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With the recent update to Facebook Messenger's end-to-end encryption, many users are left wondering about the purpose of the PIN feature. In this article, Mytour provides a comprehensive guide on the Messenger PIN on Facebook.
1. Facebook Messenger officially upgrades to end-to-end encryption for all users
In response to data breaches, personal data exploitation, and the growing need for account security, Facebook Messenger has rolled out 'end-to-end encryption.' This security feature, already adopted by other messaging and calling platforms like Zalo, has been eagerly awaited by users. After several rounds of testing, Facebook Messenger officially introduced end-to-end encryption in April 2024.
Initially, end-to-end encryption was an optional feature, allowing users to choose whether to activate it or not. However, Facebook Messenger later made it a mandatory feature, automatically updating the encryption for all accounts. To enable this enhanced security on Messenger, Meta requires users to set up a 6-digit PIN as part of the process. This PIN is used to restore chats and messages on Messenger when logging into the account on a new device.
Therefore, the Messenger PIN is the tool used to restore messages when logging into your Facebook Messenger account on a new device. Without the Messenger PIN, you won’t be able to access your old messages on new devices.
2. A guide to enabling end-to-end encryption (PIN) on Messenger
Today, the PIN-based end-to-end encryption feature is considered a mandatory security feature and is automatically enabled for all accounts. If your account hasn't activated the PIN encryption yet, you can quickly set it up manually.
Note: The end-to-end encryption feature can only be activated on mobile phones.
Step 1: Open the Messenger app on your iPhone or Android phone. Then, select the Options (1)
Step 2: Next, select Privacy & Security ➜ End-to-End Encrypted Chats.
Step 3: To activate the Messenger PIN, select Message Storage ➜ Enable Secure Storage ➜ Create a 6-digit PIN.
Next, enter the PIN you wish to set up for securing Messenger. The PIN needs to be entered twice to ensure consistency and accuracy.
3. How to change your PIN on Messenger
If your Messenger account's end-to-end encryption PIN has been exposed, shared, or is no longer secure, you should proactively change your PIN to enhance security. Security organizations recommend changing your 6-digit PIN every 6 months to boost protection and prevent malicious attacks, data loss, or personal data exploitation.
Step 1: Open the Messenger app, go to the Options (1) tab, and select Settings (2) to access available account security settings.
Step 2: In the Settings window, select Privacy & Security ➜ End-to-End Encrypted Chats.
Step 3: Next, choose Reset PIN and enter your new PIN twice to change your Messenger PIN.
In this article, Mytour has shared all the details about the Messenger PIN. Have a great day!
