Until January 2026, Facebook Messenger’s Secret Conversations feature, which provides end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for private chats on iOS and Android devices, is still available. This optional tool ensures that messages are visible only to you and the recipient, and not accessible to Meta or any third party. However, as Meta is rolling out default E2EE for all personal one-on-one chats (a process underway by the end of 2023), Secret Conversations may eventually be integrated or phased out for some users. For now, it’s accessible through the Messenger app (not on messenger.com or Facebook Chat) and is device-specific—chats won’t automatically sync across devices unless they’re restored using a PIN or recovery method.
Secret Conversations use the Signal Protocol for encryption, allowing for features like device verification and optional disappearing messages. Both parties can verify encryption by comparing devices in the chat settings. Note: Even when encrypted, the recipient of the message can take screenshots or share the content, so exercise caution.
**How to start a secret conversation on Android or iPhone:**
The steps are the same for both platforms:
1. Open the Facebook Messenger app.
2. Tap the pencil (or +) icon in the top-right coraner to start a new chat.
3. Tap “Secret” or the lock icon in the top-right corner to turn on the mode.
4. Select the contact you want to send the message to.
5. Type your message and send it. Messages don’t disappear by default; to turn this on, tap the clock icon in the text box and set a custom timer (options range from 5 seconds to 1 day) for individual messages to disappear after being viewed.
To access an existing secret chat, search for the contact and select the one labeled “Secret Conversation.” If E2EE is enabled by default for your account, look for the “End-to-end encrypted” label in the chat settings.
**Safety tips for using Secret Conversations:**
– **Encryption Verification:** To ensure there is no interception, long press on the message and compare the device with your contact.
– **Disappearing messages:** Use a timer for sensitive information, but remember that messages automatically expire after 14 days if they’re not read. – **Device management:** Turn on security alerts in Settings > Privacy and security > End-to-end encrypted chat to monitor logins and log out suspicious devices.
– **Limitations:** Avoid sharing highly sensitive data, as physical device access can bypass encryption. If you prefer local storage only, turn off cloud backup.
– **General caution:** Secret chats are different from regular chats; they won’t appear on other devices without a restore, which reduces risk but requires setup on each device.
This feature improves privacy amid Meta’s larger E2EE push, but always prioritize trusted contacts. For the latest updates, check out Messenger’s Help Center.
Comments are closed.