Learn how to encrypt your Facebook Messenger!

October 9, 2016, 5:06 PM

After WhatsApp, now Facebook has also implemented the option of end-to-end encryption in its Messenger app. Users who want to can enable the Secret Conversation option. This feature also comes with a self-destruct option for extra security. By following a few simple steps, you can enable this option on your device.

This encrypted messaging feature is called Secret Conversation and will benefit all 900 million Facebook Messenger users. This feature gives each user the ability to choose encryption for their messages.

Secret Chats use the Signal encryption protocol. It is available on the updated iOS and Android Messenger apps.

However, these Secret Conversation threads are not secret by default. You will need to perform a few simple steps to make it happen and secure your important conversations. Enabling this option is really worth it.

How to encrypt your Facebook messages?

To encrypt your Facebook messages, you need to open Messenger and select the Profile icon from the menu. Now look for the Secret Conversation option.
Tap on the Secret Conversation option.
Turn on the Secret Conversation option. A small pop-up window will appear saying: “This will be the only device you can send and receive messages from.” This means that you can only set up encrypted messages on one device. To continue, tap Turn on in the pop-up window.
Now go back to the Messenger home screen and tap on the Compose a message option at the bottom of the screen. This option may be at the top or bottom, depending on your device (Android or iOS).
From the top right corner, select the "Secret Message" option and enable it.
Now just choose a friend and start your conversation.
However, don't forget that if your friend doesn't have the Secret Conversation option enabled, they won't be able to see it. So, ask them to enable it.
Encrypted messages on Messenger also come with an option to self-destruct the texts. You just have to tap on the clock icon to send the message with the self-destruct option.
From the top right corner in Secret Conversation, you can view your Device Keys and compare them with those on your friend's device to ensure the security of your conversation.