What is WhatsApp End to End Encryption, How does it work?

WhatsApp's End to End Encryption, How does it work?, What happens when you encrypt your WhatsApp?, End to end encryption in whatsapp meaning

 
As soon as you install WhatsApp and log in to your account, something happens in the background:

📁 A folder is created on your phone:

/Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/

This folder is used by WhatsApp to store many files — like media, backups, and logs. But the real magic of encryption happens deep inside this system.

So, Before Start See this… and visualize the behind the scenes


What is Encryption?


Think of encryption like a lock and key system.

There’s a rule:
“The message locked with a public key can only be unlocked with its private key.”

And that’s exactly what WhatsApp does!


What Happens When You Send a Message?

Let’s say you send a message to someone on WhatsApp:

  • WhatsApp uses their public key to lock (encrypt) your message 

  • Only their private key (which is on their phone) can unlock (decrypt) that message 

So even WhatsApp can’t read your message — only the person you're messaging can.


What’s Happening Behind the Scenes?

When you open WhatsApp and give it access to your contacts:

  • WhatsApp checks which of your saved numbers are also using WhatsApp.

  • For each WhatsApp contact, it downloads their public key and stores it securely on your phone.

  • The private key is never shared — it stays hidden and safe in the other person’s phone.

So next time you message them, your app already has what it needs to lock the message just for them.


What About the .shared Folder?

The .shared folder has nothing to do with encryption keys.

It’s only used for media files that you open through WhatsApp — like when you open a PDF using "Open with" from WhatsApp. These files are stored for easy access, not for encryption purposes.


What if Someone Changes Their Private Key?

Let’s say your friend:

  • Gets a new phone

  • Reinstalls WhatsApp

  • Logs in from a new device

In all these cases, WhatsApp creates a new key pair for that person.

When that happens, you’ll see a message like:
“Your security code with +91XXXXXXXXXX has changed.”

This "security code" is like a fingerprint of the person’s new public key.

You can tap this alert to compare or scan the security code — a helpful feature for people who care deeply about privacy, like journalists or activists.


In Shorts: How WhatsApp Keeps Messages Safe

  1. Every user has a public key and a private key.

  2. When you message someone, WhatsApp uses their public key to lock the message.

  3. Only their private key can unlock it.

  4. Even WhatsApp can’t read it — this is called end-to-end encryption.


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