Kryfo: Private Messenger
Kryfo is a private messenger by GnosiWorks that sends end-to-end encrypted messages over Tor with no phone number, account, or metadata trail.
Download Kryfo · v0.5.3Kryfo generates a key pair on your device, so no personal information is required to start messaging. It is free to use, requires Android 7.0 or higher, and the download size is 70 MB. The app includes features like groups, timed messages, hidden chats, and works even where Tor is blocked.
- Version
- 0.5.3
- Size
- 70 MB
- Requires Android
- 7.0
- Updated
- Oct 25, 2026
- Category
- Communication
- Developer
- GnosiWorks
- Package
- app.kryfo
- Free
- ✓
App screenshots
Kryfo is a private messaging app by GnosiWorks that routes all communication over the Tor network to obscure metadata and identity. It solves the problem of surveillance and unwanted data collection in messaging by eliminating the need for a phone number, email, or account; instead, it generates a key pair on your device. The app uses the Signal protocol for end-to-end encryption and delivers messages through Nostr relays, which also allows messages to reach a phone that was offline. Additionally, Kryfo automatically finds ways around Tor blocks, so it can function even in restrictive networks. The app supports groups with photos, files, voice messages, replies, reactions, pins, and polls, and it includes features like timed messages, an encrypted local database, and encrypted backups. It also offers strong privacy controls such as an app lock with PIN or biometrics, a decoy PIN that opens an empty instance, hidden chats, and a panic wipe that removes everything including media on disk. Kryfo is funded by optional and anonymous backers, with no ads or investors.
Key features
- End-to-end encryption using the Signal protocol
- Traffic routed over Tor by default, with automatic circumvention of Tor blocks
- Delivery through Nostr relays, so messages reach a phone that was offline
- Groups with photos, files, voice messages, replies, reactions, pins, and polls
- Animated stickers that travel as a name, so no picture leaves the phone
- Search across all chats, kept in the encrypted database
- Timed messages that burn after a set time
- App lock with PIN or biometrics, a decoy PIN, hidden chats, and panic wipe
How to install
- Tap the download button on this page to get the APK file (70 MB).
- When Android asks, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the 'Install unknown apps' setting.
- Open the downloaded APK file from your notification or file manager.
- Tap Install and wait for the installation to complete.
- Open the app from your app drawer and start using it. Kryfo requires Android 7.0 or higher.
Pros
- No phone number, email, or account required
- No metadata trail on the default route
- Messages travel over Tor for anonymity
- Encrypted local database and backups
- No analytics or telemetry
- Free to use with no ads
Cons
- Anonymous funding model may raise sustainability questions
- Tor routing can be slower than traditional messaging
- Requires Android 7.0 or later, which excludes very old devices
- No explicit mention of in-app purchases or ads, but the funding model is donation-based
Version history
| 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 |
Kryfo is intended for users who prioritize privacy and anonymity in their communications, such as journalists, activists, or individuals living under surveillance or in regions where internet freedom is restricted. It is also suitable for anyone who wants to avoid the metadata collection typical of mainstream messaging apps, and who is comfortable with a slightly more technical setup due to Tor routing.
To maximize privacy, use the app's decoy PIN and hidden chats features to protect sensitive conversations. Also, take advantage of the encrypted backups to secure your chat history, and consider using the panic wipe if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to quickly erase all traces of the app from your device.
FAQ
How do I install the Kryfo APK on my Android device?
To install Kryfo, download the APK file and open it from your file manager or notifications. You may need to allow installation from unknown sources in your device settings, and Android 7.0 or newer is required.
What is the current version of Kryfo and what changed recently?
The current version is 0.5.2, released on 2026-10-22. It is the latest of several updates that began with the initial 0.4.2 release on 2026-10-06.
Does Kryfo contain ads or require purchases?
Kryfo is free and contains no ads. It is funded by optional, anonymous contributions from backers, and all features work the same whether you contribute or not.
Can I use Kryfo offline or when my phone has no internet connection?
Kryfo is designed for asynchronous messaging: messages are delivered through relays, so a message can reach a phone that was offline. You still need an internet connection to send and receive, but you won't miss messages sent while you were away.
Are there other private messaging apps similar to Kryfo?
Yes, there are other privacy-focused messaging apps that offer end-to-end encryption or anonymous usage. However, Kryfo distinguishes itself with Tor routing, no account or phone number, and no metadata trail.
Does Kryfo collect any of my data or require an account?
No. Kryfo requires no phone number, email, or account. You are identified only by a key pair generated on your device, and the app includes no analytics or telemetry.
Can I protect my chats with a PIN or biometrics in Kryfo?
Yes, Kryfo offers app lock with PIN or biometrics, a decoy PIN that opens an empty app, hidden chats behind a separate PIN, and a panic wipe that removes everything including media.
Kryfo offers a high level of privacy and anonymity that is rare in mainstream messaging apps, making it a solid choice for privacy-conscious users. While it may not be as fast as conventional messengers due to Tor routing, its robust security features and lack of metadata collection are compelling advantages.
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Updated: Oct 26, 2026