WhatsApp is showing you straight up if your chats are encrypted

WhatsApp logo on an Android phone
(Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • WhatsApp for Android is introducing a new end-to-end encryption indicator below the contact and group names within chat screens.
  • The encryption indicator appears briefly in the location where "last seen" details usually appear.
  • The feature is currently available to a select group of beta testers, with plans to roll out to a broader audience in the coming weeks.

WhatsApp is trying out a new beta feature to make sure users feel confident that their chats are safe from prying eyes.

According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp for Android is now introducing a new end-to-end encryption indicator below the contact and group name within a conversation screen. Users will spot a little message in their chat windows, signaling that end-to-end encryption is active.

Right now, this feature is available only to a select group of beta testers. However, the good news is that it's on the horizon for more users in the next few weeks, as per the report. WABetaInfo first noticed this feature back in January.

You'll catch a glimpse of the indicator right where you normally find the Last seen details of other users, but only for a short stint. This tweak makes it a breeze for users to spot which chats are locked up with end-to-end encryption, ensuring their messages are for their eyes only.

Whatsapp end to end encryption indicator in a chat screen

(Image credit: WABetaInfo)

Once that brief moment is up, the indicator will eventually disappear to let the last-seen indicator take its place.

Currently, when you start a chat with someone on WhatsApp for the first time, you get a welcome message that says, "Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted." That said, this message pops up only the moment you start chatting with the person.

The fresh approach of showing a little status beneath the contact name to inform you about encrypted chats is a smart move to spread the word about encryption.

WhatsApp has been providing end-to-end encryption for chats and video calls for quite some time. Furthermore, the chat app has been steadily enhancing the visibility of encryption indicators. It's worth noting that, in addition to chats and video or voice calls, even status updates on the platform are end-to-end encrypted.

This recent tweak will undoubtedly come in handy for newcomers to the Meta-owned messaging app, especially those who might be unsure about its encryption standards.

Jay Bonggolto
News Writer & Reviewer

Jay Bonggolto always keeps a nose for news. He has been writing about consumer tech and apps for as long as he can remember, and he has used a variety of Android phones since falling in love with Jelly Bean. Send him a direct message via Twitter or LinkedIn.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
WhatsApp chat themes
WhatsApp introduces chat themes to give your conversations a personalized look
Google Messages on an Android phone atop an iPhone.
Apple says it will add RCS encryption to texts with Android following GSMA update
Android figures
Encrypted RCS messages between platforms are coming, but this won't end the messaging wars
WhatsApp new features 2025
WhatsApp's latest update brings quicker emoji reactions and other notable features
Whatsapp logo
WhatsApp wants to make it easier to use Meta AI from your home screen
Meta details the rollout of a WhatsApp cross-posting feature with Instagram and Facebook.
Meta upgrades WhatsApp with a cross-posting feature for all your other profiles
Latest in Apps & Software
The promotional image for Google Workspace feature drops.
The March Workspace feature drop upgrades Gemini's note-taking and translation tools
Google discusses trends and AI updates to help people travel this summer.
Google prepares you for a hot summer with new AI updates for traveling
YouTube Music home screen
YouTube Music's personalized radio stations are getting even smarter
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Home Screen - 16x9
Heads up — Samsung's detailed One UI 7 rollout schedule for Galaxy appears
The old Android logo at Google's Pier 57 building in New York City
Report claims Google may move to 'privately' develop Android's future
Comparing the display size on the Samsung Galaxy S25 with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
What you need to know about One UI 7: Software is hard
Latest in News
The promotional image for Google Workspace feature drops.
The March Workspace feature drop upgrades Gemini's note-taking and translation tools
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display
New leak shows off Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge in 'Titanium' variants
Google discusses trends and AI updates to help people travel this summer.
Google prepares you for a hot summer with new AI updates for traveling
YouTube Music home screen
YouTube Music's personalized radio stations are getting even smarter
The back of the Obsidian Google Pixel 9 Pro
Some Pixel owners had a delayed start, thanks to alarm clock failures
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Home Screen - 16x9
Heads up — Samsung's detailed One UI 7 rollout schedule for Galaxy appears