4 simple ways to protect your texts
Plus: How to make your phone last longer
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The Recommendation

February 3, 2025

How to make sure no one can read your text messages

A phone displaying a message thread on the Signal messaging app.
Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter

It’s pretty easy to secure your texts, and it’s something you might want to consider, because unprotected text messages can be read by wireless companies, law enforcement, or even hackers. One of the most basic steps you can take, according to our security expert? Use an app that offers end-to-end encryption. This form of security jumbles up the contents of a message so that only you and the intended recipients can read them.

The best secure messaging apps, plus more advice for protecting your texts→

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Plus: 6 ways to make your phone last longer

An iPhone with its lockscreen showing in between a blue cloth (left) and several toothpicks (right).
Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter

A few small habits—like not charging your phone to 100%, cleaning the ports, and keeping the software up-to-date—can ensure your phone lasts for as long as possible.

You might not need that upgrade yet→

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They’re perfectly pocket-friendly and wonderfully giftable (and a few of our faves are on sale right now)→

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It might already be in your laundry room→

One last (texting) thing: The best touchscreen winter gloves

Two pairs of hands wearing touchscreen winter gloves while sharing coffee and tapping on smartphone screens.
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

We’ve tested more than 80 pairs of touchscreen gloves over the years. Our experts have found that sadly, no pair is going to let you type a message with total flawless accuracy while also keeping your hands warm for hours on end. But if you need to dash off a quick “On my way!” when it’s cold out, we’ve found a few decent options.

Including some stylish leather gloves→

Thanks for reading.

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