Secret Chats: When to Use Them and How They Work

Yapie gives you two kinds of conversations, each with a purpose.

	Regular chat	Secret chat
Readable by the server	Yes (to sync and recover)	No — end-to-end encrypted
On all your devices	Instantly, on sign-in	Only on devices you link
Recoverable if deleted	Yes, via recovery vault	No
Best for	Everyday chats, groups, work	Sensitive conversations

#When to use a secret chat

- Health, legal or financial details. - Passwords or personal ID information (better: don't send them at all). - Journalism, activism or anything where confidentiality is critical. - Personal conversations you never want stored in readable form.

#How to start one

1. Tap the **compose** button. 2. Choose **Secret chat**. 3. Pick the person.

Secret chats show a lock icon. Both people need Yapie on a device that has created encryption keys (this happens automatically).

#Moving secret chats to a new device

Because the keys live only on your devices, a password sign-in won't bring secret chats along. **Link** the new device from one that has them — see [linking a device with a QR code](/blog/link-new-device-qr-code).

#Extra protection

- Add **disappearing messages** so messages delete themselves. - Use **view-once** for sensitive photos. - Turn on **app lock** so nobody can open Yapie on your unlocked phone.

#Limitations to remember

- The other person can still screenshot or show their screen. - If you lose every device holding the keys, secret-chat history is gone for good.

#Frequently asked questions

Are secret chats end-to-end encrypted?

Yes. Only the devices in the conversation hold the keys; the server stores only encrypted data.

Can support recover a deleted secret chat?

No. Secret chats can't be read or restored by anyone except the participants' devices.

Why don't my secret chats appear on my new phone?

Link the new phone from a device that already has your secret chats so the keys are transferred.