Instagram, the social media platform owned by Meta, said it will stop supporting end-to-end encrypted chats starting May 8, 2026. Users who enabled the feature can download messages and media they want to keep.
The change affects conversations protected by end-to-end encryption, a security feature that ensures only devices holding the correct cryptographic keys can read messages or access shared media. Once the feature is discontinued, encrypted conversations stored under the system may no longer be accessible.
“If you have chats that are impacted by this change, you will see instructions on how you can download any media or messages you may want to keep,” the company said in its Help Center.
End-to-end encryption works by assigning each device in a conversation a unique security key. These keys protect messages, calls, and shared media such as photos, videos, and files. Participants can also compare keys with one another to verify that messages and calls remain secure.
Users who want to retain copies of their encrypted conversations can download the data from secure storage. Instagram said the downloadable archive may include messages sent and received, along with attachments such as files, images, and other media exchanged within encrypted chats.
Some users may need to update the Instagram app before requesting their data, particularly if they are using an older version that does not support the download process.
Users who have enabled secure storage can request a copy of their encrypted messages by following these steps:
- Click Menu in the bottom-left corner of Instagram.
- Select Your Activity.
- Scroll down and click Download End-to-end Encrypted Data.
- Click Next.
- If the device is not authenticated, enter your PIN.
- Enter your Instagram account password.
- Click Request download.
Once the request is processed, the data file will be prepared and made available for download through a web browser.
