Google is preparing to roll out a new security feature in its Messages app that adds another layer of protection against impersonation scams. The update, now available in beta, introduces a QR code system to verify whether the person you are chatting with is using a legitimate device. The move is part of Google’s broader effort to strengthen end-to-end encryption and make it easier for users to confirm the authenticity of their contacts.
Previously, Google Messages allowed users to verify encryption by exchanging and manually comparing an 80-digit code. While effective, the process was cumbersome and rarely used by everyday users. The new QR code option simplifies this verification method by allowing contacts to scan each other’s codes directly. Once scanned, Google can confirm the identity of the devices involved in the conversation and alert users if suspicious or unauthorized activity is detected. This makes it harder for attackers to impersonate contacts or intercept conversations unnoticed.
According to reports, the feature will be available on devices running Android 9 and higher later this year. For those enrolled in the beta program, it can already be found within the Google Messages app. Users can access it by opening a conversation, tapping on the contact’s name, and navigating to the “End-to-end encryption” section under the details menu. Within that menu, the “Verify encryption” option now provides two methods: manually comparing the 80-digit code or scanning a QR code.