Using Outlook for iOS with Mobile Encryption for iOS

Products

• Encryption Management Server
• Mobile Encryption for iOS

Issue/Introduction

The Apple Mail app is the default email application for iOS. The Mobile Encryption for iOS System Requirements state that it only supports the Apple Mail app for encryption and decryption of email.

However, even though Outlook for iOS is not officially supported, it is often possible to decrypt messages received with Outlook for iOS.

Note that even if you use Outlook to receive encrypted messages, Mobile Encryption for iOS sends only with the Apple Mail app. Therefore you will need to configure the Apple Mail app for sending.

Please note that Mobile Encryption for iOS reaches EOS (End of Service) on 31 December 2020 and EOL (End of Life) on 31 March 2021.

Environment

• iOS 12.4.1.
• Symantec Mobile Encryption for iOS 2.1.2.
• Microsoft Outlook for iOS 4.0.0.

Resolution

The steps for decrypting a message recieved with Outlook for iOS are as follows:

1. Open the message from your Outlook Inbox.
2. Tap on the Message.pgp attachment. Outlook states: File format is not supported.
3. Tap on the Share icon that is located on the upper right of the page:
   
4. Tap on Share File via...
5. Tap on the Open in... icon:
   
6. Tap on the Copy to Mail Encrypt icon:
   

This launches Mobile Encryption for iOS and decrypts the message.