How to Turn on Contact Key Verification for your iMessage Chats on iPhone
It ensures your iMessage chats are secure from interception or spoofing.
It was eye-opening when I found out there was another way to ensure your privacy in iMessage not just through Apple’s standard encryption, but with something more hands-on: Contact Key Verification.
Think of it like a security checkpoint for your chats. It helps you confirm that you’re messaging the right person and that no one’s secretly snooping. Once enabled, Apple gives you a unique code for each iMessage contact, which you can verify manually either in person, over a phone call, or on FaceTime.
And it doesn’t stop there. If you or your contact ever add a new device to your Apple Account (formerly Apple ID), the other person gets a notification. That way, you’ll always know exactly which devices can read your conversations.
This feature is built for high-risk scenarios, like activists, journalists, or anyone dealing with sensitive info—but it’s equally useful if you just care about keeping your messages locked down. Here’s how to turn it on and stay in full control of your iMessage privacy.
Before You Start: What You Need for Contact Key Verification
Alright, before you dive into using Contact Key Verification (CKV) in iMessage, there are a few important things to check off your list. Make sure you have these ready:
- Up-to-Date Software: All your Apple devices (like your iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac) that use iMessage need to be running the latest software, that's at least iOS 17.2, watchOS 9.2, and macOS 14.2, or newer.
- Signed In: Your iPhone must be signed in with your Apple Account.
- iMessage Active: Make sure iMessage is turned on on your iPhone.
- iCloud Sync On: Both iCloud Keychain and Contacts need to be enabled on all your Apple devices.
- Device Security: You must use a passcode or password on your iPhone.
- Strong Apple Account Security: Two-factor authentication needs to be turned on for your Apple Account.
How to Turn on Contact Key Verification in iPhone
Step 1: Go to Settings on your iPhone and tap your name (or Apple Account)
Step 2: In your Apple Account settings, scroll down and tap Contact Key Verification
Step 3: Turn on the toggle for Verification in iMessage
Step 4: Select Continue
Step 5: Contact Key Verification will now be active. To confirm or share your verification code, simply tap Show Public Verification Code
Conclusion
Privacy isn’t just about keeping things out, it’s about knowing who’s in. With Contact Key Verification, Apple gives you an extra layer of trust in your conversations.
It might feel like a small step, but for those who value certainty in their digital life, it’s one worth taking. Whether you’re sharing everyday messages or something more sensitive, it’s one more way to keep your side of the chat fully yours.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
