Privacy and security are major concerns in text messaging. With data breaches and hacking being common occurrences, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your private conversations. Locking down your text messages prevents snooping eyes from accessing sensitive information and gives you peace of mind. 

Private messaging service

For even stronger privacy, utilize a service designed specifically for private communication. Privnote and Confide are two top options that allow users to send encrypted, self-destructing messages that leave no trace. Privnote is a free online platform that lets you type out a note and get a unique, one-time link to share. Only people with that link can view the note – and it’s automatically deleted after being read once. The message isn’t stored anywhere, offering unmatched privacy.

Confide functions similarly but as a specialized app. It generates one-time keys to decrypt blurred-out messages that disappear after reading. Confide also prevents recipients from screenshot ting or copying messages. These services give users CIA-level encryption and discretion.

Set up SMS blocking

how to protect text messages Standard SMS text messaging offers no built-in security. However, you can take steps to lock down your texts from prying eyes on your smartphone. On iOS, enable Touch ID or Face ID to require biometric authentication to view texts. You can also turn off Message Previews to stop texts from displaying on your lock screen. For Android users, apps like TextSecure and Signal offer encrypted SMS capabilities. Otherwise, disable lock screen previews, hide sensitive notifications, and use screen pinning when texting to keep messages private if someone else uses your phone.

Coded or ambiguous language

If you can’t use encrypted apps or services, get creative about how you communicate sensitive information over standard SMS. Use vague or coded language that only the recipient will understand the true meaning of. Come up with code words, inside jokes, fictional references, or ambiguous phrases to discretely refer to private topics. For example, “Should I bring my purple umbrella tonight?” could signify a discreet question without explicitly stating it.

Frequently delete conversations

Another simple SMS security tactic is to periodically delete your text message conversations. This prevents a big log of messages from accumulating and removes traces of sensitive communication. Make it a habit to delete entire chat histories with certain contacts regularly. Or go in and delete specific messages manually if needed. Without a conversation trail, anyone who accesses your phone won’t be able to dig up old private messages.

Use a private number

If you’re concerned about someone seeing texts from a certain contact, use alternate phone numbers. Services like Google Voice and Burner provide disposable numbers you can text from privately. Get a private secondary number not tied to your phone. Give that number to contacts you want to message discreetly. When you’re done with the private number, simply disable or discard it for untraceable communication.