How to Verify Devices

Verify your devices & set up recovery

From April 2026, insecure devices will no longer be able to send and receive messages. We're making this change to further increase the security of our product.

As a result, you must make sure your devices are verified if you would like to continue using them after the deadline.

To find out more about why we are excluding insecure devices from conversations, read our recent Blog post about Device Verification.

What action is required?

If you’re already used to verifying your devices, and you have your recovery key safely stored somewhere, no action is required.

If you don't fall into the category above, follow these steps:

Check if your devices are verified
Verify any unverified devices

Check if your devices are verified

The way you check if a device is verified differs depending on which platform you are using. Find the correct platform below and follow the relevant steps.

Note: Use the Element Web instructions if you are using Element in a browser or you have downloaded Element app onto your Windows/macOS/Linux computer.

Platform	Instructions	Verified screengrab
Element Web	Click on your profile avatar in the top left corner > All Settings > Sessions. In the Current session section, a green shield should be displayed.
Android (Element Classic app)	Tap on your profile avatar in the top left corner > Security & Privacy > Show All Sessions. If the current session shows a green shield, it is verified.
iOS (Element Classic app)	Tap on your profile avatar in the top left corner > User Settings > Security. In the MY SESSIONS list, look at the one in bold. It should have a green shield.
Element X or Element Pro app (Android & iOS)	Verification is a mandatory part of the login process on Element X and Element Pro mobile apps already.	(There is no screengrab here as device verification is mandatory on Element X and Element Pro)

Verify your unverified devices

If your devices are verified (see previous section for how to check this), no further action is required.

If you had an unverified device that you want to continue using after the deadline, you must verify it:

Using another verified device (if you have one)
Using your recovery key (if you have set up recovery - see below for how to do this)

Verify using another verified device

Verified devices can be used to verify unverified devices. To begin the verification, you must initiate the process from the unverified device. How you initiate the process differs by platform, see below for instructions.

The screengrabs below show the screen of the unverified device where you initiate the verification. Make sure you have the app running and open on the verified device before proceeding.

Note: Follow the Element Web instructions if you are using Element in a browser or you have downloaded Element onto your Windows/macOS/Linux computer.

Platform	Instructions	Screengrab (on Unverified Device)
Element Web	Click on your profile avatar in the top left corner > All Settings > Sessions. In the Current session section, click on the Verify session button and then choose Verify with another device.
Android (Element Classic app)	Tap on your profile avatar in the top left corner > Security & Privacy > Show All Sessions. Click on the current session, then Verify this device > Verify with another device.
iOS (Element Classic app)	Tap on your profile avatar in the top left corner > User Settings > Security. In the MY SESSIONS list, tap on the one in bold. Note: the MY SESSIONS list may take some time to refresh after the verification is complete.

Verify with a recovery key

Note: If you’re unsure whether you have set up recovery please follow the instructions in How to ensure you have a recovery key. This covers the various scenarios, including the worst case scenario when you have no recovery key and no verified device and therefore you have to reset your cryptographic identity (i.e. lose access to your old messages and your contacts are notified of identity change on your account).

Once you have the recovery key, how you use it to verify the device, depends on which platform you are using.

Note: Use the Element Web instructions if you are using Element in a browser or you have downloaded Element onto your Windows/macOS/Linux computer.

Platform	Instructions	Screengrab
Element Web	Click on profile avatar in the top left corner > select All Settings > select Sessions. In the Current session section, click on the Verify session button and then choose Verify with recovery key.
Android (Element Classic app)	Tap on your profile avatar in the top left corner > Security & Privacy > Show All Sessions > tap on the current session > tap on Verify this device > tap on Use a Recovery Passphrase or Key > enter the key > tap Continue.
iOS (Element Classic app)	Tap on your profile avatar in the top left corner > User Settings > Security. In the MY SESSIONS list, tap on the one in bold > Use Security Key > enter the key > tap on Use Key.