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It is evident that we share much about our personal lives online, including our plans and sensitive information like financial details. However, without proper protection, hackers, companies, or governments can intercept or misuse this data. Thus, we need reliable encrypted messaging apps to ensure that only the sender and the receiver can access the conversation.
Such apps keep your messages safe from prying eyes while giving you the confidence to communicate freely and securely. Also, think of encryption as a secret code that locks your messages where only the person you're chatting with has the key. Additionally, you can hide apps from screen to provide extra security and privacy. Now, if you want a secure way to communicate, explore the following guide thoroughly to find the best messaging apps with encryption.
In this article
Part 1. What Are the Must-Have Features of a Secure Messaging App
Where online privacy is constantly threatened, choosing the right secure messaging app is essential. These apps don't just protect conversations; they are a luxury that ensures your data stays out of the wrong hands. To keep your data out of reach and free of unauthorized access, ensure the app you choose has the following features:
- End-to-End Encryption: This feature is the foundation of privacy in any secure texting app, where even the app provider cannot read your conversation. It ensures only the sender and the recipient can access the content of the messages.
- Self-Destructing Messages: Using this feature, your messages are automatically deleted after a set time, leaving no trace behind. Moreover, it helps protect your privacy even if someone gains access to your device later.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): The feature typically involves a password and a unique code sent to your phone or email. Having this layer of security makes it significantly harder for intruders to access your account.
- Encrypted File Sharing: It confirms that any file, photo, or video you share is protected during the transmission. Also, without this feature, hackers could intercept and misuse your shared content inappropriately.
- No Data Logging: A secure texting app should not store your messages or metadata on its server. This prevents anyone, including the app provider, from accessing your private communication history.
Part 2. 10 Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for Apple Users
While expanding our conversation about protecting privacy, remember that Apple users can access some of the best secret messaging apps. These applications are designed with progressive encryption that goes beyond basic texting to keep conversations secure. Thus, we have compiled a list of the top 10 options for choosing the right secure app.
1. iMessage
Best For: Apple users who want a secure built-in messaging app with seamless integration across other Apple devices.
Apple's built-in messaging application generates encryption when a user turns on iMessage. There is an encryption RSA 1280-bit key for encryptions and an EC 256-bit key to keep on the NIST P-256 curve. In addition, all the user's registered devices display an alert message whenever a new device or phone number is added. Besides, using this app, you can edit any message up to 15 minutes after sending it.
Security Features
- 256-bit signing keys
- Apple Identity Service (IDS)
- Contact Key Verification
- Data Encryption in iCloud Backup
- Encrypted Attachments
Other Supported Platforms: watchOS, visionOS, macOS
2. Telegram
Best For: Convenient for users looking for an app with a combination of regular messaging and optional encrypted secret chats.
This secret text message app encrypts everything, including your chats or media, with a combination of 256-bit symmetric AES encryption. Plus, it's the most reliable platform built to deliver messages with the weakest mobile connections. Additionally, this app ensures privacy and does not allow any third party to access your data. Apart from this, you can delete any message you send from both sides without a trace.
Security Features
- Diffie–Hellman Secure Key
- 2048-bit RSA Encryption
- Secret Chat Messages
- Cloud Security
- Two-Step Verification
Other Supported Platforms: Apple Vision, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web
3. WhatsApp
Best For: Users looking for a balance of convenience and innovative encryption for everyday communication tasks.
Privacy and security are significant concerns, which is why WhatsApp provides built-in end-to-end encryption in the app. With this encrypted text app, users can confirm that the messages and calls they send are encrypted through verification. Moreover, it facilitates individuals with a two-step verification process involving activation and verification. Plus, if someone gets your SMS verification code, they can't access your app without the PIN.
Security Features
- Device Verification
- Automatic Security Codes
- View Once Media Sharing
- Disappearing Messages
- Chat & App Lock
Other Supported Platforms: Android, KaiOS, macOS, Windows, Windows Phone, Wear OS, Web, Meta Quest, Linux
4. Signal
Best For: Privacy-focused users who want an open-source app with top-tier end-to-end encryption.
Signal encrypted messaging app is specifically designed never to collect or store any sensitive information. It utilizes state-of-the-art security and end-to-end encryption to facilitate users with private messaging. Furthermore, the open-source Signal protocol means the app can't read or listen to your calls and messages. Plus, the account information you add, including proImage name or picture, is also end-to-end encrypted and kept intact.
Security Features
- Disappearing Messages
- Screen Security
- Verification Code to Register
- Stop Descriptive Notification
- Hide Screen in App Switcher
Other Supported Platforms: Android, Windows, Linux, macOS
5. Threema
Best For: Anonymity-focused users who want a secure app that doesn't require personal information like phone numbers or email.
It's the first secure messaging app that requires no phone number or email and keeps you completely anonymous. Not only this, but it's also open source and offers every feature one would expect from a state-of-the-art instant messenger. Additionally, Threema fully complies with European Privacy Legislation (GDPR) and does not store anything on the servers. It even enables individuals to edit and delete messages sent to the recipient.
Security Features
- Use Open-Source NaCl Cryptography
- Verifies Identities through QR code
- Block Lost Devices Remotely
- Metadata Minimization
- Self-Destructing Messages
Other Supported Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, Web, HarmonyOS, Android
6. Dust
Best For: People who want real-time alerts for screenshots and no server-side data storage for their personal information.
Another encrypted text message app is Cyber Dust, which ensures heavily encrypted conversations that are not accessible by anyone. You can delete the message from the recipient; once it is deleted, it can never be recovered. Furthermore, it facilitates users with a blasts section, allowing them to send broadcast messages to their followers. Not only this, but it also automatically erases chat history after 24 hours from the server.
Security Features
- Watchdog
- Encrypted Messenger
- Stealth Search
- Screenshot Detector
- Unsend Any Message, Anytime
Other Supported Platforms: Android
7. Discord
Best For: Gamers and communities looking for a platform that combines messaging while playing games with friends.
An encrypted messaging app that is ideal for playing games and chilling with friends or building a community. With the help of this app, you can customize your space and gather friends to talk to while playing. Moreover, it facilitates individuals with a two-factor verification process to take all administrative actions. Its explicit image filter automatically blocks messages in a server that may contain age-restricted content.
Security Features
- Safe Direct Messaging
- IP Location Lock
- Role-Based Permissions
- Phishing Protection
- Content Moderation Tools
Other Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Web
8. LINE
Best For: Users who want a versatile messaging app with encrypted security features and fun extras like stickers, group chats, and calls.
The next best app for encrypted messaging is LINE, which facilitates users with creating chatrooms to store messages and photos. Its letter-sealing capability encrypts your messages, call history, and other local information. With the help of this app, you can find your favorite theme to customize your LINE app. Also, you can gain access to your friends list, birthdays, sticker shops, and various other services.
Security Features
- Filter Messages
- Passcode Lock
- Privacy Restrictions
- Account Activity Alerts
- Letter Sealing
Other Supported Platforms: Android, Smartwatches, macOS, Windows, Web
9. WeChat
Best For: Casual users looking for communication rather than other advanced privacy and security measures.
WeChat is another secure messaging app that protects users' personal information through information security and access policies. It facilitates individuals with technological protection measures such as encryption that ensures the confidentiality of private info. Besides, it does not permanently retain chat data between you and other users on their servers. Plus, your chat data is only stored on your device and the user's device, on which you have instant messages.
Security Features
- Friend Verification
- Restricted Account Access
- Device Lock
- Hidden Contact List
- Self-Destructing Messages
Other Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Web, Windows, macOS, HarmonyOS
10. Viber
Best For: Users seeking a secure messaging app with end-to-end text, voice, and video call encryption.
Rakuten Viber is another addition to the secret text message app that allows individuals to use end-to-end encryption by default. By default, it will enable you to communicate for chats or one-on-one calls, knowing all messaging is secured confidently. With this app, you can call on any landline or mobile phone, as it allows low-cost international calling. Plus, you can customize your chats to be more fun and engaging.
Security Features
- Disappearing Messages
- Edit and Delete Messages
- Verified Contacts
- Incognito Mode
- Hidden Number Chats
Other Supported Platforms: Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, wearOS
Part 3. How To Protect Your Instant Messaging Apps From Unauthorized Access
After exploring the top secure messaging apps, it's important to focus on protecting these apps from unauthorized access. While these apps come with strong encryption, securing them inside your device ensures complete protection of your private conversations. Plus, unofficial access to these apps can lead to privacy breaches and unwanted exposure of sensitive information.
To cater to these needs, we highly recommend you use the Dr.Fone App – App Lock (iOS). The platform's App Lock features let users hide their chatting app and content on mobile devices. Moreover, you will be able to restrict access to selected apps by setting a PIN code or using Face ID.
Innovative Features
- Users can completely hide apps from the home screen, making them invisible to prying eyes.
- It lets you schedule app locks during specific hours on chosen days to control app usage during work or study hours.
- You can set app restrictions by choosing an area up to 800 meters from a map.
Dr.Fone App - App Lock (iOS)
Enhanced App Security: Lock/Hide Apps Based on Time and Location
- Lock apps to prevent accidental deletions or downloads.
- Hide apps from the home screen for enhanced privacy.
- Face ID/PIN code protection for secure access.
- Supports iOS 16 and above.
Guide To Use Dr.Fone App To Protect Your Instant Messaging Apps From Unauthorized Access
Follow the comprehensive step-by-step guide below to learn how to use this app to safeguard your encrypted text app:
01of 04Open this Dedicated App on Your Mobile
To commence the task, install the Dr.Fone App – App Lock (iOS) on your iDevice and launch it. Upon seeing the main display, tap the blue "AI Tools Toolbox" button in the middle of your bottom screen.
02of 04Access the App Lock Feature
When you access the new screen, you need to choose the "App Lock" feature. Then, hit the "+Please Add a Group First" button and press the "Select Apps" option from the following screen.
03of 04Choose the Messaging Apps to Hide
Afterward, select all the "Messaging Apps" by check-marking that you want to lock or hide. Next, just press the "Save" button to confirm your decision and move forward.
04of 04Lock All Your Preferred Applications
Upon adding the application to Dr.Fone App – App Lock (iOS), navigate to the "Edit Page" and access the "Locked Mode" feature. Here, you will be able to lock all the selected apps by pressing the "Block" button. Then, these applications will be locked from your phone's home screen.
Conclusion
To conclude, the encrypted messaging apps discussed in the article can effectively safeguard your personal and professional communication. However, choosing the right one depends on your priorities, whether it's privacy or convenience. To take your security a step further, consider using the Dr.Fone App – App Lock (iOS), which restricts access to selected apps by setting a PIN code.
Not only this, but you can also hide apps from your home screen while making them invisible to unauthorized persons. Apart from that, it lets you schedule app locks during particular dates to control your usage over workdays.
James Davis
staff Editor
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