Keeping your emails secure is more important than ever.
Whether you’re sharing personal info or sensitive work details, encryption ensures that only the intended person can read your message.
If you’ve ever wondered how to send encrypted email, especially through Gmail or Outlook, this guide is for you.Let’s break it down in simple steps so anyone can start sending private, protected emails right away.
What Does Encrypted Email Mean?
Encrypted email is like sending a locked message. Only the person who has the right “key” can unlock and read it. It helps protect your data from hackers, third parties, or even your email provider.
There are two types:
- TLS encryption (used by most major email services): Secures emails while they travel between servers.
- End-to-end encryption: It’s ensures that your message is converted into unreadable code, which only the sender and the intended recipient can unlock and understand.
If privacy is important to you, end-to-end encryption is the best option.
Why Send Encrypted Emails?
Here’s why more people are learning how to send encrypted email:
- You protect private data like bank info, IDs, or contracts.
- Avoid hackers or unauthorized access.
- Meet security rules (like GDPR, HIPAA).
- It’s as easy as clearing your Google search history or deleting YouTube history to protect your privacy.
How to Send Encrypted Email in Gmail
Gmail applies TLS encryption automatically, but it only protects emails if the recipient’s service also supports the same encryption protocol. To get more control, try these two methods.
🔸 1. Gmail Confidential Mode
Perfect for temporary or sensitive messages.
Steps:
- Open Gmail and click Compose.
- Click the lock & clock icon at the bottom.
- Choose an expiration date and passcode settings.
- Click Send.
📌 Note: This doesn’t offer full end-to-end encryption, but it limits what recipients can do (like forwarding or copying).
🔸 2. Use FlowCrypt Extension (End-to-End Encryption)
For stronger encryption, use FlowCrypt:
- Install FlowCrypt from the Chrome Web Store.
- It adds a Secure Compose button inside Gmail.
- When encrypted using PGP, your email is locked with a digital key and can be opened only by the person it’s meant for.
How to Send Encrypted Email in Outlook
Outlook makes it easy — especially if you use Microsoft 365.
🔸 Steps:
- Open a new message.
- Click Options > Encrypt.
- Choose either:
- Encrypt-Only: Encrypts the message.
- Do Not Forward: Encrypts and restricts actions.
- Send the email.
Recipients with Outlook or Microsoft accounts will see the encrypted message directly. Others get a link to view it securely.
❗ Note: These options are not available on free Outlook.com accounts. If you’re using the free version, consider a third-party service or upgrade to Microsoft 365 for built-in encryption.
🛡 Best Secure Email Services (If You Want More Privacy)
Looking for built-in encryption without plugins? Try a dedicated secure email service.
Popular options:
- ProtonMail – Based in Switzerland, end-to-end encrypted.
- Tutanota – Great interface and strong privacy features.
- Mailfence – Includes encryption and digital signatures.
- StartMail – Simple and private, good for everyday use.
These platforms make it easy to send encrypted email — no setup required.
🔒 More Tips for Secure Emailing
- Use strong passwords and enable 2FA (two-factor authentication).
- Don’t send sensitive info over public Wi-Fi.
- Double-check email addresses before sending.
- Encrypt attachments using tools like 7-Zip with a password.
Just like organizing your digital life by clearing YouTube history, encrypted email is another way to take control of your privacy.
Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering how to send encrypted email, now you know it’s easier than ever.
Gmail and Outlook both offer built-in tools, and for even stronger protection, there are great secure email platforms out there.
Start by protecting your inbox — because your email is often the key to everything else online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to send encrypted email in Gmail?
Use confidential mode via the lock icon. It adds restrictions, but it’s not full encryption. For true encryption, use tools like FlowCrypt or PGP.
Can I send encrypted email for free?
Outlook requires a paid plan. Gmail offers limited protection via confidential mode, but not full encryption unless you use a third-party extension.
How to send encrypted email in Outlook?
Outlook’s encryption features like Encrypt-Only and Do Not Forward are available only with a Microsoft 365 subscription. Go to Options > Permissions in a new message to use them.
Why learn how to send encrypted email?
It protects your data from hackers, unauthorized access, and privacy risks.
