# Zhi — A Zero-Trust E2EE IM

> Zero-trust, end-to-end encrypted instant messaging app with pre-shared keys. (iPhone/iPad app by TxThinking, Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zhi/id6737972651 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [TxThinking, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1634589596)
- Category: Social Networking, Utilities
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 8 App Store ratings · 7 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 15.6 · 185 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2024-12-09
- Data updated: 2026-08-20
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zhi/id6737972651/reviews.md

## What is Zhi?

Zhi - A Zero-Trust End-to-End Encrypted Instant Messaging App

- Zhi is based on pre-shared keys, instead of generating keys through server intermediaries like other applications.
- Zhi uses simple network protocols and encoding to more easily audit the content being transferred.
- Zhi replaces metadata with random UUIDs.
- Zhi makes every chat isolated.
- Zhi only supports chatting with friends you've invited or those who have invited you.

Zhi Plus

- Zhi Plus is a subscription service.
- The period of subscription is a about $4.99/month or $49.99/year.
- Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase
- Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period
- Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal
- You can manage subscription in App Store Setting.
- Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable

What's included in Zhi Plus

- You can enable markdown, the text messages you sent will be rendered in Markdown format.
- You can use Meeting that is over TURN and end-to-end encrypted.
- You can send a single text message of 30KB(after encrypted), while free users are limited to 3KB.
- You can enable original image, the images sent will not be compressed and will be sent as original images.
- You can send a single image of 10M, while free users are limited to 2M.
- You can send a single image of 99M, while free users are limited to 10M.
- You can send a single file of 99M, while free users are limited to 10M.
- Unlimited number of Chats, while free users are limited to 100.
- The server indefinitely stores the encrypted messages from Chats of Zhi Plus users. When forwarding the encrypted messages of a Chat, for free users the server will by default save them for 7 days to facilitate the users retrieving messages from the server when they come online from being offline or at other times. Note: The server's cleanup mechanism runs a scheduled cleanup task. If it is detected during the run that there are no Zhi Plus users in the Chat, the encrypted messages from more than 7 days prior within the Chat will be cleared.

About Zhi Plus

Even with the free version of Zhi, normal use is possible, and it does not compromise the feature of end-to-end encryption. Zhi Plus is a paid option that allows paying users access to more generous features, which compensates for some of our server costs, allowing us to continue to keep it free for everyone. By subscribing to Zhi Plus you agree to the policy and terms below.

Standard Apple Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Terms of Service: https://www.txthinking.com/terms.html
Privacy Policy: https://www.txthinking.com/privacy.html

## Key features

- Zero-trust end-to-end encryption
- Pre-shared key authentication
- Isolated chat environments
- Invite-only friend system
- Optional subscription for enhanced features
- Markdown support for messages

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Zhi Plus Month | $4.99 | per month |
| Zhi Plus Year | $49.99 | per year |


## Recent user reviews (7 of 7)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zhi/id6737972651/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Great

*2026-08-03*

So best IM for zero trust.

### 5/5 — The future IM

*2026-03-08*

Everyone should change your IM to Zhi, it is the future. You shouldn’t need to trust the server, because it is transparent and zero trust.

### 5/5 — 非常强大

*2026-03-06*

可以自己编程写机器人，密钥不经过服务器，零信任，以后都不要用那些内容经过第三方服务器的机器人了。

### 5/5 — Programmable IM

*2025-08-28*

A really programmable IM that can do anything I want.

### 5/5 — 看起来很高级

*2025-08-16*

不是很懂，看博客挺技术范，适合私密团队用？

### 5/5 — Trusted IM

*2024-12-10*

A truly E2EE IM, unlike Signal and WhatsApp use their server to exchange key. In Zhi, your key will never leave your device.

### 5/5 — E2EE

*2024-12-09*

A truely end-to-end encrypted instant messaging app if you don’t trust WhatsApp.

## Frequently asked questions about Zhi

### What makes Zhi's encryption different?

Zhi uses pre-shared keys for its zero-trust, end-to-end encryption, unlike other apps that rely on server intermediaries for key generation. This approach enhances security by removing a central point of trust.

### How does Zhi handle chat isolation?

Every chat in Zhi is isolated, meaning conversations are kept separate and secure. This design prevents cross-contamination of data between different conversations.

### Can I use Zhi to chat with anyone?

Zhi only supports chatting with friends you've invited or those who have invited you. This controlled approach to connections enhances user privacy and security.

### What are the benefits of Zhi Plus?

Zhi Plus offers features like Markdown rendering, end-to-end encrypted meetings, larger message and file size limits (up to 99MB for files), and unlimited chats. Free users have limitations on these features.

### How much does Zhi Plus cost?

Zhi Plus is a subscription service costing approximately $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year. Payment is handled through your iTunes account, and subscriptions auto-renew unless turned off 24 hours prior to the current period's end.

### Is Zhi suitable for younger users?

Zhi has an age rating of 17+, indicating it is intended for mature audiences. This is likely due to the advanced security features and the nature of private communication.

### How often is Zhi updated?

The app was last updated on March 25, 2026, with version 20260401.0.0. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and maintenance.

### What platforms does Zhi support?

Zhi is available on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod. This broad compatibility allows users to communicate across various Apple devices.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 20260815.0.0 — 2026-08-02

- bugfix

### 20260724.0.0 — 2026-07-25

- bugfix

### 20260401.0.0 — 2026-03-25

- Optimized for iOS 26

### 20260101.0.0 — 2025-03-04

- Support searching messages in Chat
- Optimization and bug fixes

### 20250123.0.0 — 2025-01-13

- Optimized for iOS 18

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## More apps by TxThinking, Inc.

- [Brook.app](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brookapp/id1216002642)
- [Shiliew](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shiliew/id1217072703)
- [mitmproxy client by txthinking](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mitmproxy-client-by-txthinking/id1528537342)
- [Nan - Packet Capture](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nan-packet-capture/id1534485108)
- [菜根谭](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1565952174)
- [Server Dashboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/server-dashboard/id1571021877)

All apps by TxThinking, Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/1634589596

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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 2026-08-20.*