Password Protected Email: Send Mail Using Gmail Confidential Mode?

Send Password Protected Email in Gmail, How to Send Confidential Email in Gmail, Send Password Protected Email using Gmail Confidential Mode Feature

Emails have eased the way we communicate professionally. They are perhaps the most widely used channel for communication across all organizations. We often deal with confidential or sensitive information.

So, sending confidential or private data over email, it’s always better to count on some extra security measures. Below is how you can send encrypted, password-protected emails on Gmail.

For those unaware, Gmail’s Confidential Mode. As name suggests, it allows you to send Confidential emails that are entirely different than regular emails we are used to sending.

Send Password Protected Email

Gmail added the Confidential Mode feature back in August 2018. When enabled, it locks email with an SMS passcode instead of the traditional password method.

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The emails sent in this mode are hosted on Google’s server and receiver will not be able to forward, copy, print, or download it. Furthermore, you can also set an expiry date and time for the email.

Here’s how you can send password protected Email in Gmail using Confidential Mode feature.

Send Confidential Emails on Computer

You can use Confidential Mode feature in browser and send Password protected Email. Here’s how you can send Password Protected Email on Computer.

  • Open Gmail official website in browser.
  • Log in to your Google account.
  • Click Compose to create a new email (you can find compose in the top left side).
  • Enter recipient’s email address and craft your email as usual.
  • Now, tap the Confidential Mode icon present at the bottom of the compose window (as pointed in the image).
Gmail Confidential Option
Gmail Confidential Mode Option
  • Set an expiry date, time, and passcode for the email.
  • If you choose “No SMS passcode”, the receivers using the Gmail be able to open the email directly while others will be emailed a passcode.
  • On the other hand, if you choose “SMS passcode”, you will be asked to enter the receiver’s phone number where he will get the passcode to unlock the Email.
  • Once done, Click on Save and send the email.
  • Remove access early: Do you want to stop your recipient from viewing the email before the expiration date? Well, go to the “Sent” section in Gmail. Open the sent confidential mail and click “Remove Access”

Send Confidential Emails on Android & iOS

You can also Password Protected Emails in the Gmail App, and use the Confidential mode on Android and iOS. Here’s how you can send Password Protected Email on Android & iOS.

  • Open the Gmail App on your Smartphone.
  • Click Compose to create a new email (you can find compose in the bottom right side).
  • Enter recipient’s email address and craft your email as usual.
  • Click on three-dots menu on the top right side.
  • Now, Select the Confidential mode option.
  • Set an expiry date and passcode requirement for the Email.
  • Click on Save, and now press the send button.
  • The email will be sent using the confidential mode.

How to Open Password Protected Email

If you are on the latest Gmail app, you will directly see the email when you open the App. Whereas, if using another email client, you have to click on the View the email link to view the message. Receivers can see the Email until it expires or until the sender removes access.

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Note: Confidential mode does not block recipients from taking screenshots of your mails. Also, recipients who have malicious programs on their computer may still be able to copy or download your messages or attachments.

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