diff --git a/src/hooks/useMessaging.ts b/src/hooks/useMessaging.ts
index 9900e5f..f37b716 100644
--- a/src/hooks/useMessaging.ts
+++ b/src/hooks/useMessaging.ts
@@ -159,8 +159,12 @@ export function useMessaging(options: UseMessagingOptions = {}): UseMessagingRet
         setMessages(loadedMessages);
         setHasMoreMessages(pagination.page < pagination.pages);
 
-        // Mark as read
-        await messagesService.markAsRead(conversationId);
+        // Mark as read (use socket so sender gets real-time blue tick)
+        if (isConnected) {
+          await socketService.markAsRead(conversationId);
+        } else {
+          await messagesService.markAsRead(conversationId);
+        }
 
         // Update unread count in conversations list
         setConversations((prev) =>