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Step 1: Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Search for "Chat Local" in the search bar.

Step 3: Tap the "Get" button next to the Chat Local app.

Step 4: Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.

Step 5: Wait for the download to complete, then tap "Open" or find the app on your home screen.

Step 6: On first launch, accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy to continue.

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.

Step 2: Search for "Chat Local" using the search bar at the top.

Step 3: Tap the "Install" button on the Chat Local app page.

Step 4: Wait for the download and installation to complete.

Step 5: Tap "Open" or find the app in your app drawer.

Step 6: On first launch, accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy to continue.

Chat Local requires the following permissions to function:

• Bluetooth: Required to discover and connect to nearby devices. This is essential for all messaging features.
• Location (Android only): Android requires location permission to scan for Bluetooth devices. Chat Local does not track or store your location.
• Notifications: Optional, but recommended to receive alerts when new messages arrive.

You'll be prompted to grant these permissions when you first open the app. If you declined them, go to Settings → Apps → Chat Local → Permissions to enable them.

On iOS:

• Open Settings → Bluetooth and ensure Bluetooth is turned ON.
• Chat Local will request permission to use Bluetooth on first launch — tap "OK" to allow.

On Android:

• Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Bluetooth icon to enable it.
• Alternatively, go to Settings → Connected devices → Connection preferences → Bluetooth and turn it ON.
• When Chat Local requests Bluetooth permission, tap "Allow".

Tip: For best results, keep Bluetooth on while using Chat Local. The app uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which has minimal impact on battery life.

Step 1: Tap the "+" button in the top right corner of the Conversations tab.

Step 2: Enter a unique Conversation ID (3-20 characters). This is like a room name — share it with others so they can join.

Step 3: Enter your display name (how others will see you in the chat).

Step 4: Choose the protocol (Bluetooth is currently the only option).

Step 5: (Pro only) Optionally enable end-to-end encryption and set a password.

Step 6: Tap "Join Conversation" to create and enter the chat.

Tip: Choose memorable but unique Conversation IDs like "family-reunion-2026" or "team-blue-concert".

To join an existing conversation, you need to know the Conversation ID:

Step 1: Tap the "+" button in the top right corner of the Conversations tab.

Step 2: Enter the exact Conversation ID that was shared with you.

Step 3: Enter your display name.

Step 4: If the conversation is password-protected, enter the password.

Step 5: Tap "Join Conversation".

You can also join from the Nearby tab — see "Discovering Nearby Chats" below.

The Nearby tab shows active conversations from nearby Chat Local users:

Step 1: Tap the "Nearby" tab at the bottom of the screen.

Step 2: The app will scan for nearby devices and display active conversations.

Step 3: You'll see a preview of each conversation (limited messages for Free users).

Step 4: Tap on a conversation to see more details.

Step 5: Tap "Join" to enter the conversation.

Note: Password-protected conversations will appear but require the correct password to read messages or join.

To leave a conversation:

• Open the conversation, tap the menu icon (⋮) in the top right.
• Select "Leave Conversation".
• Confirm your choice. You can rejoin later using the same Conversation ID.

To delete a conversation from your device:

• On the Conversations tab, swipe left on the conversation you want to delete.
• Tap the "Delete" button.
• Confirm deletion. This only removes it from your device — others in the conversation are unaffected.

Chat Local uses AES-256-GCM encryption, a military-grade encryption standard:

• Default encryption: All messages are automatically encrypted using app-level keys. This protects messages from being read by devices they hop through in the mesh network.
• Password encryption (Pro): You can add an additional layer of security by setting a password. Only people with the correct password can decrypt and read messages.

Encryption happens on your device before messages are sent, and decryption happens on the receiving device. No servers or third parties ever see your unencrypted messages.

Pro users can create conversations with password protection:

Creating a protected chat:

• When creating a new conversation, toggle "End-to-End Encryption" ON.
• Enter a strong password or tap "Generate" for a random secure phrase.
• Share the password securely with your group (in person, secure messenger, etc.).

Joining a protected chat:

• Enter the Conversation ID and password when joining.
• If you enter the wrong password, you cannot read any messages.

Important: We cannot recover forgotten passwords. If you lose the password, create a new conversation.

Chat Local is designed with privacy as a core principle:

• No accounts: We don't collect your email, phone number, or personal information.
• No servers: Messages travel directly between devices. We have no servers to store or access your conversations.
• Local storage: Messages are stored only on your device. Uninstalling the app removes all data.
• No tracking: We don't track your location, contacts, or usage patterns.
• Crash reports: Anonymous crash reports help us fix bugs. No personal data is included.

Read our full Privacy Policy for complete details.

Pro users can block specific users or devices to prevent receiving their messages:

To block a user:

• In a conversation, tap and hold on a message from the user you want to block.
• Select "Block User" from the menu.
• Confirm the block. You will no longer see messages from this user.

To manage blocked users:

• Go to Settings → Blocked Users.
• View your blocked list and tap "Unblock" to remove blocks.

Note: Blocking is local to your device. The blocked user can still send messages, but you won't see them.

Pro users can customize the app's appearance:

Step 1: Go to Settings (tap the gear icon).

Step 2: Tap "Appearance" or "Theme".

Step 3: Choose from available themes or colors.

Step 4: Your selection is applied immediately.

You can also toggle between Light, Dark, and System modes to match your device settings.

Customize how and when Chat Local notifies you:

Step 1: Go to Settings → Notifications.

Step 2: Toggle notifications on or off for different events:

• New messages in your conversations
• New nearby conversations discovered
• Keyword alerts (Pro) — get notified when specific words are mentioned

System settings: You can also manage notifications in your device's Settings → Apps → Chat Local → Notifications.

Control how profanity is handled in conversations:

Free users: The profanity filter is enabled by default and cannot be changed.

Pro users:

• Go to Settings → Content Filters.
• Toggle "Profanity Filter" on or off.
• When enabled, profanity is automatically replaced with asterisks (****).

Note: The filter only affects how messages display on your device. Other users see messages based on their own filter settings.

Chat Local Pro unlocks powerful features:

• Unlimited conversations: Create or join as many conversations as you want (Free: 2).
• Extended history: See 500+ messages per conversation (Free: 20).
• Password encryption: Secure conversations with custom passwords.
• Block users: Prevent specific users from messaging you.
• Custom themes: Personalize the app's appearance.
• Profanity control: Toggle the profanity filter on or off.
• Faster messaging: Reduced rate limits between messages.

Pricing: $1.99/week, $4.99/month, or $24.99/year (save 58%).

Upgrade in the app under Settings → Upgrade to Pro.