Meta has confirmed that it will discontinue end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for certain Instagram chats starting May 8, 2026, a move that could significantly change how messages are handled on the platform. The company informed users through a notice inside the Instagram app, under the Messaging tab within the Instagram Features section.
The notification states that chats currently protected by end-to-end encryption may be affected by the upcoming change. Once the update takes effect, Meta will be able to access messages that were previously shielded by E2EE technology.
Notice inside Instagram app
According to the notice shared by Meta, users whose conversations are impacted will receive instructions on how to download their existing messages and media before the change takes place.
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The company said users will see prompts explaining how they can save their chats. It noted, “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.”
Meta also mentioned that people using an older version of Instagram may need to update the app before they can download the affected conversations.
However, the company has not explained why the end-to-end encryption feature is being removed. It has also not clarified whether similar changes could be introduced on other Meta platforms, such as Facebook Messenger.
How end-to-end encryption works
End-to-end encryption is designed to keep conversations private between the sender and the receiver. When this feature is enabled, messages are protected in such a way that only the devices involved in the conversation can read them.
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Each device participating in an encrypted chat uses a unique digital key. When a message is sent, the sender’s device locks the message using this key. The message can then only be unlocked by the receiver’s device.
The same encryption method is used for text messages, photos, videos and voice messages within these conversations.
For now, Instagram users can continue using end-to-end encrypted chats until May 8, 2026. Meta has said affected users will receive instructions within the app if their conversations are impacted by the upcoming change.
