NearChat is a peer-to-peer chat app that runs entirely on your local Wi-Fi. There is no NearChat backend, no account system, no cloud. This page explains exactly what happens to your data.
01Data we collect about you
None. NearChat has no backend. We do not operate any servers that receive your messages, contacts, identifiers, analytics, crash reports, or device information. No usage telemetry of any kind is transmitted off your device by NearChat.
02How chat data flows
Messages, photos, videos, and voice notes are sent directly from your phone to your paired peer's phone over your local Wi-Fi network using a WebSocket connection. The connection is secured with end-to-end encryption (X25519 key agreement + ChaCha20-Poly1305 authenticated encryption). Neither NearChat nor any third party can read messages in transit.
03Data stored on your device
The app stores the following locally on your device only:
- Your message history, attachments, and the paired peer's profile (name, avatar, chat background).
- Cryptographic keys used to authenticate and decrypt messages.
- Your settings (theme, font size, notification preferences, app-lock password hash, etc.).
All of the above is encrypted at rest with AES-GCM. Cryptographic keys live in the iOS Keychain / Android Keystore. None of this leaves your device.
04Permissions the app requests
- Camera — to scan the pairing QR code and to take photos to send in chat.
- Photo library — to attach existing photos and videos to messages.
- Microphone — to record voice messages.
- Local network — to discover and connect to the paired device on your Wi-Fi.
- Face ID / Touch ID / biometrics — only if you turn on the optional app lock.
- Notifications — to alert you when a new message arrives.
Each permission is requested only when the corresponding feature is first used, and the app continues to function (with that feature disabled) if you deny a permission.
05Network requests the app does make
The chat path itself never touches the internet. However, two side-features open opportunistic internet connections when available:
- Update check — on launch, the app asks the App Store / Google Play whether a newer version exists. Apple and Google receive a standard product page request from your device; NearChat does not learn anything about you from this.
- Outbound links you tap — if a peer sends you a link and you tap it, the link opens in your browser (or the in-app browser), which then makes a request to that site as it normally would.
06Children
NearChat is not directed to children under 13, and we knowingly do not collect data from anyone — children included. If you are a parent or guardian and have questions about your child's use of NearChat, please contact us.
07Changes to this policy
If we change how the app handles data, we will update this page and bump the effective date above. The change will also be summarised in the app's release notes.
08Contact
Questions or requests: mgabouarab@gmail.com