Support & Documentation

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

Important Notice

OSHI is for users 18 years or older. By using OSHI, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Due to our zero-knowledge architecture, we cannot recover lost data or access your account.

Quick Navigation

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 Local, Mesh Relay, IPFS via Tor

No Registration

No phone or email

Zero Metadata

No data collection

Works Offline

Local mesh network

Zero Knowledge

We can't access your data

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. Or paste their public key manually
  4. Start chatting securely!

To share your QR code:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap "Your Identity" or "My QR Code"
  3. Let others scan it, or copy your public key

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 ExchangeX25519 (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
  • • Zero-knowledge architecture

Security Audit Notice

OSHI has not undergone a professional third-party security audit. While we use industry-standard encryption algorithms (Signal Protocol, AES-256-GCM), we recommend using OSHI with this understanding. You use the app at your own risk.

Delivery Methods

Messages automatically switch between delivery methods based on availability.

Mesh Local

Direct iPhone-to-iPhone

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

Mesh Relay

Extended range communication

  • Range up to 10 km
  • Multi-hop routing
  • No internet needed
  • Automatic relay selection

IPFS via Tor

Anonymous cloud storage

  • Complete anonymity
  • Messages via Tor relay
  • Stored on IPFS
  • Auto-deleted after 30 days

Cloud Fallback Disclosure

When mesh networking is unavailable, messages are stored as encrypted blobs on IPFS via Pinata. We cannot read these messages - only encrypted data is stored. Messages auto-delete after 30 days.

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 due to our zero-knowledge architecture.
Do you collect my data?
No! We collect zero personal data. No phone number, no email, no tracking, no analytics, no metadata. See our Privacy Policy for details.
Can I use OSHI without Internet?
Yes! The local mesh mode works directly between iPhones via Bluetooth and WiFi without any network connection. Range is approximately 100 meters.
Is OSHI compatible with Signal or WhatsApp?
No, OSHI is a separate network with its own protocol. Both users need OSHI installed to communicate.
What happens if I lose my phone?
Your encryption keys and message history are stored only on your device. If you lose your phone without a backup, your data cannot be recovered. This is by design for maximum security.
What is the minimum age to use OSHI?
You must be at least 18 years old to use OSHI. See our Terms of Service.

Technical

What encryption does OSHI use?
Double Ratchet protocol (Signal protocol) with AES-256-GCM encryption and X25519 key exchange. All cryptography uses Apple's CryptoKit framework.
How long are messages stored?
Messages are stored locally on your device indefinitely. 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. Only encrypted data is stored.
Has OSHI been security audited?
No, OSHI has not undergone a professional third-party security audit. We use industry-standard algorithms but recommend using with this understanding.

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 has the app open (required for mesh)

Mesh Network Not Working

Problem: Can't connect to nearby users

Solutions:

  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled in Settings
  • Ensure WiFi is enabled (even without connection)
  • Check Local Network permission: Settings → OSHI → Local Network
  • Make sure you're within ~100 meters of the other user
  • Both users must have the app open

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
  • Alternative: Copy and paste the public key manually

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

✉ support@oshi-messenger.org Report Bug Source Code

Response time: General support 48-72 hours

Security Vulnerabilities

If you discover a security vulnerability:

  • DO NOT post publicly
  • Email directly: support@oshi-messenger.org
  • Response time: 24-48 hours

We take security seriously and will respond promptly.

Legal Inquiries

For questions about our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, or licensing:

legal@oshi-messenger.org

Response time: 5 business days

Version History

Version 1.0.0 - December 2026

Initial Release

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