Support
Quick answers to the questions we hear most. Can't find what you need? Email us at support@cipherchat.app and a human will get back to you.
Frequently asked questions
Everything below applies across iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux.
How do I start a private chat?
Every chat in CipherChat is private by default — there's no separate "secret chat" mode to switch on. Open the app, tap the compose button, and pick a contact (or enter their phone number or email). The moment the conversation starts, an encrypted session is established between your devices using the Signal protocol.
You'll see an encryption indicator at the top of the conversation. From there, just message as you normally would; everything is sealed end-to-end automatically.
How does verification / safety numbers work?
Each conversation has a unique safety number derived from both participants' cryptographic keys. To verify a contact, open the conversation, go to its details, and choose Verify safety number. Compare the number (or scan the QR code) with your contact in person or over another trusted channel.
If the numbers match, you've cryptographically confirmed there's no one intercepting the conversation. If a contact reinstalls the app or adds a new device, their keys change and CipherChat shows a device-change alert — so a key swap can never happen silently behind your back.
Is my data encrypted?
Yes. Your messages, media, and calls are end-to-end encrypted on your device before they're sent, using the Signal protocol — X3DH/PQXDH key agreement, the Double Ratchet, and post-quantum ML-KEM. Our servers only ever store ciphertext, the unreadable encrypted form, and only your recipient's devices hold the keys to open it.
This means we cannot read your messages, and connections to our servers are additionally protected in transit with TLS. To learn more, see how the encryption works and our Privacy Policy.
How do I delete my account?
Open Settings → Account → Delete account in the app and confirm. This removes your account information from our systems, unlinks your devices, and deletes your profile.
Because we only ever store ciphertext for messages, there's no readable message content for us to retain. Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone, and we cannot recover encrypted history afterward. If you run into trouble, email support@cipherchat.app.
Which platforms are supported?
CipherChat runs on iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Your conversations stay live and in sync across every device linked to your account, so you can start a thread on your phone and continue on your laptop in real time.
Each linked device has its own keys and appears in your device list, where you can review or remove devices at any time.
Still need a hand?
Email our support team and we'll get back to you. Please don't include sensitive message content — we can't read it, and you shouldn't have to share it.