Write to us, and we read it.

Support email: privchat.wiki@proton.me

It is the only channel, and it is the same for Android, Windows, Linux, macOS and iPhone. We answer as soon as we can, usually within a few days; there is no phone line and no live chat. You can write in English or in Spanish.

• Which device it happens on (Android phone, iPhone, Windows, Linux, Mac) and which version of PrivChat you have: it is at the bottom of Settings, and on the releases page.
• What you did, what you expected and what happened, with the exact text of any message shown on screen.
• If it is about not being able to connect: whether you are on a network that blocks Tor, and whether you use bridges.

Do not send us your messages, your recovery phrase, your PIN or your transfer file. We do not need them to help you and we do not want to have them. Nothing in your PrivChat leaves your device, and that includes support: we cannot look into your account, because there is no account.

I have nobody to talk to. That is expected: there is no directory and no list of users. To talk to someone, the two of you exchange invitations, in person with the QR code or by pasting the text. The guide explains it step by step.

I forgot my PIN. It cannot be recovered. Nobody, including us, can reset it: the key that opens your conversations is derived from the PIN, and that is precisely why whoever holds your device cannot read them. The only way out is to erase everything and start over; your contacts would have to add you again. The app says so before you set one, and we repeat it here.

Messages do not arrive, or arrive late. PrivChat talks over Tor with no servers: to receive, your device has to be on and connected. On Android, check that the background service is enabled in Settings and that the system is not restricting the app (the app itself warns you). If your network blocks Tor, the bridges section of the guide explains how to get around it.

I have a LoRa node and radio messages do not arrive, or arrive late. Over the radio everything is slower: a text is about 17 seconds of air time, the confirmation about as much, and PrivChat keeps itself to 10 % of each hour (in the US by courtesy, in Europe because the 868 MHz band requires it); once used up, messages wait their turn. Check the air used and "Last heard" in Settings → Mesh: if your node hears your contact's, it is a matter of waiting; do not re-send by hand. Make sure both nodes are set to the same region and "Use the mesh" is on on both devices. The guide explains what to expect from the mesh.

Can I have the same identity on my phone and my computer? No: each device has its own identity and contacts. You can add your own computer as a contact. What does exist is moving an identity from one phone to another, from "My identity".

How do I delete my data? Everything is on your device: uninstalling the app, or "Erase everything" in Settings, removes it. There is nothing to delete on any server, because there is no server; the privacy policy has the details.

To report a contact, a group, a channel or a story, use Report in its menu, or write to the same email. Abuse reports are answered within 24 hours. What we can and cannot do about them is in the terms of use.

Bug reports are as welcome as ideas: send them to the same email. If it is a security problem, say so in the subject line and we will answer with priority. There is no bug bounty programme.