Encryption & verification
What the shields and warnings in the chat app mean.
Encrypted and unencrypted rooms
Rooms created on this server are end-to-end encrypted. A room joined from elsewhere might not be. The room header shows Encrypted or Not encrypted; in unencrypted rooms the server and other servers can read messages.
Verification shields
| Indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green shield | You verified this person (or this is your own verified device). |
| Neutral shield | Encrypted, but you haven't verified the person yet. |
| Warning | An unverified device sent this message, or the person's identity changed since you verified them. |
Identity changes
If someone resets their encryption identity — for example after losing all their devices and their recovery key — the app warns you. Confirm with them through another channel before trusting the new identity, then verify again.
"Unable to decrypt" messages
Usually the sending device hasn't shared the key with your device yet, or this is a new device that hasn't restored the key backup. Verify the new device or enter your recovery key to fix it.
Post-quantum
Message encryption uses classical cryptography; connections to the server use hybrid post-quantum key exchange where your browser supports it. See the security page.