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SMSecure

Privacy-focused SMS app with encrypted conversations
💬 SMSecure is a privacy-focused SMS messenger for Android.

SMSecure is a fork of Silence/TextSecure, created to preserve encrypted SMS functionality on modern Android devices. It keeps the familiar feel of a classic SMS app while adding tools for private, verified conversations.

🔐 Encrypted SMS conversations
Use end-to-end encrypted SMS with compatible contacts. SMSecure uses the Signal encryption protocol for secure conversations when both sides support it.

🛡️ Identity verification
Verify contacts using QR codes or safety numbers to help protect against man-in-the-middle attacks.

📱 Works as a normal SMS app
Send and receive regular SMS messages without creating an account, signing in, or depending on a central messaging service.

🚫 Block unwanted messages
Block unwanted senders, including unknown or alphanumeric SMS senders, and keep your inbox cleaner.

🔎 Search your conversations
Quickly find messages across all conversations with global search.

💾 Backups and restore
Create and restore message backups so you can keep your SMS history under your control.

🌍 Local-first privacy
Messages are processed on your device. SMSecure does not require registration, does not use ads, and does not collect user data.

⚠️ Important note
End-to-end encryption works only when both sides use compatible software. Regular SMS messages are still regular SMS and are handled by the mobile network.

🧩 Free and Open Source
SMSecure is Free and Open Source Software licensed under GPLv3. The source code is available for review, auditing, and contribution.
Open-Source Code: https://github.com/jimvixx/ShortMessageSecure

Versions

Although APK downloads are available below to give you the choice, you should be aware that by installing that way you will not receive update notifications and it's a less secure way to download. We recommend that you install the F-Droid client and use that.

Download F-Droid
  • Version 1.0.1 (10001) suggested Added on Aug 19, 2026

    This version requires Android 7.0 or newer.

    It is built and signed by the original developer, and guaranteed to correspond to this source tarball.

    Permissions
    • view network connections
      Allows the app to view information about network connections such as which networks exist and are connected.
    • take pictures and videos
      This app can take pictures and record videos using the camera while the app is in use.
    • run foreground service
      Allows the app to make use of foreground services.
    • run foreground service with the type "dataSync"
      Allows the app to make use of foreground services with the type "dataSync"
    • have full network access
      Allows the app to create network sockets and use custom network protocols. The browser and other applications provide means to send data to the internet, so this permission is not required to send data to the internet.
    • show notifications
      Allows the app to show notifications
    • read your contacts
      Allows the app to read data about your contacts stored on your phone. Apps will also have access to the accounts on your phone that have created contacts. This may include accounts created by apps you have installed. This permission allows apps to save your contact data, and malicious apps may share contact data without your knowledge.
    • read the contents of your shared storage
      Allows the app to read the contents of your shared storage.
    • read phone status and identity
      Allows the app to access the phone features of the device. This permission allows the app to determine the phone number and device IDs, whether a call is active, and the remote number connected by a call.
    • read your text messages (SMS or MMS)
      This app can read all SMS (text) messages stored on your phone.
    • run at startup
      Allows the app to have itself started as soon as the system has finished booting. This can make it take longer to start the phone and allow the app to slow down the overall phone by always running.
    • receive text messages (MMS)
      Allows the app to receive and process MMS messages. This means the app could monitor or delete messages sent to your device without showing them to you.
    • receive text messages (SMS)
      Allows the app to receive and process SMS messages. This means the app could monitor or delete messages sent to your device without showing them to you.
    • receive text messages (WAP)
      Allows the app to receive and process WAP messages. This permission includes the ability to monitor or delete messages sent to you without showing them to you.
    • send and view SMS messages
      Allows the app to send SMS messages. This may result in unexpected charges. Malicious apps may cost you money by sending messages without your confirmation.
    • control vibration
      Allows the app to control the vibrator.
    • prevent phone from sleeping
      Allows the app to prevent the phone from going to sleep.
    • modify or delete the contents of your shared storage
      Allows the app to write the contents of your shared storage.
    • android.permission.WRITE_SMS
    • org.jimvixx.smsecure.ACCESS_SECRETS
    • org.jimvixx.smsecure.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION

    Download APK 12 MiB PGP Signature | Build Log