Back in May, Google rolled out an update for Gmail that introduced desktop users to “Confidential Mode,” and now that feature is coming to the Android version as well.
The official Twitter account of Gmail has confirmed that the feature is indeed coming to mobile. It lets users put a self-destruct mechanism to conversations to “protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.”
Gmail Confidential Mode: What Is It For?
With Confidential Mode, users can set an expiration date to all emails, similar to a Snapchat message, and they can also revoke access to a confidential email at any time. The recipient can’t copy, forward, print, or download an email that’s marked as confidential, although there’s no preventing them from taking screenshots.
As added protection, Google also gives users the option of requiring an SMS passcode to open a particular message. When this is enabled, the recipient will get a text message containing the passcode, and they have to enter it to unlock the email.
Those sound pretty excellent security features, sure, but someone who needs that amount of protection probably won’t use Gmail in the first place. There are a number of email clients and messaging platforms focused on security, such as Signal, and they’re arguably more sophisticated solutions than Google’s own approach. That being said, billions of people use Gmail every day, and most of them aren’t tech-savvy enough to seek out third-party apps. As such, they’ll be thoroughly pleased with what Confidential Mode has to offer.
Newly Designed Gmail
Confidential Mode was added as part of the new Gmail, which was released earlier this year. Alongside brand-new features built on top of artificial intelligence and machine learning, Google also ushered in an entirely new look for the email client, repainting Gmail with a Material Design flair.
How To Use Confidential Mode On Gmail
Users can check out Google’s support page for instructions on how to send and view emails tagged as confidential. Enabling Confidential Mode is as easy as toggling on the new lock icon, now found within the compose screen, then fine-tuning some options, such as the expiration date or whether the user wants to add an SMS passcode.
The new feature is available now, no need to update the Gmail app, as GSMArena notes. Google didn’t say when the feature will roll out to iOS users, but there’s no reason it won’t come eventually.
