Google has expanded Gmail’s end-to-end encryption feature to Android and iOS devices, making it easier for enterprise users to securely read and send emails without relying on extra tools or external portals.
With this update, users can now handle encrypted emails directly inside the Gmail app, bringing a smoother and more integrated experience across mobile platforms.
Starting this week, encrypted messages sent through Gmail will arrive as standard emails in recipients’ inboxes if they are also using the Gmail app. Even if recipients don’t use Gmail and rely on other email services, they can still access these encrypted messages through a web browser on any device, removing previous compatibility barriers.
Google highlighted that this is the first time users can compose and read fully encrypted emails natively within the Gmail mobile apps. There is no need to install additional applications or switch to separate secure mail portals. Enterprise users with the appropriate E2EE license can send encrypted emails to any recipient, regardless of the email provider they use, making secure communication far more accessible.
The rollout is available to organizations using client-side encryption with Enterprise Plus licenses, along with the Assured Controls or Assured Controls Plus add-ons. Administrators must enable support for Android and iOS devices through the Admin Console before users can start using the feature.
Sending an encrypted email is straightforward. While composing a message, users simply need to click the lock icon and enable the additional encryption option. Once activated, the message is protected using Google’s client-side encryption system.
This encryption model ensures that emails and attachments are encrypted on the sender’s device before being transmitted. The encryption keys are controlled by the organization and stored outside of Google’s servers, meaning neither Google nor any third party can access the content. This approach helps businesses meet strict compliance requirements such as data sovereignty rules, HIPAA regulations, and export controls.
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Google has been gradually rolling out this capability over the past few years. Client-side encryption first appeared in Gmail on the web in late 2022 as a beta feature and later expanded across Workspace tools like Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, and Calendar. It became widely available to enterprise and education customers in early 2023, with a newer encryption model entering beta for Gmail enterprise users in April 2025.
