Google continues to continually innovate its apps. Last year, a preview of QR code-based key authentication was introduced for the Google Messages app. Now, the feature is officially rolling out. Here are the details.
Security is improving in Google Messages
The new QR code-based key authentication feature is available to ensure you’re communicating with the person you want to communicate with. Once the feature is available, you can access details by opening a conversation in Google Messages and tapping their name in the app bar.
The app currently offers “end-to-end encryption,” but tapping “Verify encryption” previously only displayed an 80-digit code. Now, a more advanced “Security & Privacy” page opens with the option to “Verify keys for this person.”
Google explains the feature as follows:
- Why should you verify keys? This helps ensure that only you and the other person can read the RCS messages you send.
- How are keys verified? Scan the QR code on your contact’s device. Then ask them to scan the QR code on your device.
- Verification status: You can view the status of your verified keys by going to the “Connected apps” section in the Contacts app.
Tapping “Your QR code” opens the “Verification for Google Messages” app installed on your device. Currently, the Google Contacts app integration is not yet active.
However, the “Scan contact’s QR code” option on the page opens the “Android System Key Verification” app already installed on your device. The old 80-digit code option is still available by tapping “Compare verification codes” on the page.
We last saw this QR code-based key verification feature in the Google Messages beta. It’s not yet in the stable version. Last year, Google said this feature would be coming to Android 9 and above devices in 2025. This “unified system for public key verification” will also be available for third-party apps.
So, what are your thoughts on this? Share your thoughts in the comments.
