RCS chats between Google Messages users are automatically upgraded to end-to-end encryption. With end-to-end encryption, no one can read the content sent between you and the other person. End-to-end encryption works for both 1:1 chats and groups when all conversation participants use Google Messages with RCS chats turned on.
Check if a conversation is end-to-end encrypted
End-to-end encrypted conversations have:
- A banner that says "
RCS chat with [contact name or phone number]."
- A lock
on the send button when you compose a message.
RCS chat with [contact name or phone number]."
on the send button when you compose a message.If the send button doesn't have a lock, make sure you and the person you message both have:
- The latest version of Google Messages.
- If your device came with the Carrier Services app installed, update to the latest version of the app.
- RCS chats in Google Messages turned on.
Confirm your verification code
Your conversations are encrypted end-to-end with a key that only you and other conversation participants can access. When you ask them if they have the same code you have, you can verify end-to-end encryption for your individual and group conversations.
To verify end-to-end encryption for individual conversations:
- Open the Google Messages app
.
- Open a conversation or create a new message with a contact you want to verify.
- In the conversation, all participants must have RCS chats turned on. If RCS chats are turned off, end-to-end encryption can’t be verified.
- At the top right of the conversation window, tap More
Details
.
Details To verify end-to-end encryption for group conversations:
- Open the Google Messages app
- Open a group conversation you want to use.
- In the conversation, all participants must have RCS chats turned on. If RCS chats are turned off, end-to-end encryption can’t be verified.
- At the top right of the conversation window, tap More
- Select a conversation participant you want to verify.
- Tap More
Tips:
- You can call your contact and read your verification code aloud to make sure your codes match.
- It's optional to confirm a verification code. Messages will be end-to-end encrypted even if you don’t take this step.
Troubleshoot messages you’re unable to receive or decrypt
Important:
- End-to-end encryption may not work on certain Android Go phones.
- End-to-end encrypted messages only work when you communicate with another Google Messages user. If you or your contact change messaging apps or operating software, Google Messages may not immediately detect when a conversation is no longer eligible for end-to-end encryption. Initially, some messages may not appear or they may be delivered in an unreadable, encrypted format.
If you get an unreadable, encrypted message:
- Update your app to the latest version of Google Messages.
- If your device came with the Carrier Services app installed, update to the latest version of the app.
- Ask your contact to resend the message.
If you changed messaging apps and aren't receiving messages, you may need to turn RCS chats off.
Tip: You can send messages as chats or resend them as SMS/MMS.