Social media has grown exponentially, providing users with the best and most recognizable content. Facebook Messenger is one of them, as it has more than a billion active users on its platform. But with more users and their data, Unwanted visitors will most likely try to steal your data. It is necessary to enable end-to-end encryption on Messenger to protect our data and privacy.
Facebook has implemented this feature on other platforms, such as WhatsApp, and is testing it on the Messenger application. For some users, it must have sounded like an unnecessary feature.
However, this feature will ensure that data sent through the platform cannot be viewed or modified by any agent other than the recipient. It’s no surprise end to end encryption is introduced in Messenger.
In this article, the user will learn how to enable end-to-end encryption and its information.
Enable End-To-End Encryption On FB Messenger
Facebook Messenger now supports encryption messaging however it is not enabled by default. Instead, the user has to turn on encryption for each message.
Although FB Messenger is a cross-platform service, these features are unavailable on Facebook chat or web browsers. Also, see how users can turn off notification sounds on FB Messenger.
Here is some information users need to know before starting this process:
- Some services, such as gifs, audio calls, video calls, or payments, may be unavailable on the encrypted conversation.
- Standards services such as messages, images/photos, stickers, and audio recordings are available.
- Users can only engage with the device you used to turn on the encryption option.
- Currently, an encrypted group text message is unavailable.
There are two ways to use Messenger for an end to end encryption. Users can use either a secret conversation mode or a vanish mode on Messenger to ensure encryption.
End-to-end Encryption On Messenger Using Secret Conversation
The secret conversation is a safe space where all data are encrypted so no one, even Facebook, can sniff your chats. It is an in-built method and does not require any third-party software.
Method 1: How to Start Secret Conversation on Android
You must have a Messenger application on your smartphone and an active Facebook account. Users can download Messenger from the Google Play Store and install it.
1. Open Facebook messenger on your Android-supported mobile phone, then log in to your Messenger account.
2. Once logged in, tap the chats to enable end-to-end encryption.
3. Press the Profile name or the info button from the top right.
4. Select the Go to secret conversation option from the More actions section.
After completing the steps described, you will see a new chat with a lock icon representing a secret conversation that is fully encrypted.
Method 2: Secret Conversation For iOS Users
Similar to Android, the steps for encrypting a secret message have the same process with slight changes. Users can use any iOS device, such as iPhone or iPad, and follow this process.
Before starting this process, download and install FB Messenger from the Apple Store and install it. You can follow the steps below if you have installed it on your device.
1. Open Messenger app on your iOS-supported device, then log in to your Messenger account.
2. After launching the app, Open the chat message of the person you want to use end-to-end encrypted features.
3. Tap on the username at the top left of the screen, right next to the back button.
4. On the chat settings, scroll down and select the Go to secret conversation option from the More actions section.
After completing the above steps, a new message chat will open, and users can send a private message. Also, you can access end-to-end encrypted calls on the new tab.
Method 3:Secret Conversation For PC Users
Although Facebook Messenger is a cross-platform service, end-to-end encryption does not support web browsers. For users who feel comfortable using a PC or desktop, it’s unpleasant news for them.
We suggest our viewers use the mobile app instead of a laptop/computer and follow the above methods for encryption on Facebook Messenger.
End-to-end Encryption On Messenger Using Vanish Mode
Vanish mode is similar to the Snapchat feature. The temporary message is deleted after a certain amount of time users view it.
It uses the secret chat feature and provides an additional layer. Not only do messages disappear, but users also get notified for every screenshot or recording anyone takes.
Method 1: How to Enable Vanish Mode On Android
Users can look up the secret conversation method before and continue with this method.
1. Open Messenger on your compatible Android device, then sign in to your Messenger account.
2. After launching the app, open the secret chat with the person you want to use the vanish messages feature with.
3. Press the Profile name or the info button from the top right.
4. Select the Disappearing messages option from the Privacy section, then select the time.
After following the above steps, users can enable the disappearing messages with end-to-end encryption on Messenger.
Method 2: Enable Vanish Mode On iOS
The overall process is similar to Android.
1. Open Messenger on your iOS-supported device, then log in to your Messenger account.
2. After launching the app, Open the secret conversation with the person you want to use the disappearing messages feature.
3. Tap on the username at the top left of the screen, right next to the back button.
4. Select the Disappearing messages option from the Privacy & support section, then select the disappearing time.
Completing the above steps allows users to send disappearing messages on Messenger using iOS devices with protected encryption.
Conclusion
If you are in this tutorial section, you probably know all the methods to encrypt the message on Messenger. You can send any sensitive information, such as phone numbers and account numbers, to your friends and family on Messenger.
Use the vanish mode as well as secret conversation for more security.
