How to Create a Secure Private Chat
Step-by-step guide to setting up an encrypted vault on LockNKey for secure, private conversations.
Why Create a Secure Chat?
Whether you're discussing business strategy, sharing personal thoughts, or coordinating an event, some conversations deserve extra privacy. A secure, encrypted chat ensures that only the intended participants can read the messages.
Step 1: Go to LockNKey
Visit locknkey.xyz on any device with a web browser. You can also download the PurpleNotes app from the Google Play Store for the mobile experience.
Step 2: Sign In
Click "Login" and sign in with your Google account. This creates your LockNKey session. Your Google account is only used for authentication — we don't link it to your vault activity.
Step 3: Create a New Vault
Click "Create Your Lock" and fill in the form:
Lock Name Choose a name for your vault. This is public — anyone searching for this name can find the vault. But without the key, they can't access it.
Secret Key Create a strong secret key. This is what protects your vault. Tips: - Use at least 8 characters - Mix letters, numbers, and symbols - Don't use dictionary words - Make it unique to this vault
Recovery Question Set up a question only you can answer (e.g., "What was my first car?"). This lets you recover access if you forget your key.
Expiration Choose how long the vault should last: - 1-24 hours for temporary needs - No expiration for permanent vaults
Step 4: Share the Key
Share the lock name and secret key with the people you want to invite. Use a secure channel: - In person - Encrypted message - Phone call
Never share vault keys via unencrypted email or SMS.
Step 5: Start Chatting
Once you've created the vault, you'll be taken to the chat interface. Here you can:
- Send text messages — All encrypted before leaving your device
- Share images — Select from your gallery
- Record voice notes — Tap the mic button
- Use emojis — Tap the smiley icon
Step 6: Manage Your Vault
As the vault creator, you can:
- Change the vault key — Re-encrypt with a new key
- Delete the vault — Remove it permanently
- Set expiry — For temporary conversations
Tips for Secure Chatting
- Keep your key safe — Write it down or use a password manager
- Don't reuse keys — Each vault should have its own key
- Use temporary vaults — For conversations that shouldn't be stored long-term
- Verify participants — Make sure you're sharing keys with the right people
- Test recovery — Make sure your recovery question works
Your Privacy Is in Your Hands
LockNKey gives you the tools for private communication. But security is a shared responsibility. Use strong keys, share them carefully, and choose the right vault settings for your needs.
Start your first secure chat today at locknkey.xyz.