Session: Anonymous Messaging from Switzerland
Session is a privacy-first messaging app developed by the Oxen Privacy Foundation, operating out of Switzerland. Unlike WhatsApp or Telegram, Session requires no phone number, email, or personal information to sign up. You receive a random Session ID that completely separates your identity from your communications.
Built on a decentralized onion-routing network, Session strips away metadata and hides your IP address. There are no ads, no tracking, and no central server that could be compelled to hand over logs. By basing operations in Switzerland, Session benefits from some of the world's strongest privacy protections, ensuring your data remains safe from foreign surveillance.
Available on iOS, Android, and desktop, Session delivers a familiar chat experience with military-grade privacy built in. It is the ideal choice for users who want to communicate without leaving a digital footprint.
Below you will find information on downloading the app, generating your Session ID, and starting secure conversations.
Funding model
Session is a free app. It is funded by community donations. The project operates as non-profit software with no ads, no tracking, and no data selling.
Registration
Session requires no phone number, email, or personal information to sign up. Simply install the app, and it instantly generates a unique Session ID for you. This ID serves as your username and contact method, ensuring total anonymity from the start.
Desktop version
A desktop version is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download the installer from the official Session website. To set it up, scan a QR code displayed on your desktop app using your mobile device. Once linked, your messages and contacts sync seamlessly across both devices.
Use of the application
Comprehensive documentation and user guides are available as well as a FAQ section on the Session support website. These resources cover everything from basic messaging and group chats to advanced privacy features like onion routing and disappearing messages.