After WhatsApp, Facebook has now implemented
end-to-end encryption option in its Messenger app. Users need to enable the
Secret Conversation option to get started. This feature also comes with a
self-destruct option for extra security. By following some simple steps, you
can enable this option on your device.
Anyone using the Facebook Messenger app now has access to
a feature called Secret Messages. Just like WhatsApp, users will now be able to
activate end-to-end encryption, meaning outside sources like the government and
even Facebook itself can't read the chats.
The feature was announced back in July but has taken time
to roll out to Facebook Messenger's one billion users.
How to activate Facebook's secret messages?
1. Open the Facebook Messenger app and tap the
"compose message" icon in the top right of the screen.
2. Tap on the Secret Conversation option.
3. Toggle the Secret Conversations On. It’ll show a small
popup telling that “This will be the only device you can send and receive
messages.” This means that you can set up the encrypted messages on only one
device. To proceed, tap Turn On in the pop-up. So, the app will ask you to set
the phone you're using as your default device - meaning the conversation won't
show up on any other phones or tablets you've got linked to your Facebook
account. Hit the "Make Default" option to continue.
4. Now come back to the Messenger home screen and tap on
the Write Message bottom. This option might be present at top or bottom
locations, depending on your device (Android or iOS). You'll now be able to
have a conversation that is encrypted end-to-end. You'll know it's secret
because Facebook has given the chat window a natty black makeover.
5. From the top right corner, choose the secret message
option. Turn it on. Now you are ready to chat with a friend. Select a friend
and get started.
6. Please note that if your friend hasn’t enabled the
Secret Conversations option, he/she won’t be able to see them. So, ask them to
turn it on.
7. Encrypted messages on Messenger also come with an
option to self-destruct the texts. You just need to tap on the clock icon to
send the message with self-destruct option.
8. From the top right corner in a Secret Conversation,
you can see the Device Keys and compare it with the ones on your friend’s
device to ensure the security of the chat.
How to switch
devices?
To change which device you use for secret conversations,
start a new secret conversation from the new device. Be warned though that by
changing devices, previous secret conversations will no longer be visible on
your old device or your new device.
How to delete
Secret Conversations?
To delete all secret conversations, tap the profile icon,
select Secret Conversations and choose Delete Secret Conversations and Delete
All. The messages will still be visible on your friend's device.
How to check your
messages are encrypted?
When Secret Conversations are enabled, both people in the
secret conversation have a device key. This can be compared to verify that the
messages are end-to-end encrypted. Facebook said that this verification process
is optional and the messages will be encrypted whether or not you compare device
keys.
To view a conversation's device keys, open a
conversation, tap their name and tap Device Keys.
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