Looking for a more secure way to send emails in gmail ? There is a little-known feature of Google's messaging service: confidential mode. "Confidential mode" is designed so that only the actual recipient, and only them, can see your message.
What is Gmail confidential mode?
Gmail's confidential mode is a system that allows you to protect a message you send. The recipient will have to use a code to open your message and will not be able to share it in an unauthorized way.
So, after sending your message, the recipient will receive an email telling them that a confidential message is waiting for them. Your message will not appear in your recipient's mailbox but will be stored on Google's servers.
This mode also allows you to set a message validity date, revoke access to the message at any time, specify an access code, etc. and it is therefore impossible for the recipient to transfer, copy, print or download the content of the message or its attachments. Of course, this does not prevent them from taking a photo or a screenshot!
How to send a confidential email with Gmail
To send an email in confidential mode, the first thing to do is to create a new message in Gmail as you usually do.
In the bar at the very bottom of the message composer, you will see a little to the right of the blue "Send" button, a padlock icon with a clock. This is the button to activate confidential mode.
If you're like me, you probably never noticed this feature that's right in front of you with every email you send.
So click on this button to bring up the confidential mode options. This way, you will be able to set an expiration time for your message and define the mode for sending the secret code.
If you choose the "Secret code received by SMS" option, you will need to specify the recipient's phone number. The recipient will receive a code to access the message. Otherwise, your recipient will only receive an email with a link to access your message.
Revoke access to a confidential message
To revoke access to a confidential message you sent, find it in your sent messages in your Gmail inbox.
Click on the message. In the message you should have a "Revoke Access" button. If you click on it, your recipient will no longer be able to open your message.
There you go !
More Gmail Tips
Looking for more Gmail tips? Here are a few:
- Find and delete your old emails
- Change the name you send emails with
- Recall an email with Gmail
- Schedule an email to be sent
Article updated on May 27, 2022 by Byothe
