Messages marked encrypted use end-to-end encryption, so only you and the recipient can read them.
Meaning
Encrypted means end-to-end encryption protects the messages. Only you and the recipient can read them.
Where
iMessage, WhatsApp and Signal.
How
Messages are scrambled with keys stored on devices.
Limits
It doesn’t protect against someone with access to your unlocked phone.
Backups
May not be encrypted.
SMS
Regular text messages (green) are not end-to-end encrypted.
What the label means
When messages say encrypted, the content is scrambled in transit so only the intended recipient can read it. In apps like iMessage, WhatsApp and Signal, messages are end-to-end encrypted by default. In Google Messages, end-to-end encryption applies to RCS chats between supported users, marked with a lock icon.
- SMS and MMS texts are not end-to-end encrypted and can be seen by carriers.
- iMessage between Apple devices is end-to-end encrypted, while messages to Android in older iOS versions are sent as SMS.
- RCS Universal Profile 3.0 adds E2EE across platforms through the GSMA’s standard, adopted gradually.
Limits and backups
Encryption protects content, not metadata like who you contacted and when. Cloud backups may not be encrypted unless you enable Advanced Data Protection on iCloud or encrypted backups in WhatsApp. Verify security codes with a contact for sensitive chats. Keep the device locked with a passcode, since encryption does not help if someone unlocks your phone.
What the label means
An encrypted label in messaging means the content is scrambled so only participants can read it. iMessage and WhatsApp show it for end to end encrypted chats.
Limits and backups
Metadata is still visible to the service, and cloud backups may not be encrypted unless enabled. Enable encrypted backups in settings.
What encrypted means
Encrypted messages are scrambled so that only the sender and recipient can read them. In end to end encryption (E2EE), the keys exist only on the devices, so the service provider cannot read the content. WhatsApp, Signal, iMessage and Google Messages (with RCS between Android users) use E2EE, and the label tells you the chat is protected.
What it does and does not cover
A notice such as messages are end to end encrypted appears at the start of the chat. It protects against interception in transit and from the provider, but not against screenshots, a compromised phone or cloud backups that are not encrypted. Regular SMS and MMS are not encrypted. Verify security with the security code, keep your OS updated and enable encrypted backups where offered. Safe use also depends on strong device passcodes.
Based on data from WhatsApp, Signal and Apple Support
