Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I connect to people?
- I have nobody to chat with! Where can I find any groups?
- What is database? What can I do with it?
- Can I send files over SimpleX?
- What’s incognito profile?
- How do invitations work?
- How to configure and delete groups?
- Are there any reactions to messages? Can I answer specific messages directly?
- What do checkmarks mean?
- I want to see when my contacts read my messages
- Can I use the same profile on desktop? Do messages sync cross-platform?
- Why cannot I delete messages I sent from my contact's device?
- What do group roles mean?
- I don't want to share a web link or a QR code. How can I connect?
- I do not receive messages or message notifications
- I do not see the second tick on the messages I sent
- I see image preview but cannot open the image
- I cannot play a voice message
- Audio or video calls do not connect
- Audio or video calls without e2e encryption
- I clicked the link to connect, but could not connect
- I do not know my database passphrase
- My mobile app does not connect to desktop app
- Does SimpleX support post quantum cryptography?
- Why can't I use the same profile on different devices?
- What user data can be provided on request?
- Does SimpleX protect my IP address?
- Doesn't private message routing reinvent Tor?
- Why don't you embed Tor in SimpleX Chat app?
- Can I host my own relays?
How to use it
How do I connect to people?
Tap "pencil" button in the right corner, then "Create 1-time link". Share the link with the person you want to connect to. Your contact has to paste the link to the app's search bar. The link will can also be opened via the browser, once the app is installed.
Alternatively, you can show the QR code when meeting in person or in a video call.
It is safe to share this link over any communication channel, it contains only public keys and can only be used once.
If you want to share your address publicly, so that many people can connect to you, use your SimpleX address instead of 1-time links. Tap your profile image/avatar, then Your SimpleX address. Once you create the address, you can share it in social media profiles, email signature, etc. See the comparison of SimpleX address with 1-time links.
I have nobody to chat with! Where can I find any groups?
Please check our Groups Directory in the first place. You might find some interesting groups and meet even more interesting people.
What is database? What can I do with it?
Database is essential for SimpleX Chat to function properly. In comparison to centralized messaging providers, it is the user who is responsible for taking care of their data. On the other hand, user is sure that nobody but them has access to it. Please read more about it: Database.
Can I send files over SimpleX?
Of course! While doing so, you are using a state-of-the-art protocol that greatly reduces metadata leaks. Please read more about it: XFTP Protocol.
What’s incognito profile?
This feature is unique to SimpleX Chat – it is independent from chat profiles.
When "Incognito Mode” is turned on, your currently chosen profile name and image are hidden from your new contacts. It allows anonymous connections with other people without any shared data – when you make new connections or join groups via a link a new random profile name will be generated for each connection.
How do invitations work?
It is quite a complex process, but fortunately all of this happens in the background, so it's simple to use.
Whenever somebody connects to you via your address, they basically ask your client whether they want to establish connection. After that, you can either agree or disagree.
If interested, please read more: Addresses and invitations.
How to configure and delete groups?
Please check: