# Haven - Self-Hosted Chat — Private chat on your server > Self-hosted encrypted chat with voice, video, and extensive themes. (iPhone/iPad app by Anthony Reffelt.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/haven-self-hosted-chat/id6811284639 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Anthony Reffelt](https://appshunter.io/developer/6811284641) - Category: Social Networking, Entertainment - Price: Free - Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings - Age rating: 17+ - Requires: iOS 16.0 · 14 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2026-09-30 - Data updated: 2026-10-24 - Monetization: free ## What is Haven? Haven is private chat for communities that run their own server. Your messages live on a box you control, not on someone else's cloud, and direct messages are end-to-end encrypted so even the server can't read them. END-TO-END ENCRYPTED • Direct messages and group DMs are encrypted on your device (ECDH P-256, HKDF-SHA256, AES-256-GCM) • Pictures and files in encrypted conversations are encrypted too • Group messages are signed, so you can tell who really sent them • Optional encrypted key backup restores your keys with your password CHAT THE WAY YOUR GROUP DOES • Text channels, private channels, DMs and group DMs • Threads, replies, quotes, reactions, custom emoji and stickers • Forums with topics and tags, polls, pinned messages and search • Pictures, video, files and GIFs • Markdown, tables, spoilers and code blocks • Official messages that make staff announcements stand out VOICE AND VIDEO • Drop-in voice channels • Video and screen sharing • Push notifications for mentions and DMs YOUR DATA, YOUR RULES • Delete your own messages, all of them or only those older than a day, a week, a month or a year • Auto-delete your messages after a set time • Export your data as one file • Block people, and see and sign out every device on your account MAKE IT YOURS Dozens of themes, icon packs, adjustable text size and accessibility settings. SELF-HOSTED AND OPEN Haven connects to Haven servers. Run your own on a home PC or a small server, or join a community that already has one. Save several servers and switch between them in a tap. TRY IT FIRST On the connect screen, tap Try the demo for a sample server that runs on your phone. No account needed. Haven is free, with no ads. ## Key features - End-to-end encryption for DMs - Public, private, and DM channels - Voice and video channels - Screen sharing - Customizable themes - Self-hosted server access - On-device demo ## Is Haven safe? Not enough ratings yet to assess Haven. ## Is Haven legit? Haven - Self-Hosted Chat has limited verification signals. The AppsHunter Legitimacy Score for Haven is 58 out of 100 points across 7 verification signals from App Store and developer data. ## Frequently asked questions about Haven ### What is Haven? Haven is a self-hosted, end-to-end encrypted chat application that connects to your own server. It offers features like direct messages, public and private channels, voice and video calls, and extensive theme options. ### Does Haven have ads? No, Haven does not contain advertisements. It is a free application with no in-app purchases or ads. ### What are the requirements to use Haven? To use Haven, you need a Haven server or the on-device demo. The application requires iOS 16 or later and is supported on iPhone and iPad. ### How is Haven different from Discord? Haven's primary difference is its self-hosted nature and end-to-end encryption for direct messages, meaning your data is not stored or harvested by a third party. It also offers a wide range of customizable themes. ### Is Haven suitable for younger users? Haven has an age rating of 17+, indicating it is intended for mature audiences. This is likely due to the nature of self-hosted applications and the potential for user-generated content. ### How often is Haven updated? The latest version of Haven is 8.4.0, and it was last updated on October 8, 2026. This indicates a recent and active development cycle. ### Can I try Haven without setting up a server? Yes, Haven offers an on-device demo accessible from the connect screen. This demo allows you to explore sample channels without needing to set up your own server. ### What encryption methods does Haven use for direct messages? Direct messages in Haven utilize ECDH P-256, HKDF-SHA256, and AES-256-GCM for end-to-end encryption. Keys are generated and stored locally on the device. ## Version history (last 3 releases) ### 8.6.5 — 2026-10-23 • New Data & privacy settings: delete your messages older than a set age, auto-delete, export your data, blocked users and active sessions • Block people from their profile • Group DMs: fixed "could not be verified" when you use two devices • Sending several photos at once no longer arrives broken • The picture viewer no longer hides under the status bar • Tapping an @mention opens that person's profile • Messages from the same person show their name and time again after a 5-minute gap • Read-only channels no longer offer Reply, Quote or Thread to people who can't post • Up to 20 tags per attachment, and numbered lists keep their numbers • If your sign-in expires, the app takes you back to sign-in instead of getting stuck ### 8.4.0 — 2026-10-08 Haven 8.4.0 brings the desktop's newest features to iPhone and iPad. - Self-destructing messages and attachments: tap the flame, pick 30 seconds to 24 hours. - Burn-after-read DMs: the message disappears 30 seconds after it's opened. - A new theme gallery with live previews, plus animated Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Glassy Neon themes. - Messages you send while offline now wait and send when you're back, with tap-to-retry. - Double-tap a message to react with any emoji. - Image spoilers, timestamps, Send later, and account and message deletion in Settings. - Reorganized Settings and better readability on every theme. ### 8.1.0 — 2026-09-30 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Haven | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Loadout: LFG & Find Teammates](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loadout-lfg-and-find-teammates/id6782653590) | — | Free | Social Networking | | [Daccord](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/daccord/id6779929284) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Social Networking | | [chatcoal](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chatcoal/id6760715569) | — | Free | Social Networking | | [FrownX](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/frownx/id6758279463) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Social Networking | | [LarpTown](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/larptown/id6761640455) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Social Networking | | [Conectio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/conectio/id6760540763) | — | Free | Social Networking | ## More apps by Anthony Reffelt - [Amni-Price: Price Scanner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/amni-price-price-scanner/id6820609324) All apps by Anthony Reffelt: https://appshunter.io/developer/6811284641 ## Related topics [the haven](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/the-haven) · [haven](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/haven) · [gaven](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/gaven) · [discord apps](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/discord-apps) --- *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 2026-10-24.*