# What is End-to-end encryption?

## Quick answer

A design in which content is encrypted for intended endpoints rather than being readable to an intermediary as part of the normal service.

Updated: 2026-10-31

Canonical: /glossary/end-to-end-encryption

## Limitation

Check provider documentation, key recovery and sharing links. A recipient can still retain a copy.

[Source](https://ente.io/help/photos/faq/sharing-and-collaboration)

## Related terms

- [Encryption](/glossary/encryption)

- [Sharing link](/glossary/sharing-link)

## Questions

### What does End-to-end encryption mean?

A design in which content is encrypted for intended endpoints rather than being readable to an intermediary as part of the normal service.

### What limitation matters?

Check provider documentation, key recovery and sharing links. A recipient can still retain a copy.

## Explore

- [What is Notification preview?](/glossary/notification-preview)

- [What is Screen Time?](/glossary/screen-time)

- [What is Locked note?](/glossary/locked-note)

- [What is Hidden album?](/glossary/hidden-album)

- [What is App Library?](/glossary/app-library)

- [What is Hidden apps folder?](/glossary/hidden-apps-folder)

- [What is Face ID?](/glossary/face-id)

- [What is Device passcode?](/glossary/device-passcode)

- [What is Authentication?](/glossary/authentication)

- [What is Encryption?](/glossary/encryption)

- [What is iCloud Photos?](/glossary/icloud-photos)

- [What is Sharing link?](/glossary/sharing-link)

- [What is Recovery?](/glossary/recovery)

- [What is Photo metadata?](/glossary/photo-metadata)

## Private photo and document storage

For photos and documents you choose to store separately, explore [VaultForYou](https://www.vaultforyou.app/).