# SimpleX Chat: secure messenger — Privacy redefined: no user IDs

> Private messaging network without user identifiers, offering end-to-end encryption. (iPhone/iPad app by SimpleX Chat.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [SimpleX Chat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1605771086)
- Category: Social Networking
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.30/5 from 263 App Store ratings · 170 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 193 MB
- Languages: American English, Bulgarian, Czech, Dutch, Finnish, French (France), German (Germany), Hungarian, Italian, Japanese and 7 more
- Released: 2022-03-08
- Data updated: 2026-08-25
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews.md

## What is SimpleX Chat?

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.

## Key features

- No user identifiers
- End-to-end encrypted messages
- Disappearing messages
- Incognito mode
- Encrypted file and voice messages
- Secret chat groups
- Encrypted portable chat database

## What do users think of SimpleX Chat?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🔒 End-to-end encryption and quantum-resistant security
- 🔐 No phone number or personal data required
- 👤 Anonymous profiles and multiple identities
- 🚀 Fast message delivery when working properly
- 🎯 Decentralized and open-source architecture
- 📱 Cross-platform support (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows)
- 🔄 Disappearing/auto-delete messages
- 💬 Group chat functionality
- 📞 Video and voice calling capabilities
- 🎨 Clean and polished interface
- ⚡ Quick setup process

**Cons**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and instability
- 📬 Delayed or missing notifications (20+ minutes common)
- ⌨️ Keyboard issues on iOS (freezing, unresponsive)
- 🔌 Poor connectivity and message delivery failures
- 📱 iPad version not optimized
- 🎨 Cluttered UI with hard-to-read message posters
- 🔧 Complex user interface for non-technical users
- 📞 Call functionality unreliable with delays
- 🔄 Device migration process tedious and confusing
- ⚙️ Server configuration issues not working properly
- 🐢 Windows desktop version very slow and laggy
- ♿ Poor accessibility for visually impaired users
- 🔊 Audio input selection broken (AirPods incompatible)
- 🔍 Search for groups feature missing or broken
- 🤖 Bots joining private groups without invitation
- 📊 Large group chats (300+ members) extremely buggy

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup (v6.2 update)
- Keyboard unresponsive on iOS 26
- Messages not appearing until app is opened
- Notifications not working despite correct settings
- Chat freezing and lag on iPhone
- QR code scanning not working on iPad
- Desktop-phone sync connection failures
- Auto-delete messages interrupting voice recordings
- Typing inserts extra characters
- iOS 17 keyboard autofill interferes with typing
- Chat object unresponsive but moveable (delete)
- Backup restoration key confirmation fails if contact offline
- Server switching not reflected in chats
- Cannot change sending server for stuck messages
- Connection errors when creating chat links
- Video upload takes hours
- Call notifications appearing in Russian
- Random photo auto-attachment during typing
- Unable to unsend or delete sent attachments

**Most requested features**

- Read receipts option
- Typing indicators
- Bot maker feature like Telegram
- Multiple image attachment with descriptions
- Better emoji reaction selection
- Mac desktop app
- Web app (PWA)
- iPad optimization
- Improved group discovery/search
- Global self-destruct message settings
- Pin photos in group welcome messages
- Chinese input method support
- Ringing tone during calls
- Speakerphone launch option before call pickup

## Recent user reviews (10 of 170)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Notifications

*2026-08-23, version 7.0.1*

The notifications come super late

### 5/5 — Это то что нужно в этом мире сумрака

*2026-08-15*

Работает с впн не оставляет следов чувствительную информацию можно гонять

### 1/5 — The network has been down all day and nothing works

*2026-08-05, version 7.0*

At least Session still works. Guess I'll be using that again until this gets figured out

### 5/5 — Very Good

*2026-08-04, version 7.0*

Should have an option for the non tech savvy people because while this app is EXTREMELY GOOD at its job, i had to play around with the settings so it wouldn’t lag or take forever to send a message let alone half the time I did trial and error to figure out what everything meant. If not, add a developer or advance user interface/option and have short explanations about what certain buttons and settings do. Other than that PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING BESIDES IMPROVEMENTS. It’s already perfectly made and manageable, it’s just a bit too overwhelming for some people who aren’t familiar with servers and relay nodes. Thank you creators and developers and I hope we keep this project strong!!

### 3/5 — I NEED SCREEN SHARING ON IPAD SO BAD

*2026-08-02, version 7.0*

plz add screen sharing on other devices like ipad

### 1/5 — If this were more accessible with VoiceOver, then this would be 5 stars

*2026-07-14, version 6.5.6*

Please fix. Label all buttons and add alt text for images. VoiceOver cannot read messages in a chat thread.

### 5/5 — excellent

*2026-07-11*

installation obligatoire pour se parler en famille et en privé

### 1/5 — Wip

*2026-07-10, version 6.5.6*

Needs a lot of work , iPhone app not a full iPad app, audio calls can be finicky to connect on some devices, video calls are very laggy. Seems ok for text and file transfer, I assume images/videos too. 

Feels somewhat alpha

### 4/5 — UI

*2026-06-21, version 6.5.5*

Chang your UI better

### 5/5 — Sehr gute App

*2026-06-19*

Sprachnachrichten beschleunigen wäre nice! Also Speed x1 , x1,5 und x2

## Frequently asked questions about SimpleX Chat

### What is SimpleX Chat?

SimpleX Chat is a messaging application designed for maximum privacy. It is the first messaging network that does not use any user identifiers, not even random numbers, making it 100% private by design. It offers end-to-end encrypted communication for messages, files, and calls.

### What are the key privacy features of SimpleX Chat?

Key privacy features include the absence of user IDs, end-to-end encrypted messages with editing and deletion, disappearing messages, incognito mode, and secret chat groups where only members know the group exists. Your profile and contacts are stored only on your device.

### How do I connect with people on SimpleX Chat?

You can connect with others by sharing a one-time invitation link or a long-term public address. No phone numbers, emails, or passwords are required to start sending messages instantly.

### Is SimpleX Chat free to use?

Yes, SimpleX Chat is completely free to use. The application does not have in-app purchases or advertisements, and it operates on a free monetization model.

### Can I transfer my chat history to a new device?

Yes, SimpleX Chat features an encrypted portable chat database. This allows you to transfer your chat contacts and history securely to another device, ensuring you don't lose your conversations.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 7.0.1 — 2026-08-19

New in v7.0-7.0.1.

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

### 7.0 — 2026-08-02

New in v7.0.

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

### 6.5.6 — 2026-06-24

New in v6.5-6.5.6.

Public channels - speak freely!
- Reliability: many relays per channel.
- Ownership: you can run your own relays.
- Security: owners hold channel keys.
- Privacy: for owners and subscribers.

Easier to invite your friends: we made connecting simpler for new users.

Safe web links:
- opt-in to send link previews.
- prevent hyperlink phishing.
- remove link tracking.

Non-profit governance: to make SimpleX Network last.

Read more: https://simplex.chat/blog/20260430-simplex-channels-v6-5-consortium-crowdfunding-freedom-of-speech.html

### 6.5.5 — 2026-06-19

New in v6.5-6.5.5.

Public channels - speak freely!
- Reliability: many relays per channel.
- Ownership: you can run your own relays.
- Security: owners hold channel keys.
- Privacy: for owners and subscribers.

Easier to invite your friends: we made connecting simpler for new users.

Safe web links:
- opt-in to send link previews.
- prevent hyperlink phishing.
- remove link tracking.

Non-profit governance: to make SimpleX Network last.

Read more: https://simplex.chat/blog/20260430-simplex-channels-v6-5-consortium-crowdfunding-freedom-of-speech.html

### 6.5.4 — 2026-06-04

New in v6.5-6.5.4.

Public channels - speak freely!
- Reliability: many relays per channel.
- Ownership: you can run your own relays.
- Security: owners hold channel keys.
- Privacy: for owners and subscribers.

Easier to invite your friends: we made connecting simpler for new users.

Safe web links:
- opt-in to send link previews.
- prevent hyperlink phishing.
- remove link tracking.

Non-profit governance: to make SimpleX Network last.

Read more: https://simplex.chat/blog/20260430-simplex-channels-v6-5-consortium-crowdfunding-freedom-of-speech.html

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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 2026-08-25.*