Why You Should Never Send Passwords Through Messenger Apps

"Just text me the password" — we've all said it at some point.

Wi-Fi passwords, shared account credentials, server login details… When you're in a hurry, sending them through a messenger app feels natural. But most people don't realize just how dangerous this habit is.

What Happens When You Send a Password via Messenger

The moment you send a password through iMessage, Messenger, or any chat app, here's what happens:

1. The password is permanently saved in chat history
2. Copies exist in at least 3 places — your device + their device + the server
3. Anyone can find it using the search function
4. Even if you delete it, it remains on the other person's device

Once a message is sent, you completely lose control over it.

This Actually Happens — Real Scenarios

Scenario 1: Lost Device

9:00 AM — You send a shared account password via Messenger
1:00 PM — Your colleague loses their phone at a café
3:00 PM — Someone finds the phone and checks Messenger
3:05 PM — Searches "password" → every password is exposed

Even with a lock screen, the time before a lost device gets remotely wiped is limited. If passwords sit in plain text in chat history, a single lost phone can expose everything.

Scenario 2: Account Hijacking

Hacker takes over a Messenger account
→ Gains access to entire chat history
→ Searches for "password", "PW", "login", "credentials"
→ Harvests months or years of shared passwords

Account takeovers happen constantly. The first thing hackers do is search chat history for sensitive information.

Scenario 3: Group Chat Mistake

Message intended for the team:
"What should we get for lunch?"

Message actually sent:
"DB password: Prod2026!@# has been changed"
→ Visible to 12 team members + 3 former employees who never left the chat

In group chats, one mistake exposes information to an unintended audience.

"But Isn't My Messenger App Encrypted?"

Many people assume their messages are secure. And yes, most messenger apps use encryption in transit (TLS). But that's not enough.

Encryption in Transit vs End-to-End Encryption

	Encryption in Transit (TLS)	End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)
iMessage	✅ Applied	✅ Applied
Facebook Messenger	✅ Applied	✅ Applied (default since 2023)
Telegram (regular chat)	✅ Applied	❌ Not applied
Telegram (secret chat)	✅ Applied	✅ Applied
WhatsApp	✅ Applied	✅ Applied

The key difference:

• Encryption in transit: Protects data only while moving from your phone → server → their phone. The server can read the content
• End-to-end encryption: Fully encrypted from your phone → their phone. Even the server cannot read it

Even with E2EE, there are still critical weaknesses:

• ❌ Chat history is stored in plain text on the device
• ❌ Screenshots can't be prevented
• ❌ You can't force deletion on the other person's device
• ❌ Lost devices expose existing chat history
• ❌ No expiration — passwords stay in chat forever

A password sent as a message remains accessible indefinitely.

Messenger Security Comparison

Messenger	Default E2EE	Secret/Private Chat	Auto-Delete	Server Storage
iMessage	✅	—	❌	✅ iCloud backup
Facebook Messenger	✅	—	✅ (Vanish mode)	✅ Stored
Telegram	❌	✅	✅ (Timer)	✅ Stored (regular)
WhatsApp	✅	—	✅ (Disappearing)	✅ On backup
Signal	✅	—	✅ (Timer)	❌ Not stored

Only Signal doesn't store messages on its servers. Every other messenger leaves your chat history stored somewhere.

So How Should You Send Passwords?

The Principle: Separate the Link and the Password

The safest approach is to make sure passwords never appear in chat history.

❌ Dangerous:
Messenger: "The server password is Prod2026!@#"

✅ Safe:
Messenger: "Server password link → https://lock.pub/abc123"
SMS/Phone call: "The password is 1234"

This way:

• If Messenger is hacked → only the link is visible, password unknown
• If SMS is leaked → only the password is visible, no context for where to use it
• Both channels must be compromised for access

How to Share Securely with LOCK.PUB

Step 1: Create a Secret Memo

Content to share: Server access info
- Host: prod-server.company.com
- ID: admin
- PW: Str0ng!Pass#2026

Step 2: Set a Password

Password: Simple but unguessable
Expiration: As needed (1 hour to 7 days)

Step 3: Deliver Separately

Messenger → Send only the link
Phone/SMS → Share only the password

Result:

• No passwords in chat history
• Auto-deleted after expiration
• Access tracking available

Direct Messenger vs LOCK.PUB Comparison

	Direct Messenger	LOCK.PUB
Stays in chat history	✅ Permanently	❌ Only link remains
If device is lost	✅ Password exposed	❌ Password required
Deletable	Your device only	✅ Fully deleted from server
Auto-expiration	❌	✅ Time/access limits
Access tracking	❌	✅ Access logs
Searchable	✅ Searchable	❌ Encrypted storage

5 Things You Can Do Right Now

Security habits you can start today:

1. Audit Your Chat History

Search your chat history for "password", "PW", "login", or "credentials". You'll be surprised how much sensitive information you find. Change any exposed passwords immediately.

2. Stop Sending Passwords Directly

Change the habit. When you need to share a password, use a secure tool like LOCK.PUB.

3. Use Different Channels for Link and Password

Never send the link and password in the same messenger. Send the link via Messenger, the password via SMS — this alone dramatically improves security.

4. Set Expiration Times

Give your passwords a shelf life. In most cases, 1 hour is more than enough.

5. Rotate Passwords Regularly

Any password you've ever sent via messenger is already at risk. Make it a habit to change them periodically.

Conclusion

Messenger apps are designed for conversations, not for storing secrets.

iMessage, Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram — no matter which app you use, the moment a password appears in your chat history, it's no longer secure. A lost device, a hacked account, or a server breach — one incident can expose everything.

If you need to share a password, use a method that doesn't leave it in your chat history.

Share Passwords Securely →