# Startel Secure Messaging Plus

> HIPAA-compliant encrypted messaging with expiring messages and remote wipe. (iPhone/iPad app by Startel Coporation.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startel-secure-messaging-plus/id886055370 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Startel Coporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/479974601)
- Category: Business, Medical
- Price: Free
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 16.6 · 20 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2014-06-22
- Data updated: 2026-08-23
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startel-secure-messaging-plus/id886055370/reviews.md

## What is Startel Secure Messaging Plus?

The Startel Secure Messaging Plus application is a safe and effective way to send and receive HIPAA compliant text messages.  

Message content and attachments are encrypted on servers and on smartphones, and in transmission.  Fully configurable, senders are in complete control of determining the length of message life within a maximum 30 day period. 

Selected features include: expiring messages, voice/image attachment capability, remote wipe capability and device receipt notifications. 

Startel Secure Messaging Plus supports HIPAA and HITECH compliance. 

Users can receive messages across multiple devices using a single login including tablets, smartphones, and personal computers. 

If protecting your sensitive text messages is of importance to you, your organization and your industry – choose right and depend on Startel Secure Messaging Plus.

## Key features

- HIPAA and HITECH compliant
- End-to-end message encryption
- Expiring messages (up to 30 days)
- Voice and image attachments
- Remote wipe capability
- Device receipt notifications
- Multi-device single login

## Recent user reviews (10 of 45)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startel-secure-messaging-plus/id886055370/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Physician Review

*2026-07-12, version 1.3.8*

App works fine, weird that the file action slide is a non intuitive swipe (you can swipe both left and right on a message to reveal different options, however most apps people use do not have this as an option and is not intuitive as an end user), also the app developers should request “Critical Alerts Entitlement” from Apple so I can allow pages to bypass any silence options (I leave me phone on silent so I don’t have to hear a million notifications daily, but would love if I could just receive critical notifications)

### 5/5 — New release solves previous issues

*2026-01-19, version 1.3.8*

We have several hundred providers using the app. Very pleased to report Startel has solved the issues that were reported by other users.

### 1/5 — No copy paste

*2025-07-31, version 1.3.7*

Agree with other reviewers. I’ve always copied and pasted the number into a dialer to conceal my number. Now I can’t with the latest version. I’ll be following up with our answering service on finding an alternative.

### 2/5 — Why

*2025-07-20, version 1.3.7*

This was not a spectacular app to begin with. The most recent update made it look better, especially in dark mode, but now there’s no ability to copy and paste! So if I want to privately call a patient back, my only choice is to manually enter the number, which takes even longer because content is hidden when switching between apps. Tapping the phone number link only lets you use Phone app to call and doesn’t allow you to set the call from your office. I just don’t know why these basic functions aren’t available. And that’s not even getting to bugs like new message flags not going away until you delete the message.

### 2/5 — Can’t copy paste

*2025-07-19, version 1.3.7*

Used to be good. Had the option to copy the phone number and paste it into doximity to make the call from there. With the update, can’t copy anymore.

### 2/5 — Copy gone

*2025-07-10, version 1.3.7*

Pretty much a disaster. As others noted, you can no longer copy from the screen. This is extremely inconvenient since I don't return calls directly from my phone but use another app that displays my office number instead of my personal one.

### 3/5 — Pretty update, lost ability to copy and paste

*2025-06-21*

We’ve been using this app for over five years and has worked fairly well.  It can be inconsistent with notifications at times.  It recently got an aesthetic update but seems to have lost the ability to copy and paste text.  I like to copy the message I received into our EMR.  Startel, please add this functionality back soon!

### 1/5 — Buggy and unuqdated app used by medical professionals for urgent matters. Unacceptable.

*2025-04-27, version 1.3.6*

This app is used by answering services to notify physicians of urgent overnight matters for ER or hospitalized patients. It FAILS at several points:

1. It FAILS with dark mode implementation. If you have dark mode on your system, you will be unable to read any messages or settings. The only solution is to change your phone to light mode. Suggested workaround: set up a shortcut to change to light mode when the app is opened, revert to dark mode when it is closed.

2. This app FAILS to notify you. It is buggy at sending notifications when a call comes in. This can occur when your watch is set up to mirror notifications. But this is not documented anywhere and can take FOREVER to identify with support. Meanwhile ER doctors and patients are waiting with no response from the doctor on call.

When this app works, it is nice that it works as a secure 2-way SMS meaning you can respond to your answering service. But that is not a technical marvel. The fact it fails to do its job and notify you is a HUGE problem. Especially for something that is time-sensitive and can literally be life and death in some situtaitons.

### 1/5 — Does not work with dark mode on iPhone.

*2024-12-17, version 1.3.6*

Does not work with dark mode on iPhone.  Doesn’t seem like they care. There’s no updates unlike other apps.

### 1/5 — Buggiest app ever

*2024-12-04, version 1.3.6*

Goes into dark mode and you cannot even read the message. Fails at its one job of sending you notifications unless you have your phone open (unsure if this only on the iPhone).

## Frequently asked questions about Startel Secure Messaging Plus

### What is Startel Secure Messaging Plus?

Startel Secure Messaging Plus is an application designed for sending and receiving text messages in a secure and HIPAA-compliant manner. It ensures that message content, attachments, and transmission are encrypted to protect sensitive information.

### What are the key security features of this app?

The app offers robust security features including end-to-end encryption for messages and attachments, configurable message expiration up to 30 days, remote wipe capability, and device receipt notifications. It supports both HIPAA and HITECH compliance.

### Is this app free to use?

Based on the provided information, the app is available for free. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or subscription fees, suggesting a free monetization model.

### Can I use this app on multiple devices?

Yes, you can receive messages across multiple devices, including tablets, smartphones, and personal computers, using a single login. This allows for seamless access to your secure messages regardless of the device you are using.

### Who is the target audience for this messaging app?

This app is intended for users who need to protect sensitive text messages, including individuals, organizations, and industries where data privacy and compliance are paramount. It is particularly useful for those who must adhere to HIPAA and HITECH regulations.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.3.8 — 2025-08-25

We have added the feature to copy phone numbers to the clipboard.
   This setting is configured in Profile > Messages.

The app will no longer sign you out if it can't reach the backend server.
   You will be presented with the option to reconnect.

### 1.3.7 — 2025-06-17

SM+ has undergone a comprehensive user interface revamp, incorporating numerous bug fixes and enhancements.

### 1.3.6 — 2019-11-06

- Fixed Repeat Notification tones playing the Apple Default Tone
- Added 6 tones from the Original SM application

### 1.3.5 — 2019-10-22

This version contains the following fixes:
- Fixed the issue of the Push Notification tone regressing back to the default “tap tap” when restarting the application
- Fixed the issue of the In-app tone change being applied to the Push Notification tone and vice versa.

### 1.3.4 — 2019-10-15

- Fixed Remote Notifications not working on iOS 13 devices

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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 2026-08-23.*
