This was noticed towards the end of last year, and it’s a development that could enhance the security of your chats.
What you need to know:
– A report indicates that a new Google Messages beta has introduced the company’s QR code-based verification keys on Android devices.
– The Android System Key Verifier serves as the foundation for this, allowing users to scan a QR code on each other’s devices to confirm that their texts remain private between them.
– This capability was previously mentioned in November 2024 and was described as a way to further secure users’ RCS chats, ensuring that their messages are exclusive to them and their contacts.
Google has been reportedly developing a fresh approach for users to protect their RCS chats, and it seems that progress is emerging in beta.
A post from 9to5Google emphasizes the presence of a new Google Messages beta, which purportedly includes the company’s latest QR code-based key verification feature. While the backbone of this is the Android System Key Verifier, 9to5 highlights that beta testers should locate a “Security & Privacy” sub-menu when selecting “verify encryption” within one of their RCS messaging threads.
While attempting verification, the post mentions that users should see a pop-up for “verify keys for this contact,” which literally contains the key to enhanced RCS chat security. A prominent “Your QR Code” button is positioned in the middle of this sub-menu, indicating which app/phone number the code will help verify and secure. The QR code functions reciprocally, requiring users to have their contacts scan their code and vice versa.
Alternatively, users can compare verification codes, which is essentially the sole function you’d currently discover in the Messages app if you were to verify chats.
The publication’s testing has also revealed that the Android System Key Verifier will initiate the scanning process, complete with a colorful viewfinder.
Ensure it’s the right individual
We initially learned about Google allegedly developing an enhanced method for verifying your RCS chats back in November. The Android System Key Verifier acts as the driving force behind this, appearing as an app (that should already exist on your device) that can secure your RCS chats with encryption keys. As noted by 9to5, Google’s explanation regarding these keys states that they “help ensure only you and your contact can read the RCS messages you send each other.”
These keys are then exchanged through the QR codes that you and your friend or family member scan on each other’s phones.
Last fall, it was speculated that these QR codes assist in identifying one another, guaranteeing that only you and the person you are texting have access to those messages. It was also mentioned that this feature would only function on devices operating on Android 10 or newer. Furthermore, the genuine possibility of someone acquiring a new phone was highlighted.
In such an event, it is likely that the verification keys would no longer match, requiring users to repeat the QR code scanning procedure. Since this feature has just been identified in beta, we may be a few months away from its official release. The Android 16’s QPR2 Beta 1 has just been issued; perhaps we can anticipate this Messages feature to launch around then, likely toward December.
