How to Tell an Outlook Email is Encrypted

Summary

Encrypted emails in Outlook help protect sensitive information by ensuring only intended recipients can read the message. There are clear indicators in Outlook and for external recipients to show when an email is encrypted.

Body

Outlook: How to Tell If an Email Is Encrypted

 

Before You Begin:

  • You must have access to your UofL email account.
  • Encryption indicators may look different for UofL and non-UofL recipients.

Objective or Task:

Identify if an email message is encrypted in Outlook.

Instructions:

From a UofL Entity to a UofL Entity

  1. Preview the Message in Outlook

    • Look for a red circle with a red horizontal line to the left of the message preview. This icon indicates the email is encrypted.

  2. Read the Message

    • When you open the email a notification will appear above the body of the message stating that the message is protected or encrypted.

From a UofL Entity to a Non-UofL Entity

  1. Open the Encrypted Email

    • The recipient will see a message indicating the email is encrypted and a Read the Message button.

  2. Access the Encrypted Message

    • Click Read the Message. A new browser window will open.

  3. Sign In or Use a One-Time Passcode

    • The recipient can choose to sign in with their email provider (e.g., Google, Yahoo) or select Sign in with a one-time passcode.
    • If using a passcode the recipient will receive an email from Microsoft Office 365 Message Encryption with the subject line Your one-time passcode to view the message.
    • Enter the 8-digit passcode from the email into the browser window and click Continue to view the encrypted message.


       

Outcome:

After following these steps you will be able to recognize when an email is encrypted in Outlook, whether you are a UofL user or an external recipient.

Further Readings:

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Details

Details

Article ID: 20196
Created
Fri 10/10/25 5:45 PM
Modified
Tue 10/14/25 1:50 PM