Kryfo: Private Messenger via Tor
Kryfo is a private messaging app from GnosiWorks for encrypted communication without a phone number or account.
Download Kryfo · v0.5.3Kryfo is designed for anyone who wants truly anonymous messaging, solving the problem of identity-tied chat services by generating a key pair on the device instead of asking for personal details. The app is free, requires Android 7.0 or higher, and takes up 69 MB of space.
- Version
- 0.5.3
- Size
- 70 MB
- Requires Android
- 7.0
- Updated
- Oct 25, 2026
- Category
- Communication
- Developer
- GnosiWorks
- Package
- app.kryfo
- Free
- ✓
Screen gallery
Kryfo is a messaging application by GnosiWorks that sends end-to-end encrypted messages over the Tor network without requiring a phone number or account. Instead of a profile tied to a SIM card or an email address, the app generates a key pair on the device; the public side of that pair becomes the identity. On the default route, neither relays nor the developers can link chats to a real-world identity, and contacts cannot look a user up unless that user claims a public handle.
All traffic passes through an embedded Tor client by default, and Kryfo attempts to work around networks where Tor is blocked. Messages travel via Nostr relays as sealed payloads, so a contact who is offline receives them after reconnecting. The Signal protocol protects content, while the local database and backups stay encrypted. Additional controls include timed messages, app lock via PIN or biometrics, a decoy PIN, hidden chats behind their own PIN, and a panic wipe that erases everything, including media on disk.
Version 0.5.1 requires Android 7.0 or newer and occupies roughly 69 MB. The app contains no analytics, telemetry, or advertising and is funded by optional anonymous backers. It suits users who want messaging without phone-number identity, metadata exposure, or address-book uploads.
Key features
- No phone number or email required to sign up
- End-to-end encryption using the Signal protocol
- All traffic routed through an embedded Tor client by default
- Automatic workaround when Tor is blocked on the network
- Delivery through Nostr relays, so messages reach a phone that was offline
- Group chats with photos, files, voice messages, replies, reactions, pins and polls
- Animated stickers sent as names, so no image leaves the device
- Encrypted local database and encrypted backups, with search across all chats
- App lock via PIN or biometrics, decoy PIN, and PIN-protected hidden chats
- Panic wipe that removes everything, including media stored on disk
How to install
- Tap the download button on this page to save the 69 MB APK file.
- Open the downloaded file using your browser or file manager.
- If Android asks, allow that browser or file manager to install apps via the 'Install unknown apps' setting.
- Tap Install and confirm when prompted.
- Open Kryfo; it runs on Android 7.0 and newer.
Pros
- No phone number, email, or account is needed
- Signal-protocol encryption end to end
- Tor transport by default with automatic blocking workarounds
- Offline delivery through relays
- No analytics, telemetry, or ads
- Strong local privacy options: decoy PIN, hidden chats, panic wipe
Cons
- Tor routing typically adds latency compared with direct connections
- Claiming a public handle reduces anonymity to a findable identity
- Strong anonymity guarantees apply only on the default route
Previous versions
| Version | Size | Requires Android | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5.3 | 70 MB | 7.0 | Oct 25, 2026 |
| 0.5.2 | 70 MB | 7.0 | Oct 22, 2026 |
| 0.5.1 | 69 MB | 7.0 | Oct 18, 2026 |
| 0.5.0 | 57 MB | 7.0 | Oct 12, 2026 |
| 0.4.2 | 54 MB | 7.0 | Oct 6, 2026 |
Privacy-conscious individuals, journalists, activists, and anyone who needs messaging without a phone number, account, or address-book upload. It is also suited to users on networks where Tor is blocked and to people who want messages delivered reliably to offline devices.
Set the app lock and a decoy PIN before adding sensitive chats. Stay on the default route and avoid claiming a public handle if anonymity is your priority. Test the panic wipe on a disposable installation to confirm that it removes media exactly as expected.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kryfo free to use?
Yes, Kryfo is free. It is funded by optional anonymous backers, and all features work the same whether you donate or not.
Which Android version do I need?
Kryfo requires Android 7.0 or higher. The app file is about 69 MB.
Do I need to create an account or provide a phone number?
No. Kryfo does not require a phone number, email, or account. Your identity is a key pair generated on your device, and you can optionally claim a public handle.
What permissions does Kryfo request?
Kryfo asks for permissions needed to function, such as internet access for Tor and messaging, and storage for media. It never uploads your address book and includes no analytics or telemetry.
How do I update Kryfo?
To update, download the newest version from this page and install it over the current one. The latest version is 0.5.1, released on October 18, 2026.
Can I use Kryfo without an internet connection?
No, Kryfo needs an internet connection to send and receive messages. However, messages are delivered through relays, so they reach your phone even if it was offline when the message was sent.
Kryfo delivers genuinely private messaging: no account, no phone number, metadata-hidden transport over Tor, and Signal-grade encryption, all in a compact package for Android 7.0 and up.
Similar apps
Updated: Oct 26, 2026