WhatsApp Encryption: What It Is and How to Use It GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Social Media > WhatsApp 26 26 people found this article helpful
WhatsApp Encryption: What It Is and How to Use It
How to keep your messages secure
By Dawna Roberts Dawna Roberts Writer University of Phoenix Dawna M. Roberts has 20+ years' experience in technology. Her works have appeared in Forbes, Huffington Post, Actiontec, Hackernoon, and other publications. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on October 8, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section About WhatsApp End-to-End Encryption How WhatsApp End-to-End Encryption Works Using WhatsApp End-to-End Encryption What to Know
Open WhatsApp chat and tap the contact's name.On the Contact Info screen, tap Encryption. Scan the QR code. If secure, you will see a green checkmark.If you're not near the other person, you can share the 60-digit code to be sure they match. This article explains WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption and how to use it to ensure messages and phone calls are safe and secure. Version Note: Tested on Android 10,9 and iOS 13,12 with WhatsApp versions 2.20.27 /2.20.21, respectively. WhatsApp End-to-End Encryption Explained
According to the WhatsApp FAQs page, “When end-to-end encrypted, your messages, photos, videos, voice messages, documents, status updates, and calls are secured from falling into the wrong hands.” Only you and the person you are connecting with can read texts, view documents, or hear your voice. Not even WhatsApp can listen in. With end-to-end encryption, both sides have a lock and key built into the software, which locks and unlocks simultaneously on both ends and keeps prying eyes out. @dzaqiakbar via Twenty20 WhatsApp claims that every single chat has a unique lock and key to keep things safe. You don’t need any specialized hardware or software, and you don’t have to turn anything on, it is built right in. However, they do provide one caveat. When connecting with a business using end-to-end encryption, anyone within that business may be able to share the connection and see messages. Additionally, if the business contracts its communications to another company, that vendor may be able to see, store and access messages sent through their system. How this is handled depends on the company’s own privacy policy. How WhatsApp End-to-End Encryption Works
WhatsApp uses Signal Protocol developed by Open Whisper Systems. This type of encryption uses a lock and key at both ends, so only the two connected individuals can access the data. How does it work? When someone opens WhatsApp, a public and private key are generated. All of this takes place behind the scenes on your phone. The private key stays stored in the WhatsApp data library, and the public key is sent along with the message to the recipient. The public key encrypts the message before it reaches its intended target. On the other end, when the person receives the message, their private key unlocks it. No third-party can intercept these messages because the keys are stored within the phone itself. Even if a hacker were to breach the connection, they would not have the keys to unlock it. How to Use WhatsApp End-to-End Encryption
To use WhatsApp end-to-end encryption, install WhatsApp, and start using it. There are no special settings you need to worry about, and you don’t need to take any action. However, if during a text message session, you want to confirm that your connection is end-to-end encrypted: Open the chat. Tap the name of the person you are connected with to open the Contact Info screen. Tap Encryption to view the QR code and 60-digit number. If you are physically near the person, you can compare 60-digit codes to make sure they match. Or you can scan the QR code. If secure, you will see a green checkmark. Now you can be assured that no one is listening in on your calls or messages. If you and the other person are not near each other, you can share the 60-digit code to be sure they match. To do this, tap the Share button from the Verify Security Code screen, and then you can send it via SMS or email. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Change Phones Without Losing WhatsApp How to Use WhatsApp on Your Apple Watch How to Make WhatsApp Calls on a PC or Mac What Is Network Encryption? How to Fix It When WhatsApp Isn't Working The 5 Best Secure Email Services for 2022 How to Use Passkeys on iPhone, iPad, or Mac How to Use WhatsApp Privacy Settings How to Get FaceTime on Windows How to Know If You've Been Blocked on WhatsApp How to Use Two Step Verification (2FA) in WhatsApp How to Use WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp on Your Computer What Is a PEM File? How to Use WhatsApp Without a Phone Number How to Delete a WhatsApp Group How to Use WhatsApp Mute Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies