A favorite recent feature for many people in the Gmail design is Google’s Confidential Mode (not available in Gmail Classic). The idea behind Confidential Mode is to allow users to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Using Confidential Mode, you can set an “expiration date” to messages that you send at which time the email will automatically be deleted from the recipient’s inbox. Additionally, you can require a text message code before the recipient can view the message.

Recipients of confidential messages are unable to forward, copy, print, and download confidential emails and attachments. Though users cannot share confidential mail, there is nothing to prevent them from taking screenshots or snapping photos of messages or attachments. Something to keep in mind.

Confidential Mode has recently been made available in both the iOS and Android Gmail apps.

To Send a Confidential Email from Your Computer

1. Log onto Gmail using your Web Browser.
2. Click the Compose button.
3. On the bottom of the message window, click the Turn Confidential Mode On/Off icon.
   
4. Choose the desired expiration date from the drop-down list.
   
5. Click the SMS Passcode radio button to require a passcode before being able to view the message. Recipients will receive a passcode by text message. If you don’t set a passcode, the recipient will be able to open and view the message right away.
   
6. To change Confidential Mode settings for a message, click Edit on the bottom of the message.
   
7. Enter in the recipient’s email address and the message subject in the appropriate boxes.
8. Click Save. You’ll now have an indicator on the bottom of the message window informing you that Confidential Mode is switched on and when will the email’s content will disappear from the recipient’s inbox.
9. If you are requiring an SMS Passcode from your recipient, enter in their telephone number when prompted.
10. Click Send.

To Remove Access Early from a Confidential Message

1. Log onto Gmail using your Web Browser.
2. Click Sent in the left pane to view your sent messages.
3. Click the Confidential Mail to open it.
4. Click the Remove Access link.
   

To Open a Confidential Message

1. Open an email sent with Confidential Mode enabled.
2. Click View the email button.
   
3. Enter the passcode from the text message when prompted.
   

To Send a Confidential Email from iOS or Android

1. Ensure that you are running the latest Gmail app.
2. Tap the red pencil icon to create a new message.
3. Tap the three dots (…) in the upper-right corner of the message window.
   
4. Tap Confidential Mode.
5. Set the Expiration Date.
   
6. To require a passcode, click Standard and then tap SMS passcode. Click Done.
7. Click the checkmark in the upper-right corner of the window. You’ll now have an indicator on the bottom of the message window informing you that Confidential Mode is switched on and when will the email’s content will disappear from the recipient’s inbox.
8. Enter the recipient’s email address and then send the message.

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