What is end-to-end encryption on Instagram
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End-to-end encrypted messaging on Instagram will no longer be supported after May 8, 2026.
- If you have chats that are impacted by this change, you will see instructions on how you can download any media or messages you may want to keep.
- If you're on an older version of Instagram, you may also need to update the app before you can download your affected chats.
End-to-end encrypted messages and calls ensure only you and the people you're communicating with can see or listen to what is sent, and no one else, not even Meta, can do so. Keep in mind, for reporting and optional features, you or someone in the chat may still choose to share messages with Meta.
How does it work
Every device in an end-to-end encrypted conversation has a special key that’s used to protect the conversation. You can compare keys with someone to check if messages and calls are secured with end-to-end encryption.
When you send a message in an end-to-end encrypted chat, your device locks the message as it's sending. This message can only be unlocked by a device that owns one of the special keys for that chat. The same is true for the content of your video and audio conversations.
No one can read your messages or hear your calls except the people who have these special keys - not even Meta. We couldn't even if we wanted to.
Keep in mind that if you or the receiver of an end-to-end encrypted message or call chooses to share it with someone else outside of the conversation, they’ll be able to see or hear its contents.
Learn more about what happens when you report encrypted messages.
Note: Chat customizations, including chat themes, aren't end-to-end encrypted.
