Setup FlowCrypt

First download and install FlowCrypt extension for your browser (Chrome, Firefox). To setup the extension it will require access to your Gmail account.

Step 1 — Required Permissions by FlowCrypt.

Upon allowing the permissions, it will allow you to Create a New Key or Enter an Existing.

Step 2 — Recover using existing key or Start Fresh.

For this example, I am going to create a new key and follow through the process.

Step 3 — Pick a good passphrase. Please don’t use the same password as your Gmail account.

The next step is what I think is the most important one. Backing up the generated key. Pick one of the top two options that you think will suit you best.

Step 4 — Pick your backup option.

You could use option three if you just want to test and don’t really care about not being able to recover. Remember that if you remove the extension, the setup will also be removed and you will need to recover.

After you pick your backup option — you are ready to send and receive encrypted emails via Gmail.

Step 5 — Done.

At this point you can browse FlowCrypt’s interface and get to know it a little better.

Next time you visit your Gmail account in a browser where FlowCrypt extension is setup, you will see a new Secure Compose button.

Ready to send encrypted email.

To prove that the encryption works in Gmail, FlowCrypt will send you an encrypted email which Gmail is not able to receive.

Red — Encrypted email

Not to worry — you remember your chosen passphrase and you can use it to decrypt the email.