How to Enable End-to-End Encryption in WhatsApp

So, like, if you’re using WhatsApp (and let’s be real, most of us are), you probably heard somewhere that it’s “end-to-end encrypted.” But wait — what does that even mean and do you have to enable it yourself??

Well, good news is – WhatsApp already uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE for short) by default for all chats. That means, only you and the person you’re chatting with can read what’s being sent. Not even WhatsApp can see your msgs. Sounds cool right?

Butttt there are a couple things you CAN do to check and make sure it’s on and also use encryption for backups, which isn’t automatic unless you enable it.

Here’s a quick (and slightly messy lol) guide to help you figure it out

What Is End-to-End Encryption Anyway?

Before jumping in, real quick – E2EE is basically a security thing where your messages are locked and only the person you’re chatting with has the key to unlock them. No hackers, no middle-men, not even the WhatsApp peeps can read it.

It works for:

• Text msgs

• Voice msgs

• Calls

• Photos & videos

• Group chats too

But some stuff, like cloud backups, need you to turn encryption on manually. And most people don’t even realise this

✅ How to Check End-to-End Encryption Is On (for chats)

Honestly, WhatsApp already does this behind the scenes, but if you wanna check it yourself:

Steps:

1. Open a chat with someone (can be a friend or family or whoever).

2. Tap their name at the top to open the contact info.

3. Scroll down a bit and you’ll see “Encryption”.

4. Tap on it – it’ll show you a QR code and a 60-digit number.

5. That means your chats with this person are end-to-end encrypted.

You can even scan the code with their phone to “verify” the encryption if you’re like super paranoid or into security stuff.

How to Enable End-to-End Encrypted Backups

Okay so, even tho chats are encrypted, your chat backups on Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone) are not encrypted by default. You gotta turn that on yourself.

Here’s how to do it:

For Android users:

1. Open WhatsApp

2. Tap 3 dots (top right) → then go to Settings

3. Tap Chats

4. Scroll to Chat backup

5. Tap End-to-end Encrypted Backup

6. Tap Turn On

Now here’s the important part:

• You’ll be asked to create a password or use a 64-digit encryption key

• DO NOT forget this password or key — if you lose it, even WhatsApp can’t help you get your backup back

For iPhone users:

1. Open WhatsApp

2. Go to Settings (bottom right corner)

3. Tap Chats → Chat Backup

4. Tap End-to-end Encrypted Backup

5. Tap Turn On

6. Create your password or key

Again — super super important — save your password somewhere safe, coz if you lose it = bye bye backup. No one can access it again, not even you.

Things To Watch Out For

• Don’t share your encryption password with anyone. Even your BFF or your dog

• If you change phones, and forget the encryption key, you can’t restore the backup

• Encryption doesn’t protect you from screenshots lol

• WhatsApp Web is also encrypted but only if your phone stays connected

• Make sure your WhatsApp is updated – old versions might miss features

How to Tell If Someone’s Messages Are Encrypted?

Like we said earlier, all chats are encrypted by default. But if you really wanna check:

• Go to the contact’s profile

• Tap Encryption

• You’ll see a QR code and a long number – this means encryption is on

• You can compare this code by scanning each other’s QR codes or reading the 60-digit number (kinda boring but some people do it)

Final Words (not encrypted lol)

So yeah, WhatsApp pretty much takes care of end-to-end encryption for you, but you gotta manually enable it for backups, which is lowkey important. Especially if you care about privacy or just don’t want your convos floating around on cloud unprotected.

It only takes like 2 mins, but saves you from headaches later.