال رسید خواندن"
+          }
+        },
+        "fil" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "alisin ang badge na hindi pa nabasa nang hindi nagpapadala ng read receipt"
+          }
+        },
+        "fr" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "retirer le badge non lu sans envoyer d'accusé de lecture"
+          }
+        },
+        "he" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "הסרת סימון לא נקרא בלי לשלוח אישורי קריאה"
+          }
+        },
+        "hi" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "पठन रसीद भेजे बिना अपठित बैज हटाएँ"
+          }
+        },
+        "id" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "hapus tanda belum dibaca tanpa mengirim tanda terima baca"
+          }
+        },
+        "it" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "rimuovi il badge non letto senza inviare conferme di lettura"
+          }
+        },
+        "ja" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "開封確認を送らずに未読バッジを消す"
+          }
+        },
+        "ko" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "읽음 확인을 보내지 않고 안 읽음 표시 지우기"
+          }
+        },
+        "ms" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "buang lencana belum dibaca tanpa menghantar resit bacaan"
+          }
+        },
+        "ne" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "पढेको रसिद नपठाई नपढिएको ब्याज हटाउनुहोस्"
+          }
+        },
+        "nl" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "ongelezen-markering wissen zonder leesbevestigingen te sturen"
+          }
+        },
+        "pl" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "usuń oznaczenie nieprzeczytanych bez wysyłania potwierdzeń odczytu"
+          }
+        },
+        "pt" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "remover a marca de não lido sem enviar confirmações de leitura"
+          }
+        },
+        "pt-BR" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "remover a marca de não lida sem enviar confirmações de leitura"
+          }
+        },
+        "ru" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "убрать метку непрочитанного без отправки уведомлений о прочтении"
+          }
+        },
+        "sv" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "ta bort oläst-markeringen utan att skicka läskvitton"
+          }
+        },
+        "ta" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "படித்த ரசீதுகளை அனுப்பாமல் படிக்காத குறியை அகற்று"
+          }
+        },
+        "th" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "ล้างป้ายยังไม่ได้อ่านโดยไม่ส่งการแจ้งอ่าน"
+          }
+        },
+        "tr" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "okundu bilgisi göndermeden okunmadı rozetini kaldır"
+          }
+        },
+        "uk" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "прибрати позначку непрочитаного без надсилання сповіщень про прочитання"
+          }
+        },
+        "ur" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "پڑھنے کی رسید بھیجے بغیر نہ پڑھے کا نشان ہٹائیں"
+          }
+        },
+        "vi" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "xóa dấu chưa đọc mà không gửi báo đã đọc"
+          }
+        },
+        "zh-Hans" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "清除未读标记，不发送已读回执"
+          }
+        },
+        "zh-Hant" : {
+          "stringUnit" : {
+            "state" : "translated",
+            "value" : "清除未讀標記，不傳送已讀回條"
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    },
     "encryption.accessibility.establishing" : {
       "extractionState" : "manual",
       "localizations" : {
diff --git a/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatPeerIdentityCoordinator.swift b/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatPeerIdentityCoordinator.swift
index e2d0fae8..8057c59c 100644
--- a/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatPeerIdentityCoordinator.swift
+++ b/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatPeerIdentityCoordinator.swift
@@ -256,7 +256,7 @@ final class ChatPeerIdentityCoordinator {
     }
 
     @MainActor
-    func hasUnreadMessages(for peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
+    func unreadPeerContext(for peerID: PeerID) -> ChatUnreadPeerContext {
         var noiseKeyPeerID: PeerID?
         var nostrPeerID: PeerID?
 
@@ -267,12 +267,26 @@ final class ChatPeerIdentityCoordinator {
             }
         }
 
-        let unreadContext = ChatUnreadPeerContext(
+        return ChatUnreadPeerContext(
             peerID: peerID,
             noiseKeyPeerID: noiseKeyPeerID,
             nostrPeerID: nostrPeerID,
             nickname: context.peerNickname(for: peerID)
         )
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    func unreadPeerIDsMatching(for peerID: PeerID) -> Set<PeerID> {
+        ChatUnreadStateResolver.matchingUnreadPeerIDs(
+            for: unreadPeerContext(for: peerID),
+            unreadPrivateMessages: context.unreadPrivateMessages,
+            privateChats: context.privateChats
+        )
+    }
+
+    @MainActor
+    func hasUnreadMessages(for peerID: PeerID) -> Bool {
+        let unreadContext = unreadPeerContext(for: peerID)
 
         return ChatUnreadStateResolver.hasUnreadMessages(
             for: unreadContext,
diff --git a/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatUnreadStateResolver.swift b/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatUnreadStateResolver.swift
index 378f6f2f..cab0372a 100644
--- a/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatUnreadStateResolver.swift
+++ b/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatUnreadStateResolver.swift
@@ -40,4 +40,39 @@ enum ChatUnreadStateResolver {
             return firstMessage.sender.lowercased() == peerNickname
         }
     }
+
+    /// Peer IDs in `unreadPrivateMessages` that resolve to the same
+    /// conversation badge as `hasUnreadMessages(for:)`.
+    static func matchingUnreadPeerIDs(
+        for context: ChatUnreadPeerContext,
+        unreadPrivateMessages: Set<PeerID>,
+        privateChats: [PeerID: [BitchatMessage]]
+    ) -> Set<PeerID> {
+        var matching = Set<PeerID>()
+
+        if unreadPrivateMessages.contains(context.peerID) {
+            matching.insert(context.peerID)
+        }
+
+        if let noiseKeyPeerID = context.noiseKeyPeerID,
+           unreadPrivateMessages.contains(noiseKeyPeerID) {
+            matching.insert(noiseKeyPeerID)
+        }
+
+        if let nostrPeerID = context.nostrPeerID,
+           unreadPrivateMessages.contains(nostrPeerID) {
+            matching.insert(nostrPeerID)
+        }
+
+        if let peerNickname = context.nickname?.lowercased(), !peerNickname.isEmpty {
+            for unreadPeerID in unreadPrivateMessages where unreadPeerID.isGeoDM {
+                guard let firstMessage = privateChats[unreadPeerID]?.first else { continue }
+                if firstMessage.sender.lowercased() == peerNickname {
+                    matching.insert(unreadPeerID)
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        return matching
+    }
 }
diff --git a/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatViewModel.swift b/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatViewModel.swift
index 63fba0f8..ef12dd71 100644
--- a/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatViewModel.swift
+++ b/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatViewModel.swift
@@ -660,7 +660,11 @@ final class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate, SynchronousMessage
     /// sending stays in `PrivateChatManager.markAsRead`).
     @MainActor
     func markPrivateChatRead(_ peerID: PeerID) {
-        conversations.markRead(.directPeer(peerID))
+        var idsToClear = peerIdentityCoordinator.unreadPeerIDsMatching(for: peerID)
+        idsToClear.insert(peerID)
+        for id in idsToClear {
+            conversations.markRead(.directPeer(id))
+        }
     }
 
     /// Empties the peer's chat but keeps the conversation alive (`/clear`).
diff --git a/bitchat/Views/ContentSheetViews.swift b/bitchat/Views/ContentSheetViews.swift
index 88be040f..a4797e59 100644
--- a/bitchat/Views/ContentSheetViews.swift
+++ b/bitchat/Views/ContentSheetViews.swift
@@ -388,6 +388,9 @@ private struct ContentPeopleListView: View {
                             onTapChat: { peerID in
                                 peerListModel.startConversation(with: peerID)
                                 showSidebar = true
+                            },
+                            onClearUnread: { peerID in
+                                peerListModel.clearUnread(for: peerID)
                             }
                         )
                     } else {
@@ -413,6 +416,9 @@ private struct ContentPeopleListView: View {
                                 } else {
                                     conversationUIModel.block(peerID: peer.peerID, displayName: peer.displayName)
                                 }
+                            },
+                            onClearUnread: { peerID in
+                                peerListModel.clearUnread(for: peerID)
                             }
                         )
                         // People in this area but beyond radio range, and
@@ -423,6 +429,9 @@ private struct ContentPeopleListView: View {
                             onTapGroup: { peerID in
                                 peerListModel.startConversation(with: peerID)
                                 showSidebar = true
+                            },
+                            onClearUnread: { peerID in
+                                peerListModel.clearUnread(for: peerID)
                             }
                         )
                         // Conversations with people no roster above lists
@@ -462,6 +471,7 @@ private extension ContentPeopleListView {
 
 private struct ContentPrivateChatSheetView: View {
     @EnvironmentObject private var privateConversationModel: PrivateConversationModel
+    @EnvironmentObject private var privateInboxModel: PrivateInboxModel
 
     @Binding var showSidebar: Bool
     @Binding var messageText: String
@@ -533,6 +543,26 @@ private struct ContentPrivateChatSheetView: View {
                                 : String(localized: "content.accessibility.add_favorite", comment: "Accessibility label to add a favorite")
                             )
                         }
+
+                        if let peerID = privateConversationModel.selectedPeerID,
+                           privateInboxModel.unreadPeerIDs.contains(peerID) {
+                            Button(action: {
+                                privateConversationModel.clearUnreadForSelectedConversation()
+                            }) {
+                                Image(systemName: "envelope.open.fill")
+                                    .font(.bitchatSystem(size: 14))
+                                    .foregroundColor(.orange)
+                                    .frame(width: 32, height: 32)
+                                    .contentShape(Rectangle().inset(by: -6))
+                            }
+                            .buttonStyle(.plain)
+                            .accessibilityLabel(
+                                String(localized: "conversation.accessibility.mark_read", comment: "Accessibility label for clearing unread on the open conversation")
+                            )
+                            .help(
+                                String(localized: "conversation.tooltip.mark_read", comment: "Tooltip for clearing unread on the open conversation")
+                            )
+                        }
                     }
                     .frame(maxWidth: .infinity)
 
diff --git a/bitchat/Views/GroupChatList.swift b/bitchat/Views/GroupChatList.swift
index 4dff5c1d..71dccf88 100644
--- a/bitchat/Views/GroupChatList.swift
+++ b/bitchat/Views/GroupChatList.swift
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ struct GroupChatList: View {
 
     let groups: [GroupChatRow]
     let onTapGroup: (PeerID) -> Void
+    var onClearUnread: ((PeerID) -> Void)? = nil
 
     private enum Strings {
         static let header = String(localized: "groups.section.header", comment: "Section header above the private groups list")
@@ -16,6 +17,7 @@ struct GroupChatList: View {
         static let newMessagesTooltip = String(localized: "mesh_peers.tooltip.new_messages", comment: "Tooltip for the unread messages indicator")
         static let openGroupHint = String(localized: "groups.accessibility.open_group_hint", comment: "Accessibility hint on a group row explaining activation opens the group chat")
         static let memberCountFormat = String(localized: "groups.member_count %@", comment: "Member count shown next to a group name; placeholder is the count")
+        static let markRead = String(localized: "conversation.action.mark_read", comment: "Context menu action that clears the unread badge for one conversation")
     }
 
     var body: some View {
@@ -60,6 +62,13 @@ struct GroupChatList: View {
                     .padding(.vertical, 6)
                     .contentShape(Rectangle())
                     .onTapGesture { onTapGroup(group.peerID) }
+                    .contextMenu {
+                        if group.hasUnread, let onClearUnread {
+                            Button(Strings.markRead) {
+                                onClearUnread(group.peerID)
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
                     .accessibilityElement(children: .ignore)
                     .accessibilityLabel(accessibilityDescription(for: group))
                     .accessibilityAddTraits(.isButton)
diff --git a/bitchat/Views/MeshPeerList.swift b/bitchat/Views/MeshPeerList.swift
index 1d94af5f..68149b9b 100644
--- a/bitchat/Views/MeshPeerList.swift
+++ b/bitchat/Views/MeshPeerList.swift
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@ struct MeshPeerList: View {
     /// Optional so existing call sites (and previews/tests) keep compiling;
     /// when absent the block/unblock context-menu entry is hidden.
     var onToggleBlock: ((MeshPeerRow) -> Void)? = nil
+    /// Clears the unread badge without opening the conversation.
+    var onClearUnread: ((PeerID) -> Void)? = nil
     @Environment(\.colorScheme) var colorScheme
 
     @State private var orderedIDs: [String] = []
@@ -34,6 +36,7 @@ struct MeshPeerList: View {
         static let directMessage = String(localized: "content.actions.direct_message", comment: "Action that opens a private chat with the person")
         static let block = String(localized: "geohash_people.action.block", comment: "Context menu action to block a person")
         static let unblock = String(localized: "geohash_people.action.unblock", comment: "Context menu action to unblock a person")
+        static let markRead = String(localized: "conversation.action.mark_read", comment: "Context menu action that clears the unread badge for one conversation")
     }
 
     var body: some View {
@@ -186,6 +189,11 @@ struct MeshPeerList: View {
                     .onTapGesture { if !isMe { onTapPeer(peer.peerID) } }
                     .contextMenu {
                         if !isMe {
+                            if peer.hasUnread, let onClearUnread {
+                                Button(Strings.markRead) {
+                                    onClearUnread(peer.peerID)
+                                }
+                            }
                             Button(Strings.directMessage) {
                                 onTapPeer(peer.peerID)
                             }
@@ -214,6 +222,11 @@ struct MeshPeerList: View {
                     .accessibilityHint(isMe ? "" : Strings.openDMHint)
                     .accessibilityActions {
                         if !isMe {
+                            if peer.hasUnread, let onClearUnread {
+                                Button(Strings.markRead) {
+                                    onClearUnread(peer.peerID)
+                                }
+                            }
                             Button(peer.isFavorite ? Strings.removeFavorite : Strings.addFavorite) {
                                 onToggleFavorite(peer.peerID)
                             }
diff --git a/bitchat/Views/RecentChatList.swift b/bitchat/Views/RecentChatList.swift
index 85180eb4..20cd6ca5 100644
--- a/bitchat/Views/RecentChatList.swift
+++ b/bitchat/Views/RecentChatList.swift
@@ -19,11 +19,14 @@ struct RecentChatList: View {
 
     let chats: [RecentChatRow]
     let onTapChat: (PeerID) -> Void
+    /// Clears the unread badge without opening the conversation.
+    var onClearUnread: ((PeerID) -> Void)? = nil
 
     private enum Strings {
         static let header = String(localized: "chats.section.header", defaultValue: "chats", comment: "Section header above recent direct conversations in the people sheet")
         static let unread = String(localized: "mesh_peers.state.unread", comment: "State label for a peer with unread private messages")
         static let newMessagesTooltip = String(localized: "mesh_peers.tooltip.new_messages", comment: "Tooltip for the unread messages indicator")
+        static let markRead = String(localized: "conversation.action.mark_read", comment: "Context menu action that clears the unread badge for one conversation")
         static let openChatHint = String(localized: "chats.accessibility.open_hint", defaultValue: "opens this conversation", comment: "Accessibility hint on a recent chat row explaining activation opens the direct conversation")
     }
 
@@ -69,10 +72,24 @@ struct RecentChatList: View {
                     .padding(.vertical, 6)
                     .contentShape(Rectangle())
                     .onTapGesture { onTapChat(chat.peerID) }
+                    .contextMenu {
+                        if chat.hasUnread, let onClearUnread {
+                            Button(Strings.markRead) {
+                                onClearUnread(chat.peerID)
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
                     .accessibilityElement(children: .ignore)
                     .accessibilityLabel(accessibilityDescription(for: chat))
                     .accessibilityAddTraits(.isButton)
                     .accessibilityHint(Strings.openChatHint)
+                    .accessibilityActions {
+                        if chat.hasUnread, let onClearUnread {
+                            Button(Strings.markRead) {
+                                onClearUnread(chat.peerID)
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
                 }
             }
         }
diff --git a/bitchatTests/ChatUnreadStateResolverTests.swift b/bitchatTests/ChatUnreadStateResolverTests.swift
index 37b80b57..8094b725 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/ChatUnreadStateResolverTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/ChatUnreadStateResolverTests.swift
@@ -85,6 +85,52 @@ struct ChatUnreadStateResolverTests {
         ))
     }
 
+    @Test
+    func matchingUnreadPeerIDsIncludesStableNoiseKeyAlias() {
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: "ephemeral")
+        let stableID = PeerID(str: "stable")
+        let context = ChatUnreadPeerContext(
+            peerID: peerID,
+            noiseKeyPeerID: stableID,
+            nostrPeerID: nil,
+            nickname: nil
+        )
+
+        #expect(ChatUnreadStateResolver.matchingUnreadPeerIDs(
+            for: context,
+            unreadPrivateMessages: [stableID],
+            privateChats: [:]
+        ) == [stableID])
+    }
+
+    @Test
+    func matchingUnreadPeerIDsIncludesGeoDMAlias() {
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: "mesh-peer")
+        let geoDM = PeerID(nostr_: "0123456789abcdef")
+        let context = ChatUnreadPeerContext(
+            peerID: peerID,
+            noiseKeyPeerID: nil,
+            nostrPeerID: nil,
+            nickname: "Alice"
+        )
+        let message = BitchatMessage(
+            sender: "alice",
+            content: "hi",
+            timestamp: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1),
+            isRelay: false,
+            originalSender: nil,
+            isPrivate: true,
+            recipientNickname: "me",
+            senderPeerID: geoDM
+        )
+
+        #expect(ChatUnreadStateResolver.matchingUnreadPeerIDs(
+            for: context,
+            unreadPrivateMessages: [geoDM],
+            privateChats: [geoDM: [message]]
+        ) == [geoDM])
+    }
+
     @Test
     func unmatchedUnreadStateReturnsFalse() {
         let peerID = PeerID(str: "mesh-peer")
diff --git a/bitchatTests/ClearUnreadConversationTests.swift b/bitchatTests/ClearUnreadConversationTests.swift
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..1b30e422
--- /dev/null
+++ b/bitchatTests/ClearUnreadConversationTests.swift
@@ -0,0 +1,100 @@
+import BitFoundation
+import Foundation
+import Testing
+@testable import bitchat
+
+@MainActor
+struct ClearUnreadConversationTests {
+    @Test("markPrivateChatRead clears unread without removing messages")
+    func markPrivateChatRead_clearsBadgeOnly() {
+        let viewModel = makeViewModel()
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: "0011223344556677")
+        let message = BitchatMessage(
+            sender: "alice",
+            content: "ping",
+            timestamp: Date(),
+            isRelay: false,
+            isPrivate: true,
+            senderPeerID: peerID
+        )
+
+        viewModel.appendPrivateMessage(message, to: peerID)
+        viewModel.markPrivateChatUnread(peerID)
+
+        #expect(viewModel.hasUnreadMessages(for: peerID))
+        #expect(viewModel.privateMessages(for: peerID).count == 1)
+
+        viewModel.markPrivateChatRead(peerID)
+
+        #expect(!viewModel.hasUnreadMessages(for: peerID))
+        #expect(viewModel.privateMessages(for: peerID).count == 1)
+    }
+
+    @Test("PeerListModel.clearUnread forwards to the conversation store")
+    func peerListModel_clearUnread() {
+        let viewModel = makeViewModel()
+        let conversations = viewModel.conversations
+        let locationChannelsModel = LocationChannelsModel()
+        let peerListModel = PeerListModel(
+            chatViewModel: viewModel,
+            conversations: conversations,
+            locationChannelsModel: locationChannelsModel
+        )
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: "0011223344556677")
+
+        conversations.markUnread(.directPeer(peerID))
+        #expect(viewModel.hasUnreadMessages(for: peerID))
+
+        peerListModel.clearUnread(for: peerID)
+
+        #expect(!viewModel.hasUnreadMessages(for: peerID))
+    }
+
+    @Test("ConversationUIModel.clearUnread clears one peer badge")
+    func conversationUIModel_clearUnread() {
+        let viewModel = makeViewModel()
+        let privateConversationModel = PrivateConversationModel(
+            chatViewModel: viewModel,
+            conversations: viewModel.conversations
+        )
+        let uiModel = ConversationUIModel(
+            chatViewModel: viewModel,
+            privateConversationModel: privateConversationModel,
+            conversations: viewModel.conversations
+        )
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: "0011223344556677")
+
+        viewModel.markPrivateChatUnread(peerID)
+        uiModel.clearUnread(for: peerID)
+
+        #expect(!viewModel.hasUnreadMessages(for: peerID))
+    }
+
+    @Test("markPrivateChatRead is a no-op when the conversation is already read")
+    func markPrivateChatRead_idempotent() {
+        let viewModel = makeViewModel()
+        let peerID = PeerID(str: "0011223344556677")
+
+        viewModel.markPrivateChatRead(peerID)
+        viewModel.markPrivateChatUnread(peerID)
+        viewModel.markPrivateChatRead(peerID)
+        viewModel.markPrivateChatRead(peerID)
+
+        #expect(!viewModel.hasUnreadMessages(for: peerID))
+    }
+}
+
+@MainActor
+private func makeViewModel() -> ChatViewModel {
+    let keychain = MockKeychain()
+    let keychainHelper = MockKeychainHelper()
+    let idBridge = NostrIdentityBridge(keychain: keychainHelper)
+    let identityManager = MockIdentityManager(keychain)
+
+    return ChatViewModel(
+        keychain: keychain,
+        idBridge: idBridge,
+        identityManager: identityManager,
+        transport: MockTransport()
+    )
+}