# Session - Private Messenger — Privacy you can trust

> Decentralized, end-to-end encrypted private messenger with anonymous account creation. (iPhone/iPad app by The Loki Project.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/session-private-messenger/id1470168868 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [The Loki Project](https://appshunter.io/developer/1465686521)
- Category: Social Networking, Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 4,592 App Store ratings · 693 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 96 MB
- Languages: American English, Afrikaans, Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Baluchi, Basque, Belarusian, Bangla and 65 more
- Released: 2020-02-06
- Data updated: 2026-08-27
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/session-private-messenger/id1470168868/reviews.md

## What is Session?

Session is a new breed of private messenger, built on a unique network of user-operated servers spread all over the world. With no central servers, Session can’t leak or sell your data. And with Session’s private routing protocols, your messages are completely safe. No trackers, no leaks — send messages, not metadata.

• Fully private account creation: No phone number or email needed to create an Account ID

• Decentralized server network: No data breaches, no central point of failure

• No metadata logging: Session doesn't store, track, or log your messaging metadata

• IP address protection: Device IP addresses are never exposed to the person you're talking to or the servers holding your data

• Closed groups: Private, end-to-end encrypted group chats for up to 100 people

• Secure attachments: Share voice snippets, photos, and files with Session's secure encryption and privacy protections

• Free and open-source: Don’t take our word for it — check Session's code yourself

Session is free as in free speech and free as in free of ads and trackers. It is stewarded by the Session Foundation, a Swiss-based foundation dedicated to advancing digital rights and innovation. Take back your online privacy today — download Session.

Want to build from source, report a bug, or just take a look at our code? Check out Session on GitHub: https://github.com/session-foundation/session-ios

## Key features

- Anonymous account creation
- Decentralized server network
- No metadata logging
- IP address protection
- End-to-end encrypted group chats
- Secure file sharing

## Chart rankings

- #110 in Top Free · Social Networking (US App Store)

## What do users think of Session?

Overall sentiment: neutral

**Pros**

- 🔒 Secure and private messaging
- 👍 Clean and intuitive user interface
- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- 🔒 No phone number or personal data required
- 💡 Innovative use of blockchain and Tor network

**Cons**

- 🐛 Unreliable notifications and message delivery
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🐛 Slow media file transfers
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 👎 Limited features compared to competitors

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Messages not syncing across devices
- Inability to join or view group chats
- Attachments and media not loading properly
- Frequent app crashes and freezes

**Most requested features**

- Add voice and video calling
- Implement self-destruct/ephemeral messaging
- Allow customization of chat backgrounds and themes
- Improve group chat functionality
- Add support for multiple accounts/identities

## Recent user reviews (10 of 693)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/session-private-messenger/id1470168868/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Good

*2026-08-20, version 2.15.4*

Love

### 3/5 — Messaging number

*2026-08-16, version 2.15.4*

When you enter the app all the messages sent notification numbers leaves why?

### 1/5 — I can’t

*2026-08-16, version 2.15.4*

I can’t get into my boyfriend text whyyy?? It’s just shows blanks it’s been that way for 2 days

### 1/5 — Bugs.

*2026-08-14, version 2.15.4*

Calls and video calls aren't working.

### 5/5 — Making America Great Again v5

*2026-08-09, version 2.15.4*

To ♾️ and beyond 🚀🚀

### 5/5 — Awesome

*2026-08-09, version 2.15.4*

Awesome

### 1/5 — This app ruins marriages

*2026-07-30, version 2.15.4*

Watch who’s using it to cheat on their spouses

### 5/5 — Good

*2026-07-30, version 2.15.4*

Good

### 5/5 — So private

*2026-07-30, version 2.15.4*

I really enjoy using this app. It’s very secure and easy to use

### 5/5 — very well designed

*2026-07-30, version 2.15.4*

functional app. sometimes it glitches out but it’s good.

## Frequently asked questions about Session

### What is Session - Private Messenger?

Session is a private messenger built on a decentralized network of user-operated servers. It focuses on user privacy by not collecting or selling data, offering anonymous account creation, and protecting IP addresses. It provides end-to-end encrypted messaging and file sharing.

### How does Session protect my privacy?

Session protects your privacy through several key features. It requires no phone number or email for account creation, uses a decentralized server network to prevent data breaches, and does not log any messaging metadata. Your IP address is also hidden from contacts and servers.

### Is Session free to use?

Yes, Session is completely free to use. It is open-source and funded by the Session Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing digital rights. The app is free of ads and trackers.

### What kind of groups can I create?

You can create closed groups for private, end-to-end encrypted group chats. These groups can accommodate up to 100 people, ensuring that your conversations remain secure and confidential.

### Can I share files and media securely?

Yes, Session allows you to securely share voice snippets, photos, and files. All attachments are protected with Session's secure encryption and privacy features, ensuring your shared content remains confidential.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.15.4 — 2026-07-29

• Fixed an issue where some images in Communities couldn't be downloaded
• Fixed a crash which could occur while the app was in the background
• Fixed a couple of Push Notification reliability issues

### 2.15.3 — 2026-07-11

• Updated Donation prompt and info

### 2.15.2 — 2026-04-09

• Updated Donations Prompt

### 2.15.1 — 2026-04-02

• Added support for iOS 26
• Added in a few optimisations to remove some redundant rendering
• Updated to a more modern background task mechanism
• Fixed crash related to the updated networking
• Fixed a number of crashes which have been around for a few versions

### 2.15.0 — 2026-03-27

• Rewrote the networking code to improve stability and performance
• Rewrote the the work scheduling system to support cancellation
• Optimised a number of database queries
• Rebuilt the app settings and conversation settings screens
• Many other stability and performance improvements

## Apps similar to Session

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| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Signal - Private Messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/signal-private-messenger/id874139669) | 4.7 (1,077,317) | Free | Social Networking |
| [WhatsApp Messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997) | 4.7 (18,467,867) | Free | Social Networking |
| [JusTalk - Video Chat & Calls](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/justalk-video-chat-and-calls/id627958823) | 4.4 (74,799) | Free | Social Networking |
| [Messenger VPN: Private Chat](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/messenger-vpn-private-chat/id1404922565) | 4.5 (3,648) | Free | Social Networking |
| [Telegram Messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/telegram-messenger/id686449807) | 4.0 (277,577) | Free | Social Networking |
| [Rakuten Viber Messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rakuten-viber-messenger/id382617920) | 4.6 (831,030) | Free | Social Networking |

## More apps by The Loki Project

- [Loki Wallet](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loki-wallet/id1465686522)
- [Oxen Wallet (Rangeproof)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oxen-wallet-rangeproof/id1547745078)

All apps by The Loki Project: https://appshunter.io/developer/1465686521

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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 2026-08-27.*