Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
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This FAQ answers common questions about Anonomi Messenger’s design, capabilities, and limitations.
If you’re new, also read:
Is Anonomi Messenger anonymous?
Section titled “Is Anonomi Messenger anonymous?”Anonomi Messenger is designed to reduce metadata exposure, not to provide magical or absolute anonymity.
What it does:
- Avoids centralized servers
- Routes internet traffic over Tor
- Supports fully offline communication
- Minimizes unnecessary identifiers
What it cannot do:
- Protect you from a compromised device
- Fix unsafe behavior
- Make you anonymous if you reveal your identity through actions or content
Anonomi Messenger is a tool — how safely it’s used matters.
Does Anonomi Messenger use servers?
Section titled “Does Anonomi Messenger use servers?”No central servers.
Communication happens:
- Directly between devices (offline modes)
- Over Tor for internet-based communication
- Via optional helper components (e.g., Postbox) that do not act as message-reading servers
There is no central infrastructure to subpoena, seize, or log conversations.
Why is Anonomi Messenger Android-only?
Section titled “Why is Anonomi Messenger Android-only?”Anonomi Messenger relies on:
- Low-level networking control
- Offline transports
- Background operation without platform mediation
- Distribution outside centralized app stores
Current iOS platform constraints make these guarantees impossible without compromise.
See:
- Why Anonomi Messenger does not support iOS (if/when you publish it)
Can I use Anonomi Messenger without the internet?
Section titled “Can I use Anonomi Messenger without the internet?”Yes.
Anonomi Messenger supports:
- Wi-Fi (local network)
- Bluetooth (proximity)
- External storage / store-and-forward
- Offline app distribution
In some environments, staying offline is safer than trying to connect.
See:
Why does the app ask for location permission?
Section titled “Why does the app ask for location permission?”Because Android requires it. On Android 11 and older, the operating system will not return Bluetooth scan results to an app that does not hold the location permission, so any app that finds nearby devices has to ask for it.
Anonomi Messenger asks in three places only — Add contact nearby, Connect via Bluetooth, and Share this app offline — and uses it to find the other device. It does not read, store, or send your position. On Android 12 and newer, the Bluetooth flows ask for the “nearby devices” permission instead.
See:
What happens if my device is seized?
Section titled “What happens if my device is seized?”Assume the device is compromised.
Anonomi Messenger helps reduce exposure, but:
- It cannot protect messages already stored on the device
- It cannot protect against coercion or forced unlocks
- It cannot remotely “save” a seized device
Use:
- App lock
- Stealth mode
- Panic workflows
- Good OPSEC habits
See:
What is the Panic Button, really?
Section titled “What is the Panic Button, really?”The panic workflow is a risk-reduction tool, not a guarantee.
Depending on configuration and situation, triggering panic may:
- Delete local app state
- Lock or hide the app
- Send a panic message to designated contacts (when possible)
It does not:
- Guarantee data destruction on seized hardware
- Override OS-level or hardware-level forensics
- Protect against ongoing coercion
See:
Can group chats leak more information?
Section titled “Can group chats leak more information?”Groups increase exposure by nature:
- More participants
- More devices
- More opportunities for compromise
Private groups are safer than public groups, but:
- Any member can leak content
- Metadata risk grows with group size
Keep groups:
- Small
- Purpose-driven
- Short-lived when possible
Are voice messages safe?
Section titled “Are voice messages safe?”Voice messages carry biometric risk.
Anonomi Messenger offers optional voice distortion to reduce voice identification risk, but:
- Distortion is not a guarantee
- Voice content itself may reveal identity
- Background sounds can be identifying
Use voice messages only when appropriate.
See:
How private are Monero payment requests?
Section titled “How private are Monero payment requests?”Anonomi Messenger:
- Uses Monero primitives designed for privacy
- Generates unique subaddresses per request
- Avoids centralized payment servers
However:
- Payment privacy depends on wallet hygiene
- Amounts and timing may still leak information
- Fiat conversions require user-supplied rates
See:
Can I recover my account if I lose my device?
Section titled “Can I recover my account if I lose my device?”Only if you made a backup first.
Anonomi Messenger does not rely on central accounts or recovery servers. Nobody can recover your account for you, and there is nothing to ask for.
Since version 1.5.0 you can export your account to an encrypted file protected by a 30-digit recovery code, and restore it on another phone. You need both the file and the code.
Without a backup, losing the device or deleting the app means your account, keys and contacts are permanently lost. This is a tradeoff for decentralization.
Is Anonomi Messenger legal?
Section titled “Is Anonomi Messenger legal?”That depends on your jurisdiction.
Anonomi Messenger is a communication tool. However:
- Use of Tor may be restricted in some regions
- Encryption laws vary
- Offline distribution may raise suspicion in some environments
Know your local risks before use.
Where should I start if I’m unsure?
Section titled “Where should I start if I’m unsure?”Start here:
Anonomi Messenger works best when you understand why you’re using a feature — not just how.
If your question isn’t answered here:
- Check the relevant section in the docs
- Review the threat model
- Ask in the project channels (when appropriate)