Gmail Confidential Mode: What Is It and How Can It Help You Secure Your Emails?
A little-known Google function might assist you in sending critical information via Gmail. Confidential Mode is a feature that needs to be enabled manually. Gmail’s confidential mode has been there for a while, but it appears that few people are aware of it. Its main function is to prevent emails from being forwarded, copied, or printed. Additionally, the recipient is unable to download messages or attachments. The recipient of the email, on the other hand, can snap screenshots of it.
According to Google, the confidential mode helps recipients avoid mistakenly sharing messages. However, it also advises that recipients can duplicate or download messages as well as attachments using dangerous software apps.
What does Gmail’s secret mode allow you to do?
You can establish a message expiration date, cancel message access at any time, and need a text verification code to open messages with Gmail confidential mode. In addition, confidential mode communications cannot be sent on a timetable. In simple words, when in confidential mode, you will have complete control over the message you send to someone.
To define the expiration date of a text in confidential mode, go to the Confidential Mode icon (represented by a clock and a lock) then pick the expiration date and SMS passcode (if desired), and then send the message. The expiration date can be set anywhere between one day and five years.
How to Enable Confidential Mode in Gmail
Only the system administrator may enable Gmail confidential mode if you want your work emails to be safe. Otherwise, you can enable this for your own email ID.
Here’s how to go about it:
- Scroll down to Confidential mode in User settings.
- The Enable confidential mode box can be checked or unchecked.
- Make a backup of your modifications.
It’s important to note that the modifications don’t happen right away and can take up to 24 hours.
Incoming confidential mode messages can also be blocked. You’ll need to go to advanced settings in the User settings menu to do so.
Important: Confidential mode prevents recipients from disclosing messages unintentionally. It won’t stop others from screenshotting or photographing your chats or attachments. Malicious software applications can also be used by recipients to copy or download messages and attachments.