Send self-destructing emails using Gmail’s Confidential Mode on mobile applications.
A few months after unveiling the function with the new Gmail interface, Google has just rolled out the sending of confidential emails to iOS and Android mobile applications. Thanks to it, it is possible to send sensitive information by email while maintaining control of the message.
The confidential mode has indeed been designed to allow you to send secure messages while leaving you the possibility of totally controlling what the recipient can do with them. In addition to removing the transfer options to the recipient, confidential mode allows you to configure an expiration date after which the message can no longer be opened, or to require the entry of a password. to access the content of the email.
1. Write a new email
Open the Gmail application on your smartphone then start writing a new message. Then press “…” at the top right of the message then select Confidential Mode.
2. Choose an expiration time
Several possibilities are offered to protect your confidential email. First choose an expiration period: tap the default value Expires in 1 week to select the duration of your choice.
Beyond this period, the content of the message will no longer be visible to your recipient.
3. Define a secret code
Another possibility offered by the confidential mode, the obligation for the recipient of the message to enter a secret code to open the email. Two choices are then offered: Standard and Secret code received by SMS.
In Standard mode, the recipient using Gmail will be able to open the message directly from their application, while the others will receive the secret code in another email.
With the Secret code received by SMS, the recipient will receive the secret code on his smartphone and will have to enter it when opening the email to be able to display its content. If you choose this option, you will be prompted by Gmail to enter the recipient’s mobile number before finalizing sending the email.
4. Revoke access to the message before expiration
By offering the possibility of limiting the consultation of a confidential message in time, Google also allows the sender of a confidential e-mail to remove access to the message earlier than expected.
To do this, from the Gmail application on your smartphone, access Sent messages, then open the confidential email. Press the Revoke Access button to immediately prevent your recipient from viewing the message content again.
