If you use Arattai Zoho’s homegrown messaging app you’ve probably heard the buzz: end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is finally rolling out. This is a big moment for the app and its users and this week marks the start of a major security upgrade.
In this post, we’ll unpack what’s actually changing, how the rollout will work, why Zoho is doing this now, and what you need to do as an Arattai user.
What’s Changing: The New Encryption Update
End-to-End Encryption for Individual Chats
Zoho is enabling mandatory end-to-end encryption for one-on-one (direct) chats. That means your personal messages on Arattai will be encrypted on your device, sent in a way that only you and the recipient can read them even Zoho won’t be able to decrypt them. This encryption is not optional: it will become a system-wide mandate. According to Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu (co-founder & Chief Scientist), this is a “forced upgrade” because of how deeply the redesign touches the app’s architecture.
Transition of Existing Chats
When the encryption rolls out, existing (unencrypted) chat threads won’t continue in the same way. Instead:
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A new encrypted chat session will be created between you and your contact.
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Your old chat thread doesn’t just disappear it will be archived and become read-only.
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Once the encrypted session is active, you can’t go back to the old thread.
This design ensures that all new messages are protected from the moment encryption is turned on.
Update Is Version-Dependent
To activate this encryption, both you and your chat contact must update the app to the required version:
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On Android, the minimum version is v1.33.6.
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On iOS, you’ll need v1.17.23.
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For desktop, the version should be at least v1.0.7.
If one person is on the newer version and the other isn’t, the chat can still continue for a limited time (about 3 days), after which encryption becomes mandatory.
What About Group Chats?
As of now, group chat encryption is not live yet. Zoho has confirmed that this feature is coming soon, likely in a few weeks.
Encrypted Backups Are Coming
Another important piece: chat backup. When the E2EE rollout happens, encrypted backups are not immediately available. Zoho says it will launch a secure backup option soon possibly within a couple of weeks after the encryption rollout. Until then, some users may need to be careful: if you uninstall or reinstall Arattai before encrypted backups are enabled, there’s a risk of losing chat history.
Why Zoho Is Making This Move And Why It Matters
User Privacy Is a Big Deal
Privacy has become a top concern among messaging app users. With increasing awareness around data security, many people expect their chats to be private by default. Zoho’s move to enable mandatory E2EE underscores that the company is serious about not having access to users’ message content.
Sridhar Vembu has said this encryption upgrade required significant architectural redesign, which shows how committed Zoho is to building encryption deeply into the system.
Responding to Criticism
When Arattai first gained traction, critics pointed out that while calls (voice and video) were encrypted, text chats weren’t fully E2EE. Now, with this update, Zoho addresses that major gap.
The absence of default E2EE earlier made some users wary of the app’s privacy credentials especially compared to more established secure messengers. The new encryption system helps build trust and aligns Arattai with user expectations around message security.
Strategic Positioning
Arattai is often pitched as a “homegrown alternative to WhatsApp.” By rolling out E2EE, Zoho strengthens its positioning in a competitive market. This move could help Arattai attract users who care about privacy as much as functionality.
Long-Term Vision
Vembu has hinted that this encryption rollout is just one part of a bigger transformation. According to him, once the security layer is stable, more features are coming features that could deepen Arattai’s role as a secure, trusted messaging platform.
There’s also talk of integrating Arattai with other services in Zoho’s ecosystem, making it more than a simple messenger.
The Rollout Timeline: What’s Happening This Week
Here’s how things are expected to unfold based on Zoho’s public statements:
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Update Your App: Users are being strongly urged to get the latest version from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
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Encryption Switch Flips: The E2EE feature will be enabled Tuesday night IST.
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Transition Period: After rolling out, there’s a 3-day window during which old, non-encrypted chats can still be used, if either party hasn’t updated yet.
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Auto-Upgrade to Encrypted Chat: After that grace period, all relevant chats (where both users are on updated app) get migrated to the new encrypted session.
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Old Chat Threads Archived: Non-encrypted older threads will remain, but they’ll be archived and read-only.
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Next Phase – Group Chats: In the coming weeks, group chat encryption will be rolled out.
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Encrypted Backup Coming Soon: Secure backup option will go live within a few weeks.
What Users Need to Do Right Now
If you use Arattai, here’s a practical checklist to make sure you’re ready for this upgrade:
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Update Your App Immediately
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Head to the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) and install the latest version.
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Also update on desktop if that’s how you use Arattai.
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Tell Your Contacts to Update
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Because encryption only works when both parties are on the required versions, encourage your family, friends, and frequent contacts to update too.
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This avoids the risk that the encryption rollout breaks your ability to keep chatting securely.
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Backup Important Chats (if Possible)
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While encrypted backups aren’t live yet, consider manually backing up important conversations before uninstalling or reinstalling.
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Once encrypted backup launches, use it to secure your E2EE conversations.
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Be Ready for the Migration
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After encryption is enabled, your app will archive old threads and move your chat to a secure session.
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Don’t worry if you don’t see your old messages in the same place they’re still there, just archived.
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Be Patient
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This is a “drastic change,” as Vembu himself put it.
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There may be minor bugs or UI quirks as the system adapts Zoho has done internal testing with thousands of employees, but real-world rollout is always messier.
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Give feedback if something feels off; this upgrade is a critical step for the app’s future.
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Why This Matters in the Bigger Picture
Strengthening Indian Tech Sovereignty
Arattai is not just another chat app it’s Zoho’s homegrown answer to global giants like WhatsApp. By making encryption mandatory, Zoho reinforces its commitment to building privacy-first Indian technology. In a world where data sovereignty and privacy are getting more attention, this is a powerful statement.
Tackling User Trust Issues
Many users were hesitant to fully embrace Arattai because text messages weren’t end-to-end encrypted before. This update is a major trust builder the kind that could help Arattai regain momentum, especially among users who prioritize data security.
Leveling the Playing Field
With E2EE, Arattai moves into the same security league as well-known encrypted messaging platforms like Signal or WhatsApp. This may help Zoho attract more privacy-conscious users and compete more strongly in the Indian market.
A Foundation for Future Features
This encryption rollout is foundational. Once the backbone is secure, Zoho can safely build more advanced features (like encrypted backups, group encryption, or even integration with other Zoho services) without jeopardizing user privacy. It’s not just about making the app safer now it’s about preparing it for long-term relevance.
Risks, Concerns & Things to Watch
While this is bold and promising, there are also challenges and users should be aware.
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Backup Risk: Until encrypted backup is available, there’s a real risk of losing chat history if you uninstall or reinstall Arattai.
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Group Chats Delay: Group chats still don’t have E2EE yet. For many people, group conversations constitute a large portion of messaging. The delay could frustrate users.
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Migration Friction: Forcing everyone to upgrade means some users may face difficulties, especially those on older or less powerful devices.
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Expectation Management: Some users might expect encryption + backup + all features immediately, but Zoho is rolling this out step-by-step.
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User Communication: Zoho needs to clearly communicate what is happening so users don’t get confused or lose trust during the transition.
A Turning Point for Arattai
To sum up: this week marks a big turning point for Arattai. What started as a feature request or optional encryption is now becoming a core part of the app’s identity. Mandatory end-to-end encryption for individual chats is set to launch, signaling Zoho’s commitment to privacy and data protection.
For users, the message is clear: update now. Don’t delay if you want your messages secured under E2EE, both you and your contacts must be on the latest version. And it’s not just about security for today this change paves the way for more encrypted features down the line. If Zoho pulls this off smoothly, Arattai has the potential to become not just a “made-in-India WhatsApp alternative,” but a trusted, privacy-first platform for millions. If it stumbles, though, the migration friction or confusion could erode trust. Either way, this is one of Arattai’s biggest moments yet. To know more subscribe Jatininfo.in now.
