Free. No phone number.
A username and a password is the whole signup. No email, no SIM, no real name.
Desktop & direct download
Same app, same encryption. The desktop builds are early, so expect rough edges.
Android APK
Install without the Play Store. You will not get automatic updates.
WindowsBeta
Download and run the installer.
macOSBeta
Download the zip, extract, and run the app.
Three steps in
Install and pick a name
Your keys are generated on the device during setup and never leave it.
Create or join a circle
Start a circle, or accept an invite from someone already inside one.
Starting a network of your own
Bring your people
Send invites. Existing members vote newcomers in, so the circle stays the circle.
Run your own
Want the whole network on hardware you can touch? Self-host IronCircles on a server, a spare machine, or a Raspberry Pi in the closet. Same encryption, your infrastructure.
Self-hosting guideDo I need a phone number?
No. A username and password is the entire signup — no SIM, no email, no identity check.
Can IronCircles read my messages?
No. Keys are generated on your device and never sent to us, so there is nothing for us to decrypt.
What happens if I leave?
Your data goes with you. There are no backdoors and no hostage copies left behind.
How many circles can I join?
As many as you like, and they all fold into one blended feed on your device. You can join up to five private networks free; more than that needs Privacy+.
Need a hand?
The fastest way to report an issue or ask for a feature is the Help Center inside the app.