As previewed last year, Google Messages is rolling out an exciting new feature: QR code-based key verification. This enhancement aims to help users confirm that they are “communicating with the person you intend to.” With this update, users can now enhance their security and privacy when sending RCS messages.
To utilize this new feature, simply open a conversation in Google Messages and access the Details page by tapping the contact's name in the app bar. Previously, the End-to-End encryption card displayed an 80-digit code when you tapped “Verify encryption.” Now, a new “Security & privacy” sheet appears, allowing you to “Verify keys for this contact.”
Google has provided a clear explanation on the importance of verifying keys. This process is crucial because it ensures that only you and your contact can read the RCS messages exchanged between you. By verifying keys, you establish a secure communication channel, making it significantly harder for unauthorized parties to intercept your messages.
Verifying keys is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
Scan the QR code displayed on your contact’s device. Ask your contact to scan the QR code displayed on your device.Once you complete these steps, you can check the verification status of the keys you verified by navigating to “Connected apps” in the Contacts app. Here, tapping “Your QR code” will lead you to the “Verification for Google Messages” section.
As of now, the integration with the Google Contacts app is not yet live. However, the new sheet includes its own “Scan contact’s QR code” option, which opens the Android System Key Verification application already installed on your device. For those who prefer the old method, the 80-digit option is still accessible by tapping “Compare verification codes” on the sheet.
This QR code key verification feature is currently being tested in the latest Google Messages beta and has not yet appeared on the stable channel. Google previously announced that this unified system for public key verification is expected to be available for Android 9+ devices in 2025. Additionally, this feature is set to be extended to third-party apps, further enhancing the security landscape for users.
Stay tuned for more updates on Google Messages as the rollout progresses, and ensure that your messaging experience is as secure as possible.
