Mastering Facebook Messenger’s Secret Conversations: A Complete Guide
Is Facebook privacy a myth or reality? Facebook Messenger’s Secret Conversations feature promises end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages, offering a level of security not available in standard chats. For users transferring sensitive information or concerned about data privacy, this feature is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to initiate Secret Conversations and whether this feature truly ensures privacy.
What is a Secret Conversation on Messenger?
Secret Conversations on Facebook Messenger allow users to chat more securely and discreetly. This feature uses end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the chatting parties can read the messages—Facebook cannot. Additionally, a timer feature allows you to control the visibility duration of your texts. Messages on both devices disappear after the timer expires.
It’s important to note that Facebook Messenger’s Secret Conversations are exclusive to the mobile app. This feature is not available on the web version of Facebook. To use it, both users need to have the latest version of Facebook Messenger installed. Ensure you manually update your Android or iPhone apps before starting.
Despite its benefits, many users are unaware of this private conversation option on Facebook Messenger. Most are curious about how to access and utilize Secret Conversations.
How to Create a Private Chat in Messenger
Secret Conversations are available only on the Messenger apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android. They are not supported on the Messenger website or desktop app.
- Launch the Messenger app on your iOS or Android device.
- Press the compose message icon located in the upper-right corner.
- All your contacts will be listed. Press the toggle button in the upper-right corner with the lock icon.
- Tap on the individual you wish to chat with privately.
- The selected person will receive a notification to start a secret conversation with you.
How to View Secret Messages on Facebook
For users unfamiliar with Messenger’s Secret Conversations, checking for these discussions can be challenging. The primary (and simplest) method is to examine your chats:
- Launch the Facebook Messenger app on your phone.
- Tap Chats in the bottom left corner.
- Look for chats with a lock icon on the right side; these are your private discussions.
How to Send Disappearing Messages on Facebook Messenger
Previously, activating the disappearing messages feature required setting a timer by touching the clock icon next to the text field. The process has since changed:
- Start an encrypted conversation with the person you are chatting with.
- Tap on their profile photo in the upper left corner.
- Press Messages That Disappear.
- Select the time after which your communications will be deleted: one minute, ten seconds, five seconds, etc.
How to Start a Secret Video or Audio Call on Messenger
From a Secret Conversation, you can also conduct end-to-end encrypted voice or video calls. The method is the same for both Android and iOS.
- Select the individual you wish to call and launch an end-to-end encrypted chat with them.
- To initiate an audio call, tap the phone icon; for a video call, tap the video icon.
- Both participants in the encrypted chat must have the latest version of the Messenger app to make a secret call.
How to Restore Archived and Spam Conversations
You can archive a secret message if you want to keep it hidden from view without deleting it.
- Launch the Messenger app on your iOS or Android device.
- Press and hold the private conversation, then select Archive from the menu.
- To unarchive the chat, launch the Messenger app, tap the profile photo icon in the upper-left corner, select Chat Archives, press and hold the chat, and select Unarchive. You can also open the chat and send a message to unarchive it.
Comparing Secret Conversations and Message Requests
Facebook Messenger offers two distinct features: Secret Conversations and Message Requests.
Secret Conversations are end-to-end encrypted chats between users. Messages sent in these chats are encrypted on the sender’s device and can only be decrypted on the recipient’s device. An additional timer feature allows messages to expire after a specified time, providing extra privacy for sensitive discussions.
Message Requests allow users to message friends who are not on Facebook. When you receive a message request, you can choose to approve, reject, or block the sender. Accepted messages move to the primary inbox, while declined requests do not clutter your main chat interface.
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Summing it Up
Facebook Messenger’s Secret Conversations feature provides users with a secure way to communicate privately, utilizing end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages. This feature offers a level of privacy not found in standard chats, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access and view the messages. By using Secret Conversations, users can safeguard sensitive information and maintain confidentiality in their communications on the platform.
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By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 18th July 2024