Encryption when linking a new device

Your phone, computer and browser each have their own encryption identity. When you link a new device, Flowsy makes sure your messages go only to the device you actually linked.

Linking with a QR code

The QR code shown on your computer or browser also carries that device’s encryption identity. When you scan the QR code with your phone, your phone saves this identity. If the linked device later tries to come in with a different identity, the link is refused. This way someone in between can’t link a device in your place.

For the steps to scan the QR code, see Link a computer or browser.

Tip: You also approve a sign-in with a phone number or e-mail from your phone. Linking with a QR code additionally has your phone verify the device’s encryption identity, which makes it the safest way.

Transferring your message history

Your old messages reach the new device from your other device. The transfer is encrypted between the two devices, and both devices verify each other’s encryption identity. If the identity can’t be verified, the transfer doesn’t start and a Couldn’t verify the device’s identity warning appears. The Flowsy server can’t read the transferred messages.

The keys needed to open encrypted photos, videos and documents are transferred along with the history. This way you can open your older media on the new device too.

For the transfer steps, see Transfer message history to a new device.

New phone, new identity

When you move to a new phone or reinstall Flowsy, your device gets a new encryption identity. The encryption identity isn’t included in backups; your old messages come from your other device or from your chat backup.

After this change, the people you chat with see a security code changed line in the chat; see Verify the security code.

Removing a device

When you log out of a linked device, that device is removed from your chats and can’t open your messages from then on; see Log out of a linked device.