SimpleX Chat - a private & encrypted open-source messenger without any user IDs (not even random ones)!
To send messages, make a secure connection via link or QR code.
SimpleX - the first messaging network without user identifiers of any kind (not even random numbers) - 100% private by design!
Security assessments by Trail of Bits:
2022: https://simplex.chat/blog/20221108-simplex-chat-v4.2-security-audit-new-website.html
2024: https://simplex.chat/blog/20241014-simplex-network-v6-1-security-review-better-calls-user-experience.html
SimpleX Chat features:
- quantum resistant end-to-end encrypted messages, with editing, replies and deletion.
- disappearing messages with opt-out per contact/group.
- message reactions.
- delivery receipts, with opt-out per contact or group.
- multiple chat profiles, with hidden profiles.
- app access and self-destruct passcodes.
- incognito mode - unique to SimpleX Chat.
- end-to-end encrypted images and files.
- voice messages up to 5 minutes – also end-to-end encrypted.
- "live" messages – they update for all recipients as you type them, every few seconds - unique to SimpleX Chat.
- connect via one-time invitation links or via long-term public addresses.
- secret chat groups - only group members know the group exists and who is the member.
- end-to-end encrypted audio and video calls.
- connection security code verification, for contacts and group members – to protect from man-in-the-middle attacks (e.g. invitation link substitution).
- end-to-end encrypted push notifications (they contain only encrypted meta-data, not the actual content).
- encrypted portable chat database - you can transfer your chat contacts and history to another device.
- all local files and media are encrypted by default.
- animated images and "stickers" (e.g., from GIF and PNG files and from 3rd party keyboards).
SimpleX Chat advantages:
- privacy of your identity, profile, contacts and metadata: unlike any other existing messaging platform, SimpleX uses no phone numbers or any other identifiers assigned to the users - not even random numbers. This protects the privacy of who you are communicating with, hiding it from SimpleX platform servers and from any observers.
- complete protection against spam and abuse: as you have no identifier on SimpleX platform, you cannot be contacted unless you share a one-time invitation link or an optional temporary user address.
- full ownership, control and security of your data: SimpleX stores all user data on client devices, the messages are only held temporarily on SimpleX relay servers until they are received.
- decentralized proxied peer-to-peer network: you can use SimpleX Chat via your own relay servers and still communicate with people using pre-configured or any other SimpleX relay servers.
- fully open-source code.
You can connect to anybody you know via link or scan QR code (in the video call or in person) and start sending messages instantly - no emails, phone numbers or passwords needed.
Your profile and contacts are only stored in the app on your device - relay servers do not have access to this information.
All messages are end-to-end encrypted using open-source quantum resistant double-ratchet protocol; the messages are delivered via relay servers using open-source SimpleX Messaging Protocol.
Please send us any questions via the app (connect to the team via the app settings!), email chat@simplex.chat or submit issues on GitHub (https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplex-chat/issues)
Ream more about SimpleX Chat at https://simplex.chat
Get source code in our GitHub repo: https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplex-chat
Follow us on X/Twitter (@SimpleXChat), Reddit (r/SimpleXChat/) and Mastodon (https://mastodon.social/@simplex) for the latest updates.
What happened to Seach For Groups in the app?I cant find it, or it doesn’t work. The names of message “posters” need to be bigger and brighter. Possibly a different colour. It’s so difficult to see who’s posted what.But that is pretty much irrelevant now…This new thing with bots joining private groups, but not being invited… it stinks a bit. I’m not into kiddie porn or anything as pathetic as that, but having a bot reading any of my private conversations. Absolutely NO. I don’t care about the “Why”, I’ll just go elsewhere. You can keep your not-so-privacy app, and stick it where the sun don’t shine.
The only app that really makes the cut
Pauljd70
I’ve been searching for a decent app like this for over a year. I experimented with various apps and using XMPP servers, but there was always some issue that was never quite resolved. Combination of disappearing messages, groups, encrypted chat and support for your own self hosted server is a really great combination. My only criticism is that setting up the server in docker seems very straightforward, but you have to ensure that you read and reread the documentation several times to ensure you understand what’s required to get this working.Definitely give it a go as I don’t think you’ll not be disappointed.
Amazing!
Naculerus
Expecting this to become the go to messaging app for many, as it provides what some will consider a necessity whilst other BIG messaging apps that dress themselves as 'security & privacy' messaging apps don't.- the big game changer for personal use, would be the ability to have a Mac app too. They provide a terminal CLI which could work for other using pc/Mac but many of my friends, acquaintances, and clients are unable to, and having this option would make it so much easier to get them to use this as their primary/only account. - I've already stopped using some 'big' messaging apps (had a few for work) since using this but an app for the Mac would would solve this and would get much more utilised. Hopefully, in the near future this could be a possibility as it grows, that would truly be epic, as I would love to see more people using this.Thank you to the developers for creating such an app. All the very best!
Developer Response
Thank you!
Tried it but confusing
Babybroom1k
Tried this app after using Signal for a while. This app is just way too confusing and is more for people who are technically minded than the average user. Whilst I appreciate the ingenuity behind it (I think?), it’s just not usable for me as I have no idea how to connect with others, add groups or add people to them and then apparently anyone with the link can join. I just can’t get my head around it and can’t see this being a mainstream messenger in the future for this reason. The app is called “Simple”. It is not.
New in v7.0-7.0.2.
SimpleX public names for channels and businesses (BETA).
Better channels:
- Promote subscribers to contributors.
- Publish your channel on your website.
- Verify security code with contributors.
- Wider messages, easier to read.
- Host your own chat relays.
Add a longer description to your profile.
Simplified app settings.
Read more about SimpleX Names: https://simplex.chat/blog/20260722-simplex-public-names.html
Version 7.0.2
The developer, SimpleX Chat, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Privacy practices may vary based, for example, on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
