Apple has been focusing on security for a few years now, and the release of iOS 17.2 comes with all-new features. Contact Key Verification (CKV) is a new iMessage setting that lets you be sure the person you’re sending a message to is who you think they are.
Simply put, this feature is designed to prevent unwanted people from participating in private conversations. Are they simply spying on what’s going on, or are they actively trying to trick you into thinking they’re someone else? You don’t have to worry too much about it, but it’s here to give you peace of mind.
Here’s how to enable iMessage contact key validation in iOS 17.2.
Contact Key Verification is an opt-in setting in iMessage designed to provide automatic alerts when an unverified device is detected. The idea here is that when you set up contact key verification on your iMessage account, each device has its own public verification key.
This warning appears when an unrecognized device suddenly appears in your iMessage account. This suggests that someone has snuck into the conversation in a way that would normally go undetected.
Apple clarified that this type of attack has never occurred before. In short, CKV is an example of Apple being proactive about security measures rather than playing catch-up with malicious actors who actively exploit security holes.
CKV is not a particularly useful feature for the average person. You’re not interested enough to justify the effort required to circumvent Apple’s existing security measures. Instead, it targets common targets such as politicians, journalists, and human rights activists.
There are no disadvantages to enabling contact key validation. When it comes to private messages, you can never be too secure.
Note: This feature only works on iPhones running iOS 17.2 or later.
1. Update your software to iOS 17.2.
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Contact key verification is only available if you’ve upgraded to iOS 17.2 or later. You can check this by visiting: Settings > General > About or instead From “General” to “Software Update” Check for pending upgrades to the OS.
At this time, iOS 17.2 is only available in beta.surely Check out our guide How to install iOS 17 public beta To access updates ahead of public release.
2. Open Settings and tap your name
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Open the Settings appafter that Tap your name Click at the top of the screen to open your Apple ID settings.
3. Scroll down and find “Verify Contact Key”.
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You need to scroll to the bottom of the page. Tap Contact key validation.
4. Turn on (Verify with iMessage) and tap (Continue)
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at the top of the screen, toggle on Confirm with iMessage. A pop-up message will appear regarding contact verification settings. Tap Continue.
4a. Update other Apple devices or disable iMessage
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If you have other Apple devices connected to your Apple ID that don’t yet support contact key verification, you’ll see an error message.
The choices are: Update those devices to the appropriate softwaree, or Disable iMessage on that device — In my case, it’s an iPad. Either option is fine, but requires the following: Please select one to continue.
5. Publish and copy the public authorization code
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Once authentication is set up, you will be able to see your personal authentication code. Tap View public verification code Check the code and Tap Copy verification code You can share it with your contacts.
Contact key validation is now configured. That’s it! Be sure to check out our other iPhone and iOS 17 tutorials. This includes how to trigger live translation with the action button, how to charge his AirPods using reverse charge, how to send callers to voicemail with a single tap, and how to replace the camera lens on the iPhone 15 Pro. Includes methods and more.
