End-to-end encryption ensures only you and the person you’re communicating with can read what is sent, and nobody in between, not even WhatsApp. This article will guide you through the simple process of enabling end-to-end encryption for your chats in WhatsApp.
What is end-to-end encryption?
End-to-end encryption means your messages are secured with a lock, and only the recipient and you have the special key needed to unlock and read them. For end-to-end encryption to work, you need to make sure you and the people in your conversation have the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
Why should I use end-to-end encryption?
There are several benefits to using end-to-end encryption in WhatsApp:
- Privacy – No one else can read your messages, not even WhatsApp.
- Security – Your conversations are secured against hacking attempts.
- Peace of mind – You can communicate freely knowing eavesdropping is virtually impossible.
For many users, the enhanced privacy and security end-to-end encryption provides is reason enough to enable it. The extra steps WhatsApp has taken to implement this advanced security protocol gives users more confidence in the platform.
How end-to-end encryption works in WhatsApp
WhatsApp uses the Signal encryption protocol to secure your texts, photos, videos, voice messages, documents, and calls. Each chat has its own unique set of encryption keys, used to encrypt and decrypt your messages.
Here’s a simplified explanation of what happens when you send an encrypted message on WhatsApp:
- Your message is secured with a lock, using the unique encryption key for that chat.
- The locked message is sent through WhatsApp’s servers as unreadable gibberish.
- The message reaches the recipient’s phone and is decrypted with their unique key.
- The recipient views the message exactly as you sent it.
At no point along the way can anyone else read your communication, because they don’t have the keys. This ensures your WhatsApp chats remain end-to-end encrypted and private.
Enable end-to-end encryption
Enabling end-to-end encryption is simple and fast on both iPhone and Android devices. Just follow these steps:
On iPhone
- Open WhatsApp and tap Settings.
- Tap Chats.
- Toggle the End-to-end Encryption switch on.
That’s it! All your new and existing chats will now have end-to-end encryption enabled. Make sure to tell your contacts to also enable it for maximum security.
On Android
- Open WhatsApp and tap the 3-dot Menu button.
- Go to Settings > Chats.
- Tap End-to-end encryption.
- Tap the Turn on button and confirm.
You have now enabled end-to-end encryption for all your WhatsApp chats. Let your contacts know so they can enable it as well.
Verify your encryption keys
To confirm that end-to-end encryption is activated for a chat, you can verify the encryption keys on both devices are the same by scanning your contact’s QR code.
- Open the chat and tap on your contact’s name at the top.
- Tap Encryption.
- Tap Verify.
- Point your camera at the other person’s QR code to scan and verify.
If verification succeeds, you’ll see a “Verified” status, indicating your chats are secured with end-to-end encryption.
Troubleshooting issues
In some cases, you may encounter issues when enabling end-to-end encryption. Here are some potential problems and solutions:
Can’t access Encryption option
- Make sure you’re on the latest version of WhatsApp.
- Force quit and restart the app if the option is missing.
- Reinstall WhatsApp if still not appearing.
Encryption unavailable for group chats
- All participants in a group chat must have encryption enabled.
- Notify group members to enable it on their end.
Encryption turning off
- This can happen if you restore chat history from a non-encrypted backup.
- Toggle encryption back on in Settings > Chats.
If any other issues come up, make sure WhatsApp is updated to the latest version. The app needs to stay updated to maintain end-to-end encryption.
Frequently asked questions
Is end-to-end encryption on by default?
No, you have to manually enable end-to-end encryption. It allows users to turn it on if they want that extra security.
Does WhatsApp have a copy of my encryption keys?
No, your encryption keys are only stored on your device. Not even WhatsApp can access them.
Can I use WhatsApp on multiple devices with encryption enabled?
Yes, with linked devices you can use WhatsApp on up to 4 additional devices while maintaining end-to-end encryption.
Do encrypted chats take up more space?
End-to-end encryption adds a small amount of data overhead, but not enough to noticeably impact storage space.
Is my call history still visible if I use encryption?
Yes, enabling end-to-end encryption secures only your messages. Your calls will still show up in call history.