How to Start a Facebook Secret Conversation

This article explains how to start a secret conversation that's encrypted and will disappear after the recipient views it using the Facebook Messenger app. Secret conversations are only available in the Facebook Messenger app on iOS and Android.

How to Enable Facebook Secret Conversations

Before you can send encrypted messages, make sure the Facebook Secret Conversations option is turned on.

1. Open the Facebook Messenger app and tap your profile picture.

2. Tap Privacy.

3. Tap Secret Conversations.

4. Tap OK.

5. Tap the slider under Secret Conversations to turn it on.

6. Tap Turn On.

How to Start a Secret Conversation in Facebook Messenger

Follow these steps when you want to send a secret message on Facebook Messenger:

1. From the Chats screen, tap the pencil in the upper-right corner.

2. Slide the lock icon in the upper-right corner to the locked position, and then select who you want to message.

   On iOS, tap Secret in the upper-right corner.

3. Tap the clock to set a time limit for the message if you want.

   When activated, a timer appears when the recipient opens the message counting down the time left before the message disappears for good.

4. Choose a time limit for your secret message.

5. Type and send your message. The message will appear blurred until the recipient taps on it.

   While Facebook secret conversations are encrypted, the other person can still take a screenshot of your conversation and share it with others.

How to Verify Facebook Secret Conversations

All Facebook secret conversations are encrypted. Facebook also gives you the option to verify the end-to-end encryption by comparing device keys. Both parties in the conversation will receive device keys, which you can compare to ensure they match. To view a conversation's device key in Android or iOS:

1. Open a secret conversation with someone and tap the information (i) icon at the top of the screen.

   On iOS, tap the user's name at the top of the screen.

2. Tap Your Keys.

3. Compare the device key that appears under your friend's name with the key on their device to make sure they match. Compare device keys in person or via screenshot.

How to Delete Secret Facebook Messenger Conversations

You can delete Facebook secret conversations on your devices, but you can't delete secret conversations on your recipient's device.

1. Open the Facebook Messenger app and tap your profile picture.

2. Tap Privacy.

3. Tap Secret Conversations.

4. Tap Delete all secret conversations.

5. Tap Delete.

Access Secret Conversations on Multiple Devices

You can only access a secret conversation on the device the you created it on. You can send secret conversations from another device, but you won't be able to see any previous messages.

When you sign in to Messenger on a new device, you won't see the messages from previous secret conversations. You'll receive a notification in past secret conversations letting you, and the other participant know you're on a new device. Once the device is added, you'll see new messages in secret conversations on all active devices.