Free on iPhone

Private messaging. No phone number needed.

Connect by username or QR code. Send messages, share voice notes, and call your people.

Coming soon to Android

Free to download. No ads.

Example chat 10s

Made it home?

Yeah, just got in.

Send me the details.

Same time tomorrow?

SHFT sticker: thumbs up

SHFT, theSHFT's orange mascot, holding a finger to his lips and waving
What it does

No fluff. Just privacy.

SHFT, theSHFT's mascot, waving hello

No phone number.

Add people by username or QR code.

Messages that disappear.

Every chat starts on a timer. Either side can change it.

Only the two of you can read it.

Messages and calls are end to end encrypted.

How it looks

The new look.

Real screens from theSHFT on iPhone.

SHFT, theSHFT's mascot, running
  1. theSHFT chat list where each conversation reads Encrypted message received instead of showing the text

    Your chat list never shows what anyone said.

  2. An ordinary chat with a 1 hour timer showing and a SHFT sticker sent

    Set a timer, send a SHFT sticker, keep talking.

  3. The sticker tray with SHFT stickers for everyday replies

    Everyday replies, ready in one tap.

  4. A username QR code with the line Scan. Connect. Start talking.

    Scan a code and start talking.

  5. A profile screen with a username and a QR code link

    Your username and QR code, always at hand.

SHFT, theSHFT's mascot, giving a thumbs up
theSHFT Pro

Want more? Go Pro.

$9.99a month
$99.99a year, about $8.33 a month
  • Video calls
  • Timers from 5 seconds up to 24 hours
  • Groups up to 100 people
Download on the App Store

An App Store subscription. Cancel anytime in your App Store settings.

FAQ

Good questions.

SHFT, theSHFT's mascot, thinking with a hand on his chin
Can theSHFT read my messages?

Not your DMs, group chats or calls. Those are end to end encrypted, so only the people in the chat have the keys. Stories and community posts are different. They aren't end to end encrypted, and anyone signed in to theSHFT can read community posts.

Does the screenshot thing really work?

On iPhone, screenshots and screen recordings of theSHFT come out black. Take a screenshot in a chat and the other person sees a note that you did. Two honest limits: a screen recording isn't reported to them, and nothing in the app can stop a photo taken with a second phone.

How do disappearing messages work?

Every chat starts on a 10 second timer, and either of you can change it or turn it off. The countdown starts when the message is read. When time's up, it's gone from both phones. Free has 10 and 30 seconds. Pro goes from 5 seconds up to 24 hours.

Do I need a phone number or email?

No. You pick a username and a PIN. You also get 12 words to write down, and those are how you get back in on a new phone.

Is it really free?

Yes. Messages, photos and voice calls up to 5 minutes cost nothing. Pro is $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year if you want video calls and the rest of the extras.

More answers →

SHFT, theSHFT's mascot, pointing at the download button

Ready?

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone. Needs iOS 16.4 or later. You must be 18 or older.

SHFT, theSHFT's mascot, celebrating with both fists up