Chat encryption
After both people open a chat, new messages and supported attachments are end-to-end encrypted. Only the people in that chat can read that protected content.
Messages sent before encryption begins remain in their original form. A system notice marks where encryption starts.
Open your encrypted chats
Section titled “Open your encrypted chats”Your account password or encryption PIN opens protected messages on the device you are using. You may be asked for it again after moving to a new device or clearing your browser data.
Keep your recovery phrase somewhere private and separate from your password. You may need it to restore encrypted chat history if you lose access.
Never send a recovery phrase to another person, including support.
Check a safety number
Section titled “Check a safety number”Each encrypted chat has a safety number for the two people in it.
- Open the chat information.
- Compare the complete safety number with the other person through a separate trusted method, such as a call or in person.
- Continue only when the numbers match.
If a safety number changes unexpectedly, compare it again before sharing sensitive information. Some older encrypted history may no longer be available after an encryption identity is replaced.
What encryption protects
Section titled “What encryption protects”End-to-end encryption protects the content of messages and attachments after it becomes active. It does not make either person anonymous or hide basic chat activity, such as who is in the conversation and when messages were sent.
Reporting a protected message
Section titled “Reporting a protected message”If you report a message, that individual message is shared for review. Other messages in the chat remain protected.
Related: Chats · Account security