Briar - Secure messaging & calling

Briar is a messaging app developed for activists, journalists, and individuals seeking a secure, user-friendly, and resilient communication platform. Distinguishing itself from conventional messaging apps, Briar operates without a central server, facilitating direct message synchronization between users' devices. In the event of an Internet outage, Briar can sync via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or memory cards, ensuring continuity of information during emergencies. When online, Briar can synchronize through the Tor network, safeguarding users and their interactions from surveillance.

The application offers private messaging, group conversations, forums, and blogs. It comes with integrated support for the Tor network. User data in Briar is stored solely on the individual's device unless explicitly shared with others.

Briar is ad-free and doesn't engage in tracking behavior. The app's source code is open for public review and has been professionally audited. Each release of Briar is reproducible, enabling verification that the published source code precisely aligns with the distributed app. Development of Briar is undertaken by a small non-profit team.

Briar User Manual

Creating an Account

The first time you open Briar you’ll be asked to create an account. You can choose any nickname and password. The password should be at least 8 characters long and hard to guess.

Warning: Your Briar account is stored securely on your device, not in the cloud. If you uninstall Briar or forget your password, there’s no way to recover your account.

Tap “Create Account”. When your account has been created you’ll be taken to the contact list.

Adding Contacts

To add a contact, tap the plus icon at the bottom right of the contact list.

Choose one of the two options that appear.

Add contact at a distance

Copy the briar:// link and send it to the person you want to add. You can also use the “Share” button to choose an app for sending the link.

Paste the link that you receive from the person you want to add into the text field below. Click “Continue” and choose a nickname for the new contact.

Next you will see a “Pending Contact Requests” screen that informs you about the state of each pending contact. Briar will try to connect to your contact regularly to add them.

Once a connection succeeds, you’ll be added to each other’s contact lists. Congratulations! You’re ready to communicate securely.

If Briar can’t connect to your contact after 48 hours, the pending contact list will show the message “Adding contact has failed”. Both of you should delete the pending contact from the list and add each other’s links again.

Add contact nearby

Another way to add a contact is to meet up with the person you want to add. Each of you will scan a QR code from the other person’s screen. This ensures you’re connecting to the right person, so nobody else can impersonate you or read your messages.

Tap “Continue” when you’re ready to start.

Line up your contact’s QR code in the viewfinder. You may have to wait a few seconds for the camera to focus.

When the camera has scanned the QR code you’ll see the message “Waiting for contact to scan and connect”. Now your contact should scan your QR code.

Your devices will exchange information, and after a few seconds you’ll be added to each other’s contact lists. Congratulations! You’re ready to communicate securely.