End-to-End Encrypted Chat

What is end-to-end encrypted chat?

End-to-end encryption (E2E) means that messages you send to your partner are encrypted on your device before they leave it. They can only be decrypted by your partner's device. No one else - not even our servers - can read your messages.

BeMoreKinky uses the same encryption protocol trusted by Signal and WhatsApp: the Double Ratchet Algorithm with X25519 key exchange and XSalsa20-Poly1305 encryption. Every message uses a new encryption key, providing forward secrecy - even if a key were somehow compromised, it could not be used to decrypt past or future messages.

Getting started

How do I open chat?

There are two ways to access chat:

  1. Home screen - Tap the chat icon in the top header. If you have unread messages, a badge will show the count.
  2. Partner tab - Navigate to the Partner tab and tap the chat option.

Do I need to do anything to set up encryption?

No. Encryption is set up automatically when you and your partner both have the app installed. When you open chat for the first time, the app generates a unique encryption key pair on your device and securely exchanges public keys with your partner. You'll see an "Encryption active" banner at the top of the chat once the connection is established.

What if the encryption banner says "Initializing"?

This means the app is still exchanging keys with your partner. This usually completes in a few seconds. If it persists, make sure both you and your partner have an internet connection and try closing and reopening the chat screen.

Sending messages

How do I send a message?

Type your message in the text input at the bottom of the screen and tap the send button. Messages are encrypted instantly before being sent.

Can I send messages while offline?

Yes. Messages you send while offline are saved securely in an encrypted queue on your device. They will be sent automatically the next time you have an internet connection.

Is there a message limit?

Free users have a daily message limit. The remaining count is shown in a banner near the top of the chat. Premium subscribers have unlimited messaging.

What types of content can I send?

Currently, chat supports text messages. In addition, certain app activities automatically post cards into your chat timeline (see "Activity cards in chat" below).

Chat features

Typing indicators

When your partner is typing, you'll see a typing indicator below the last message. Your partner can also see when you are typing.

Read receipts

Messages show a delivery status. When your partner opens the chat and views your messages, they are marked as read.

Emoji reactions

Long-press on any message to open the context menu, then tap an emoji to react. Both you and your partner can react to any message. Reactions appear as badges below the message.

Reply to a message

Long-press on a message and select "Reply." The message you're replying to will appear as a preview above the text input. Your reply will include a reference to the original message.

Copy message text

Long-press on a message and select "Copy" to copy the message text to your clipboard.

Mute conversations

Open the encryption info panel by tapping the lock icon in the chat header, then toggle the mute switch. When muted, you will not receive push notifications for new messages, but messages will still be delivered.

Activity cards in chat

Certain actions in the app automatically post cards into your chat so you and your partner stay in sync without leaving the conversation.

Play proposals

When you or your partner propose a play session, a proposal card appears in chat showing the proposed date, number of activities, and any notes. When the proposal is accepted, declined, or cancelled, a status update is posted.

Quiz completions

When either partner finishes a quiz, a summary card is posted to chat. Tap the card to see full results.

Activity ratings

When you and your partner rate activities, a compatibility card may appear in chat. Tap it to compare your preferences side by side.

Habit assignments

When your partner assigns you a new task, a card appears in chat with the task details.

Verifying your encryption

What is a safety number?

A safety number is a unique code derived from both your and your partner's encryption keys. If both of you see the same safety number, it confirms that your encrypted connection is genuine and has not been intercepted.

How do I check my safety number?

  1. Tap the lock icon in the chat header to open the encryption info panel.
  2. Scroll to the "Safety Number" section.
  3. Compare the displayed number with your partner - you can do this in person, over a phone call, or by tapping "Copy" and sharing it through another trusted channel.

If the numbers match, your connection is verified. If they don't match, tap "Reset Encryption" and set up the connection again.

Troubleshooting

I can't decrypt some messages / I see "Decryption failed"

This can happen if the encryption state between you and your partner gets out of sync - for example, if one of you reinstalled the app or logged in on a new device. The app will attempt to recover automatically. If messages remain unreadable:

  1. Open the encryption info panel (tap the lock icon in the chat header).
  2. Tap Reset Encryption.
  3. Both devices will re-establish a fresh encrypted connection.

Note: Messages sent before the reset that could not be decrypted will remain unreadable.

My partner and I both see an encryption reset message

This is normal and means the encryption was re-established successfully. It can happen after a reinstall, logging in on a different device, or a manual reset. New messages will encrypt and decrypt normally.

Messages are stuck in "Sending"

This usually means you are offline or have a poor connection. The app queues messages locally and will send them when connectivity is restored. If messages remain stuck for an extended period:

  1. Check your internet connection.
  2. Close and reopen the app.
  3. If the issue persists, try resetting encryption from the encryption info panel.

I'm not receiving push notifications for chat

  • Make sure notifications are enabled in your device settings for BeMoreKinky.
  • Check that chat is not muted (open the encryption info panel and verify the mute toggle).
  • Note: push notifications are automatically suppressed while you are actively viewing the chat screen, since you can already see incoming messages.

Chat says "Initializing encryption" and never connects

  • Ensure both you and your partner have updated to the latest version of the app.
  • Both devices need an internet connection to exchange encryption keys.
  • Try closing the app completely and reopening it.
  • If the issue persists, go to the encryption info panel and tap "Reset Encryption."

Privacy & security details

What data is stored on the server?

Our servers store only:

  • Encrypted message content - ciphertext that cannot be read without your private key.
  • Message metadata - timestamps, delivery status, and read receipts.
  • Public encryption keys - used for the initial key exchange. These are not secret.

Our servers never store:

  • Your private encryption keys (these stay on your device only).
  • Plaintext message content.

Where are my keys stored?

Your private encryption keys are stored in your device's secure hardware-backed storage (Keychain on iOS, Keystore on Android). They never leave your device and are not included in backups.

What happens if I uninstall and reinstall the app?

Your encryption keys are lost when you uninstall the app. When you reinstall and log back in, new keys are generated automatically and the encryption is re-established with your partner. Messages sent while you were uninstalled will not be recoverable.

What happens if I log out?

Logging out clears your encryption keys from the device. When you log back in, fresh keys are generated and the encrypted connection is re-established.

Can I use chat on multiple devices?

Each device generates its own encryption keys. Logging in on a new device will reset the encrypted connection. Messages from your previous device cannot be decrypted on the new one.

Safety resources

Your safety matters. If you or someone you know is in an unsafe situation, these resources can help:

  • HotPeachPages - Global directory of domestic violence resources by country: hotpeachpages.net
  • Crisis Text Line - Text-based support (US, UK, CA, IE): crisistextline.org
  • RAINN - Sexual assault support: 1-800-656-4673: rainn.org

These resources are also accessible from the encryption info panel in the chat header.