The encrypted message is sent to you and the private key on your device is used to decrypt the message so only you can read it.īecause of the encryption, only the people in the conversation can read the messages. When your friend sends you a message, the public key is retrieved and your friend's message gets encrypted so only the private key on your device can decrypt it. The public key lives on a server and it's available to anyone you might exchange conversations with. The private key never leaves your device. When you open an app that provides end-to-end encryption, two keys are generated - one public key and one private key. Let's quickly explain how end-to-end encryption works. With encryption, even if someone manages to interfere with your communications, they will be unreadable without the deciphering key. Without encryption, your conversations can get in the hands of cybercriminals as the messages are sent in plain text and anyone that intercepts them can read them. When two people communicate through an app that features end-to-end encryption, the information is not sent as plain text but by using a secret code.

End-to-end encryption is when the communications are encrypted so no third party can have access to the information.