Facebook has added end-to-end encryption to Facebook Messenger. You just have to encrypt the conversations manually. In this tip we explain step by step how this works.
Enable Facebook Messenger end-to-end encryption
WhatsApp received end-to-end encryption a while ago, and today it’s Facebook Messenger’s turn. However, the function is a lot less well-developed, and also requires some effort from the user to use it at all. For every chat you have to go through the process below.
- Make sure you have the most recent version of Facebook Messenger on your iPhone or iPad.
- Choose ‘Me’ from the menu and go to ‘Secret Conversations’
- When an introduction window appears, tap Ok
- Secret conversations are now enabled
Now that the feature is enabled, you can start a secret chat by tapping the button in the top right of the screen and then selecting ‘Secret’. You are now in a new window with Facebook Messenger end-to-end encryption protection. In this conversation you can give conversations a timer, so that they are automatically deleted after a certain time.
This extra security is not available for group calls, and your options are more limited than usual. For example, it is not possible to send a gif or video in a secret chat. Facebook emphasizes that all your conversations are already secured with https for people from outside. However, this makes it possible for Facebook itself to read along with your conversations. By enabling Facebook Messenger end-to-end encryption, you can prevent this.
Read the latest news about Facebook
- Facebook scandals: an overview of the biggest controversies (7-4)
- Remove or deactivate Facebook: this is how you do it (7-4)
- This way you check whether you are part of the major Facebook data breach (6-4)
- Facebook is working on a wristband for operating smart glasses (19-3)
- These iPhone apps are the most harmful to your privacy (17-3)