When you message someone who also has RCS chats turned on in Google Messages, your chat conversations automatically upgrade to end-to-end encryption. With end-to-end encryption, no one can read the content sent between you and the other person.
Check if a conversation is end-to-end encrypted
End-to-end encrypted conversations have:
- A banner that says “
Chatting with [contact name or phone number].” - A lock next to message timestamps.
- A lock on the send button when you compose a message.
Chatting with [contact name or phone number].”
on the send button when you compose a message.If messages don’t have locks, make sure you and the person you message both have:
- The latest version of Google Messages.
- If your device came with the Carrier Services app installed, update to the latest version of the app.
- RCS chats in Google Messages turned on.
Confirm your verification code
Your conversations are encrypted end-to-end with a key that only you and other conversation participants can access. When you ask them if they have the same code you have, you can verify end-to-end encryption for your individual and group conversations.
To verify end-to-end encryption for individual conversations:
- Open the Google Messages app .
- Open a conversation or create a new message with a contact you want to verify.
- In the conversation, all participants must have RCS chats turned on. If RCS chats are turned off, end-to-end encryption can’t be verified.
- At the top right of the conversation window, tap More Details Verify encryption.
.
Details To verify end-to-end encryption for group conversations:
- Open the Google Messages app .
- Open a group conversation you want to use.
- In the conversation, all participants must have RCS chats turned on. If RCS chats are turned off, end-to-end encryption can’t be verified.
- At the top right of the conversation window, tap More Group details.
- Select a conversation participant you want to verify.
- Tap More Verify encryption.
Tips:
- You can call your contact and read your verification code aloud to make sure your codes match.
- It's optional to confirm a verification code. Messages will be end-to-end encrypted even if you don’t take this step.
Troubleshoot messages you’re unable to receive or decrypt
Important:
- End-to-end encryption may not work on certain Android Go phones.
- End-to-end encrypted messages only work when you communicate with another Google Messages user. If you or your contact change messaging apps or operating software, Google Messages may not immediately detect when a conversation is no longer eligible for end-to-end encryption. Initially, some messages may not appear or they may be delivered in an unreadable, encrypted format.
If you get an unreadable, encrypted message:
- Update your app to the latest version of Google Messages.
- If your device came with the Carrier Services app installed, update to the latest version of the app.
- Ask your contact to resend the message.
If you changed messaging apps and aren't receiving messages, you may need to turn RCS chats off.
Tip: You can send messages as chats or resend them as SMS/MMS.
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I'm a seasoned expert in the realm of secure messaging protocols and end-to-end encryption, with a proven track record of delving deep into the intricacies of communication technologies. My understanding goes beyond the surface, allowing me to provide insights that are not only accurate but also comprehensive.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article regarding end-to-end encryption in Google Messages:
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Automatic Upgrade to End-to-End Encryption:
- When messaging someone with RCS chats turned on in Google Messages, conversations automatically upgrade to end-to-end encryption.
- This means that the content sent between the users becomes unreadable to anyone except the intended recipients.
-
Indicators of End-to-End Encryption:
- End-to-end encrypted conversations are identified by a banner stating "Chatting with [contact name or phone number]."
- Message timestamps have a lock icon next to them.
- The send button, when composing a message, features a lock icon.
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Requirements for End-to-End Encryption:
- Both users must have the latest version of Google Messages.
- If the Carrier Services app is installed, it should be updated to the latest version.
- RCS chats in Google Messages must be turned on for both users.
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Verification of End-to-End Encryption:
- Users can verify end-to-end encryption by checking a unique verification code.
- For individual conversations, open the conversation, tap on More, go to Details, and then Verify encryption.
- For group conversations, go to Group details, select a participant, and tap on Verify encryption.
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Troubleshooting and Tips:
- End-to-end encryption may not work on certain Android Go phones.
- It's crucial to communicate with another Google Messages user for the encryption to function.
- If messages appear unreadable or are not received, updating the app and Carrier Services, if applicable, is recommended.
- If switching messaging apps, turning off RCS chats may be necessary.
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Additional Information:
- End-to-end encryption provides enhanced security, but users should update their apps and, if applicable, Carrier Services for optimal functionality.
- Changing messaging apps or operating software might affect the detection of end-to-end encryption eligibility.
In conclusion, Google Messages offers a robust end-to-end encryption feature, and users can follow the provided steps to ensure secure communication with the added benefit of verification codes for further confirmation.
