Messages Makes Security Simple with QR Codes
Google is rolling out a new QR code–based key verification feature in its Messages app to enhance user security. Previously, identity verification required manually matching an 80-digit code, but now users can simply scan each other’s QR codes to confirm identity, according to PhoneArena.
The process is straightforward: open a conversation, tap on the contact’s name to access the ‘Details’ page, and then select the “Verify Encryption” option to scan the QR code. Once both parties complete the scan, the verified key status will appear under the “Connected Apps” section in the Google Contacts app.
However, the old 80-digit verification code has not been removed; it can still be accessed through the “Compare Verification Codes” option.
Currently, the new feature is available in the Google Messages beta version and will roll out to Android 9 and later versions in 2025. In the future, this unified public key verification system will also be extended to third-party apps.
