Hack of the day: Send email with an expiry date and passcode

'The Times of India' brings you 'Hack of the Day'—a new weekday series of quick, practical solutions to everyday hassles. Each hack is designed to save you time, money or stress, using tools and features within your reach—from government websites to everyday apps. In simple terms, it's simple fixes for smarter living.In an age where sensitive information often travels through email, relying on standard inbox security can feel inadequate. Whether you’re sharing ID proofs, contracts, account details, or confidential offers, the risk of accidental forwarding or long-term access is real. That’s why Google’s Confidential Mode in Gmail is such a valuable tool. It allows you to send emails with an expiry date and, if needed, an SMS passcode, giving you more control over how long your message remains accessible and who can open it. This feature doesn’t replace secure document-handling systems, but it adds an extra layer of protection that makes everyday email exchanges safer and smarter.Confidential Mode helps reduce the risk of sensitive emails being forwarded, copied, or stored indefinitely. It’s a practical way to add friction to misuse while keeping communication simple.1. Open Gmail on your computer or mobile app and compose a new email.2. Tap the More Options menu while drafting.3. Select Confidential Mode.4. Set an expiry date for the email.5. Add an SMS passcode if you want extra security.6. Double-check recipient details before sending.This feature is best for sensitive but everyday exchanges. It adds control but does not encrypt attachments end-to-end, so highly confidential documents should still be shared through secure platforms.