How to Enable Encryption on Facebook Messenger
The end-to-end message encryption that Facebook promised Messenger users back in July is finally rolling out to everyone. Here’s how to enable it.
A Facebook source told Wired that its new Secret Conversations feature is now available to all 900 million users of the service. However, new end-to-end encryption is not automatically enabled. You must turn it on for every conversation.
If you want to start a new encrypted conversation:
- Tap the new conversation icon in the upper right corner.
- Click “Secret” in the upper right corner.
- Select a recipient and start messaging.
If you want to turn an ongoing conversation into an encrypted secret conversation:
- Open the message thread.
- Tap their name at the top of the screen.
- Tap Secret Conversation to switch it.
If you don’t see these options, it could mean that the recipient doesn’t have a current version of Facebook Messenger. They will need to update their app for secret conversations to work. Also, Secret Conversations doesn’t allow you to send GIFs and videos, but you can still share images and use stickers. And it’s important to note that you can only access your secret conversations from the device on which they were turned on. So, if you start an encrypted conversation on your phone, this is the only place where you can send and receive encrypted messages for that particular conversation.
Finally You Can All Encrypt Facebook Messenger, So Do It Now | Wired