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Apps with No phone number required

5 apps

Top No phone number required apps ranked by the community

  1. Element

    3.3(590) · App Store

    Element is a messaging app from the team that created Matrix, an open standard for decentralized, federated chat. Rooms, direct messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted, and people on different Matrix servers can talk to each other like email. Individuals can join a public server for free, while organizations and governments self-host or buy Element's enterprise server suite, with bridges to other chat networks.

    12 Element alternatives

    Pros

    • End-to-end encryption by default for private rooms and messages
    • Federated Matrix network, so no single company controls your chats
    • Open source and self-hostable, popular with public sector bodies

    Cons

    • Encryption keys and device verification can confuse newcomers
    • Running your own Matrix server takes real technical effort
    • Fewer business integrations than mainstream team chat apps
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Team ChatMessaging Apps
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted
    Features
    ChannelsEnd-to-end encryptionNo phone number requiredThreaded conversationsVoice and video calls
    Visit websiteMore about Element

  2. Threema

    4.2(715) · App Store

    Threema is a privacy-focused messenger from Switzerland that end-to-end encrypts messages, calls, groups and files. Each user gets a random Threema ID, so no phone number or email address is required, and the address book is only synced if you choose to. The apps are open source and sold for a one-time fee, while Threema Work targets companies and public institutions.

    9 Threema alternatives

    Pros

    • No phone number or email needed, thanks to a random Threema ID
    • Swiss company with a strong privacy focus and GDPR compliance
    • One-time purchase instead of ads or a subscription

    Cons

    • Being a paid app discourages contacts from joining
    • Smaller user base than mainstream messengers
    Cost / License
    PaidOpen source
    Categories
    Messaging Apps
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    End-to-end encryptionGDPR compliantGroup chatsNo phone number requiredVoice and video calls
    Visit websiteMore about Threema

  3. Session

    4.4(5.2K) · App Store

    Session is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted messenger that needs no phone number or email: an account is just a randomly generated Session ID. Messages are relayed through a decentralized network of community-operated nodes using onion routing, which hides IP addresses and limits metadata. It supports one-to-one chats, small private groups and larger communities on desktop and mobile.

    9 Session alternatives

    Pros

    • No phone number or email: an account is just a random Session ID
    • Onion routing hides IP addresses and limits metadata
    • Decentralized network of community-operated nodes

    Cons

    • Messages can arrive more slowly than on centralized apps
    • Small user base compared with mainstream messengers
    • Losing your recovery phrase means losing your account
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Messaging Apps
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Ad-freeDisappearing messagesEnd-to-end encryptionGroup chatsNo phone number required
    Visit websiteMore about Session

  4. SimpleX Chat

    4.3(271) · App Store

    SimpleX Chat is an open-source messenger that does not assign users any identifier, not even a random one: contacts connect through one-time links or QR codes. Messages are end-to-end encrypted and pass through relay servers that keep no user profiles, and anyone can run their own relays. It supports groups, voice and video calls, disappearing messages and multiple chat profiles.

    9 SimpleX Chat alternatives

    Pros

    • No user identifiers at all, not even random ones
    • Anyone can run their own relay servers
    • Groups, calls, disappearing messages and multiple chat profiles

    Cons

    • Connecting through one-time links is less convenient than a contact list
    • Small user base, so few contacts will already be on it
    • Using one account across several devices is limited
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Messaging Apps
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted
    Features
    Disappearing messagesEnd-to-end encryptionGroup chatsNo phone number requiredVoice and video calls
    Visit websiteMore about SimpleX Chat

  5. Olvid

    4.5(42) · App Store

    Olvid is an end-to-end encrypted messenger developed in France that works without a phone number, email address or central user directory: contacts are added by exchanging codes in person or through trusted introductions. Its security has been certified by ANSSI, the French cybersecurity agency, and its apps are open source. Messaging is free, with paid subscriptions for advanced features and for businesses.

    8 Olvid alternatives

    Pros

    • No phone number, email or central user directory required
    • Security certified by ANSSI, the French cybersecurity agency
    • Open source apps on desktop and mobile

    Cons

    • Adding contacts in person or via introductions slows onboarding
    • Small user base, so most contacts will need to install it
    • Advanced features and business use require a subscription
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Messaging Apps
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Ad-freeEnd-to-end encryptionGroup chatsNo phone number requiredVoice and video calls
    Visit websiteMore about Olvid