Support & Documentation

Everything you need to know about OSHI - the truly private messenger

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Getting Started Security Delivery Methods FAQ Troubleshooting Contact

📱 About OSHI

OSHI is a revolutionary private messaging app that combines military-grade encryption with decentralized networks. Your conversations stay private, secure, and accessible even offline.

🔒

End-to-End Encrypted

Double Ratchet protocol

📡

Three Delivery Modes

Mesh, IPFS, Tor

🚫

No Registration

No phone or email

👁️

Zero Metadata

No data collection

📴

Works Offline

Local mesh network

💻

Open Source

Auditable code

🚀 Getting Started

First Time Setup

  1. Download OSHI from the App Store
  2. Open the app - No registration required!
  3. Your identity is created automatically using cryptographic keys
  4. Start messaging by scanning a contact's QR code

Adding Contacts

To add a contact:

  1. Tap the "+" button or "Add Contact"
  2. Scan their QR code with your camera
  3. Start chatting securely!

To share your QR code:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap "My QR Code"
  3. Let others scan it, or share the link

🔐 Security & Privacy

Encryption Technology

OSHI uses the Double Ratchet protocol (the same protocol used by Signal) which provides:

  • Forward Secrecy: Past messages remain secure even if current keys are compromised
  • Post-Compromise Security: Automatic recovery if keys are stolen
  • Unique Keys: Each message encrypted with its own unique key

Cryptographic Algorithms

Key ExchangeCurve25519 (ECDH)
Message EncryptionAES-256-GCM
Key DerivationHKDF-SHA256
SignaturesEd25519

All cryptography implemented using Apple's CryptoKit framework.

Privacy Guarantees

  • ✅ No phone number required
  • ✅ No email required
  • ✅ No personal data collected
  • ✅ No metadata stored
  • ✅ No message analysis
  • ✅ No server access to your messages
  • ✅ No backdoors

📡 Delivery Methods

Messages automatically switch between delivery methods based on availability.

🔵

Local Mesh

Direct iPhone-to-iPhone

  • No Internet needed
  • Range: Up to 100m
  • Perfect for events
  • Bluetooth & WiFi
☁️

IPFS Cloud

Decentralized storage

  • Censorship-resistant
  • No central server
  • Global availability
  • Auto-deleting
🧅

Tor Network

Maximum anonymity

  • Complete anonymity
  • No location tracking
  • Bypass surveillance
  • Onion routing

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

General

Do I need to create an account?
No! OSHI generates a cryptographic identity automatically. No registration, phone number, or email required.
Can OSHI read my messages?
No! All messages are end-to-end encrypted. Only you and your recipient can read them. We have zero access to your content.
Do you collect my data?
No! We collect zero personal data. No phone number, no email, no tracking, no analytics, no metadata.
Can I use OSHI without Internet?
Yes! The local mesh mode works directly between iPhones via Bluetooth and WiFi without any network connection.
Is OSHI compatible with Signal or WhatsApp?
No, OSHI is a separate network with its own protocol. Both users need OSHI installed to communicate.

Technical

What encryption does OSHI use?
Double Ratchet protocol (Signal protocol) with AES-256-GCM encryption and Curve25519 key exchange.
How long are messages stored?
Messages are stored locally on your device. Cloud messages on IPFS are available for 30 days, then automatically deleted.
What is IPFS?
InterPlanetary File System - a decentralized storage network. No single company controls it, making it censorship-resistant.

🔧 Troubleshooting

Messages Not Sending

Problem: Messages stuck in "Sending..." status

Solutions:

  • Check your Internet connection (for IPFS/Tor mode)
  • Make sure you're within range (for mesh mode - ~100m)
  • Force-close and reopen the app
  • Check if recipient is online

Can't Scan QR Code

Problem: Camera won't scan contact's QR code

Solutions:

  • Grant camera permission: Settings → OSHI → Camera
  • Ensure good lighting
  • Hold phone steady and centered on the QR code
  • Make sure QR code is fully visible

Messages Showing as Encrypted

Problem: Messages appear as encrypted text

Solution

This is a temporary sync issue. Both users should:

  • Go to Settings → Advanced
  • Tap "Clear Session Keys"
  • Send a fresh message to re-establish the session

App Crashes

Solutions:

  • Force close the app and reopen
  • Restart your iPhone
  • Check for app updates in the App Store
  • If problem persists, contact support

📞 Contact & Support

Get Help

📧 Email Support 🐛 Report Bug 💻 Source Code

Response time: Usually within 24-48 hours

🔒 Security Issues

If you discover a security vulnerability:

We take security seriously and will respond promptly.

📋 Version History

Version 1.0.0 - December 2025

Initial Release

  • End-to-end Double Ratchet encryption
  • Local mesh networking (Bluetooth & WiFi)
  • IPFS decentralized storage
  • Tor network support
  • Encrypted voice calls
  • QR code contact sharing
  • Media messages (photos, videos)
  • Disappearing messages