How to Secure Your Instagram Messages with End-To-End Encryption

We often end up sharing sensitive information through messaging platforms, including social media in this day and age. On Instagram, people exchange personal and business details, orders, transactions, and even bank account information through direct messages. However, unlike other social media platforms owned by Meta, Instagram does not have end-to-end encryption enabled by default, leaving your valuable information vulnerable to prying eyes.

But don't worry! In this article, we will guide you on how to enable end-to-end encryption on Instagram and secure your messages from unauthorized access.

Understanding End-To-End Encryption

End-to-end encryption (E2E) is like putting your message in a locked box that only you and the recipient can open. It ensures that your message remains confidential and secure during its journey. Just like a letter that only the sender and recipient can read, E2E encryption ensures that your messages are only accessible by the intended recipient. No one in between, not even Instagram itself, can access or read your messages because they don't have the key to unlock the encrypted data.

How to Enable E2E Encryption on Instagram

To enable end-to-end encryption on Instagram and protect your messages, follow these simple steps:

1. Open a chat on Instagram and tap on the recipient's name.
2. Tap on “Privacy and safety.”
3. Select “Use end-to-end encryption.”
4. You will be directed to a new end-to-end encrypted chat with the recipient.

That's it! Now your messages are secured with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the intended recipient can access and read them.

Creating Encrypted Group Chats on Instagram

If you want to have secure group conversations on Instagram, you can also create encrypted group chats. Here's how:

1. In the home section of your Instagram app, tap on the Messenger icon on the top left.
2. Tap on the New Message icon.
3. On Android, toggle the “Use end-to-end encryption” option. On iOS, tap the toggle on the top right with an Unlock icon.
4. Select the users you want to include in the group chat and tap on “Create Group Chat” (iOS) or “Chat” (Android).

Please note that not all users can enable encryption for group chats. Instagram users with professional profiles, recipients who haven't received access to this feature, and users in areas where E2E encryption hasn't been released globally cannot join an encrypted group chat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can we access encrypted chats on different devices?
   • Encrypted chats will be available on devices where you're logged in. If you sign in on a new device, previous encrypted chats won't be accessible, but new chats will appear across all devices with the same account.
2. Can we take a backup of encrypted chats?
   • According to Instagram's official statement, encrypted chats can be backed up, but it requires secure storage, which is not available to everyone yet.
3. What happens to encrypted chats if the Instagram app is uninstalled?
   • Encrypted chats will be deleted if the app is uninstalled. However, they will still be available to the recipient and on other devices that previously had encrypted chats.
4. If we request a copy of messages from Meta, will it include encrypted chats?
   • No, the copy of messages sent by Meta does not include any encrypted chats.
5. Can we access encrypted chats on Instagram through a browser?
   • Encrypted chats are not accessible on Instagram when using a browser or the application downloaded from the Microsoft store.
6. Will I get notified of a new encrypted message?
   • No, you will not receive any notification for encrypted messages.
7. Can I select multiple accounts to encrypt messages?
   • No, it is not possible to select multiple users to enable encryption. You have to enable it individually for each user.

Conclusion

Securing your personal information is essential nowadays. With end-to-end encryption on Instagram, you can protect your messages and ensure they remain confidential between you and the intended recipient. By following the steps mentioned above, you can enable end-to-end encryption on Instagram and enjoy secure and private conversations. Keep your valuable information safe and enjoy peace of mind while using Instagram's messaging feature.