Protect messages with confidential mode

Need to send sensitive content to people? With confidential mode in Gmail, you can protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Set an expiration date for messages, revoke access to messages and attachments at any time, and disable recipients' access to forward, copy, print, and download material.

Note: Confidential mode helps prevent recipients from accidentally sharing your email. However, it doesn't prevent recipients from taking screenshots or photos of your messages or attachments. Recipients who have malicious programs on their computer might still be able to copy or download your messages or attachments.

Important: Confidential mode messages can't be scheduled to send later.

Use confidential mode to send messages and attachments

1. Open Gmail and click Compose .

   You might see Compose  instead.

2. At the bottom of the window, click Turn confidential mode on .

   Note: If you already turned on confidential mode for an email you’re drafting, open the email and click Edit.

3. Under Set Expiration, click the Down arrow  and select a date.
4. Under Require Passcode, choose an option:    
   • No SMS passcode—If a recipient uses Gmail, they can open the message directly. Recipients who don't use Gmail get a passcode by email.
   • SMS passcode—Enter the recipient’s phone number. A passcode will be sent by text message.
5. Click Save.
6. If you’ve selected SMS passcode, enter your recipient’s phone number.
7. Click Send.

Open an email sent with confidential mode

If you use Gmail:

1. Go to Gmail and open the message.
2. If you don’t need an SMS passcode, you will see the email when you open it. If you use another email client, open the email, click View the email and sign in with your Google Account to view the message.
3. If you need an SMS passcode:    
   1. Click Send passcode.
   2. Check your phone for the passcode.
   3. Enter the passcode and click Submit.

If you use another email provider:

1. Open the email and click View the email.
2. In the new page that opens, click Send passcode. You’ll be asked to confirm your identity by entering the passcode sent to you in a text message or by email.
3. Check your phone or email for the passcode.
4. Enter the passcode and click Submit.