Support
Answers to the questions we hear most. If you don't find what you need, email us at [SUPPORT EMAIL] and a real person will help.
How is TalkOnce different from other encrypted apps?
Two things. First, TalkOnce uses post-quantum encryption, so traffic recorded today can't be broken by a future quantum computer. Second, you sign up with no phone number, email, or name — there's no account identity to leak or hand over. We hold no keys and collect no personal data.
Do I need a phone number or email to sign up?
No. TalkOnce creates a private cryptographic identity on your device. You share an invite with people you want to talk to — nothing personal is required, ever.
What happens if I lose my phone?
TalkOnce is ephemeral by design: your history lives on your device, not our servers. If you made an encrypted backup, you can restore your account and history onto a new phone using your backup file and passphrase. Without a backup, your account can't be recovered — which is the same trade-off that keeps it private. We recommend creating a backup and storing it somewhere safe.
How do backups work? Can you read them?
Backups are optional and zero-knowledge. The backup is encrypted on your device with a passphrase only you know, and you choose where to save the file. It never touches our servers, so we could not read it even if compelled. If you lose the passphrase, no one — including us — can recover the backup, so keep it safe.
What are the privacy levels?
Standard is the fast everyday experience, fully end-to-end encrypted. Shielded tightens your metadata footprint. Blackout routes everything over Tor with cover traffic and enables duress and decoy locks. Every level is encrypted; higher levels trade a little convenience for less metadata. You can change your level anytime in Settings.
Are voice and video calls encrypted?
Yes. Calls are end-to-end encrypted. When a direct connection isn't possible, encrypted media is relayed through our infrastructure — but the relay can't decrypt it. We never record or retain calls.
Does TalkOnce show ads or track me?
Never. There are no ads, no analytics SDKs, and no third-party trackers anywhere in the app. We don't profit from your attention or your data.
What can your servers see?
Only what's needed to route an encrypted message: an opaque routing address, the encrypted envelope (which we can't open), rough timing and size, and — if you enable push — a notification flag. We can't see your messages, your calls, or who you are. The full detail is in our Privacy Policy.
What happens to my data during an app update?
Nothing is lost. Your messages, contacts, and settings stay on your device across updates. An update never wipes your data.
Is TalkOnce available on Android?
TalkOnce is launching on iOS first, with Android to follow. This page will be updated when Android is available.
Still need help?
Email [SUPPORT EMAIL] — we read every message and reply. For security disclosures, please include "Security" in your subject line.