# Germ DM — Private DMs for Bluesky

> End-to-end encrypted private messenger for Bluesky and ATProtocol users. (iPhone/iPad app by Germ Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/germ-dm/id6446882771 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Germ Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1679507064)
- Category: Social Networking, Productivity
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 19 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 26.0 · 38 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2023-09-20
- Data updated: 2026-08-26
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/germ-dm/id6446882771/reviews.md

## What is Germ DM?

Private conversations, no strings attached.

Germ is a default-closed end-to-end encrypted messenger. Sign in to chat with your Bluesky, Blacksky, and AT Protocol friends—or use a burner card and just share a name and photo. No phone number, no email, no pressure.

Everything in Germ is completely private. It's end-to-end encrypted with post-quantum cryptography on the open source standard Messaging Layer Security. No one can access your content except the people you share it with—not even us. 

Germ DM lets you:

- Share 1:1 texts and voice memos with best-in-class privacy
- Use our App Clip to skip the App Store when launching chats
- Log in with your ATProto account to message with friends from Bluesky, Blacksky, Mu.Social, Skylight, and more. Find your mutuals in Germ or start a chat from your profile on Bluesky
- Build burner cards for friends you’re just getting to know
- Authenticate who your messages are coming from
- Mute groups of conversations at once by managing notifications by which card you shared

Germ is carefully designed to put you in charge of your data and connections, and will never share your information outside your control. 

More features are dropping every month, and we want to hear from you! Find us on Bluesky at @germnetwork.com, or visit our website germnetwork.com for more ways to get in touch. 

Germ Network, Inc. is a proud Public Benefit Corporation.

## Key features

- End-to-end encrypted 1:1 messaging
- Connects to ATProtocol accounts
- Burner cards for temporary contacts
- Authentication of message sources
- Mute group conversations by card
- No phone number or email required

## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/germ-dm/id6446882771/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Privacy is important

*2026-05-24*

Great app for connecting with people while ensuring my chats are private and anonymous. Wish the UI was a bit easier to use

### 1/5 — Unusable..?

*2026-02-20*

Identity Pairing doesn’t work at all, but this DM app is supposed to be used in conjunction with Bluesky?  How?  There seems to be no way to link the two. Using an iPhone 13 Pro Max with iOS 26.3.  I have 2FA on Bluesky, could that be the problem?  Anyway, I don’t foresee using this app anytime soon.

### 5/5 — Good

*2025-11-08*

It’s good! It really is

### 5/5 — Great for making new friends

*2025-09-13*

I just met a new friend at the park who invited me to a pool party and I gave them my germ, I didn’t want to give them my phone number! So excited for this pool party on Sunday, I’ll let you know how it goes<3 review

### 5/5 — Easy to start

*2025-04-22*

Super simple to connect with someone, they don’t even need the app.

### 5/5 — 🌱

*2024-07-18*

The best 💚

## Frequently asked questions about Germ DM

### What is Germ DM?

Germ DM is an end-to-end encrypted messenger designed for private conversations on platforms like Bluesky and ATProtocol. It focuses on user control, consent, and data privacy, allowing you to chat securely without sharing personal contact information.

### How does Germ DM ensure privacy?

Germ DM uses end-to-end encryption based on the open-source Messaging Layer Security standard. This means only you and the recipient can read your messages, and the app does not track or store your conversations.

### Can I use Germ DM without a phone number or email?

Yes, Germ DM is designed to be used without requiring a phone number or email address. This enhances user privacy and makes it easier to connect with others without pressure.

### What are burner cards in Germ DM?

Burner cards are a feature in Germ DM that allows you to create temporary contact methods for people you are just getting to know. This provides an extra layer of privacy and control over who can reach you.

### Does Germ DM have ads?

No, Germ DM does not contain advertisements. The app is free to use and does not rely on ad revenue for its operation.

### What devices does Germ DM support?

Germ DM is currently supported on iPhones. The app is designed to provide a seamless experience on iOS devices.

### How often is Germ DM updated?

Germ DM was last updated on March 12, 2026, with version 3.0.2. The developer states that more features are being added monthly, indicating a commitment to regular updates.

### What is the age rating for Germ DM?

Germ DM has an age rating of 12+. This suggests that the content and features are considered appropriate for users aged 12 and older.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.1.0 — 2026-08-24

Thanks for using Germ DM! This release adds end-to-end encrypted voice memos, with on-device transcription, opt-out auto-deletion, replay, and scrubbing. Plus, UI updates to both light and dark mode.

### 3.0.11 — 2026-08-18

Thanks for using Germ DM! This release contains improvements, bug fixes, and preparatory material for an upcoming release.

### 3.0.10 — 2026-08-11

Thanks for using Germ DM! This release contains bug fixes.

### 3.0.9 — 2026-07-30

Thanks for using Germ DM! With this release, messaging exchanges now default to post-quantum cryptography for users on iOS 26 and later.

### 3.0.8 — 2026-07-20

Thanks for using Germ DM! This release brings the More Friends feature directly to your chats, allowing you to compose new messages to any of your followers accepting new DMs.

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## Related topics

[adhoc dm](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/adhoc-dm)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-26.*