SubtleCrypto.decrypt()

Secure context
This feature is available only in secure contexts (HTTPS), in some or all supporting browsers.

The decrypt() method of the SubtleCrypto interface decrypts some encrypted data. It takes as arguments a key to decrypt with, some optional extra parameters, and the data to decrypt (also known as "ciphertext"). It returns a Promise which will be fulfilled with the decrypted data (also known as "plaintext").

Syntax

const result = crypto.subtle.decrypt(algorithm, key, data);

Parameters

Return value

Exceptions

The promise is rejected when the following exceptions are encountered:

InvalidAccessError
Raised when the requested operation is not valid for the provided key (e.g. invalid encryption algorithm, or invalid key for the specified encryption algorithm).
OperationError
Raised when the operation failed for an operation-specific reason (e.g. algorithm parameters of invalid sizes, or there was an error decrypting the ciphertext).

Supported algorithms

The decrypt() method supports the same algorithms as the encrypt() method.

Examples

Note: You can try the working examples on GitHub.

RSA-OAEP

This code decrypts ciphertext using RSA-OAEP. See the complete code on GitHub.

function decryptMessage(privateKey, ciphertext) {
  return window.crypto.subtle.decrypt(
    {
      name: "RSA-OAEP"
    },
    privateKey,
    ciphertext
  );
}

AES-CTR

This code decrypts ciphertext using AES in CTR mode. Note that counter must match the value that was used for encryption. See the complete code on GitHub.

function decryptMessage(key, ciphertext) {
  return window.crypto.subtle.decrypt(
    {
      name: "AES-CTR",
      counter,
      length: 64
    },
    key,
    ciphertext
  );
}

AES-CBC

This code decrypts ciphertext using AES in CBC mode. Note that iv must match the value that was used for encryption. See the complete code on GitHub.

function decryptMessage(key, ciphertext) {
  return window.crypto.subtle.decrypt(
    {
      name: "AES-CBC",
      iv: iv
    },
    key,
    ciphertext
  );
}

AES-GCM

This code decrypts ciphertext using AES in GCM mode. Note that iv must match the value that was used for encryption. See the complete code on GitHub.

function decryptMessage(key, ciphertext) {
  return window.crypto.subtle.decrypt(
    {
      name: "AES-GCM",
      iv: iv
    },
    key,
    ciphertext
  );
}

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
Web Cryptography API
The definition of 'SubtleCrypto.decrypt()' in that specification.
Recommendation Initial definition.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
decryptChrome Full support 37Edge Partial support 12
Notes
Partial support 12
Notes
Notes Not supported: AES-CTR.
Firefox Full support 34
Full support 34
No support 32 — 34
Disabled
Disabled From version 32 until version 34 (exclusive): this feature is behind the dom.webcrypto.enabled preference (needs to be set to true). To change preferences in Firefox, visit about:config.
IE Partial support 11
Notes
Partial support 11
Notes
Notes Returns CryptoOperation instead of Promise
Opera Full support 24Safari Full support 7WebView Android Full support 37Chrome Android Full support 37Firefox Android Full support 34
Full support 34
No support 32 — 34
Disabled
Disabled From version 32 until version 34 (exclusive): this feature is behind the dom.webcrypto.enabled preference (needs to be set to true). To change preferences in Firefox, visit about:config.
Opera Android Full support 24Safari iOS Full support 7Samsung Internet Android Full support 6.0

Legend

Full support
Full support
Partial support
Partial support
See implementation notes.
See implementation notes.
User must explicitly enable this feature.
User must explicitly enable this feature.

See also