How to use EncroGram

Step-by-step guides for pairing contacts, stealth mode, decoy screen, duress PIN and emergency wipe.

Contents

Add Contact via QR Add Contact via Link Stealth Mode Decoy Screen Duress PIN Emergency Wipe FAQ
Contact Pairing

Add a Contact via QR Code

Both phones need to be in the same room. Takes about 30 seconds.

Both people must add each other.
Person A scans Person B. Person B scans Person A. Only then can you message each other.
Person A
ScanMy QR
Shows QR to Person B
My QR tab — show to Person B
B scans
A's QR
Person B
ScanMy QR
Nickname: Alice
camera — point at A's QR
Scan tab — nickname — scan A — Add contact
then swap
Person B
ScanMy QR
Shows QR to Person A
My QR tab — show to Person A
A scans
B's QR
Person A
ScanMy QR
Nickname: Bob
camera — point at B's QR
Scan tab — nickname — scan B — Add contact
Both tapped Add contact — you can now message each other
Secure key exchange happens automatically in the background
Not working?

One side probably did not complete the last step. Both must tap Add contact — not just one person.

Privacy Features

Stealth Mode

Change the app icon so EncroGram appears as Calculator, Notes, or Weather on your homescreen.

iOS will briefly notify you when the icon changes

This is required system behavior by Apple and cannot be suppressed. The notification disappears automatically.

1
Open Settings
Tap the Settings tab in the bottom navigation bar.
2
Scroll to Stealth Mode
Find the Stealth Mode section. Choose from Calculator, Notes, or Weather in different color variants.
3
Choose an icon
Tap your preferred style. The homescreen icon changes immediately. To revert, tap EncroGram (Original).
4
Hide the original app
Long-press the EncroGram icon, move it into a folder on a back page of your homescreen. Only the disguised icon remains visible.
Tip: Create an iOS Shortcut with a custom name

Open the Shortcuts app, tap + then Open App, select EncroGram, tap the three dots, rename to "Calculator", then Add to Home Screen. This lets you set any name for the shortcut on your homescreen.

Privacy Features

Decoy Screen

When enabled, EncroGram opens as a fake app on launch. Only your secret unlock code reveals the real app.

You must set a Stealth icon first

The Decoy Screen only works when a Stealth icon (Calculator, Notes, or Weather) is active.

1
Choose a Stealth icon
In Settings, select Calculator, Notes, or Weather. The decoy screen will match this icon.
2
Enable Decoy Screen
Scroll to the Decoy Screen section and toggle it on.
3
Set your unlock code
Enter a secret code and tap Save Unlock Code. Remember this code — you need it every time you open the app.
How to unlock — by decoy type
Calculator
Type your unlock code as a number on the calculator, then press
1337 =
Notes
Tap the New Note entry at the bottom, type your unlock code, then press Return
mysecret Return
Weather
Tap your unlock code digit by digit on the number pad at the bottom of the weather screen
4 2 1 9
Security

Duress PIN

A secondary password that silently wipes all data when entered. Designed for situations where you cannot refuse access.

This action is irreversible

Entering the Duress PIN permanently deletes all contacts, messages, and your identity. There is no recovery.

1
Open Settings — Duress PIN
Scroll to the red Duress PIN section in Settings.
2
Set a PIN (6+ characters)
Enter a PIN that is different from your regular password. Never share this PIN.
3
Tap Save Duress PIN
The PIN is stored securely on your device only. If someone forces you to unlock, enter this PIN. The app silently wipes everything and restarts empty.
Security

Emergency Wipe

Instantly and permanently destroy all data with a single code — no password required.

1
Open EncroGram
You will see the password entry screen.
2
Enter the emergency code
Type the emergency wipe code in the password field:
0000
3
Confirm twice
After the second confirmation, all contacts, messages, your identity, and your password are permanently deleted. This cannot be undone.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I forget my password? +
There is no password recovery. Your password is the only key to your data. If you forget it the data is permanently inaccessible.
Can I use EncroGram on multiple devices? +
Not at this time. EncroGram is designed for single-device use. Your identity and keys live exclusively on your device.
What happens if my contact goes offline before the key exchange? +
Messages are queued automatically. Once your contact comes online and the key exchange completes your message is delivered. No action required.
Can EncroGram be compelled to hand over messages? +
No. Our servers only function as temporary relays. Messages are deleted immediately after delivery and are never stored. We have nothing to hand over.
What does Perfect Forward Secrecy mean? +
Every session uses a new encryption key. Even if someone obtains a key from one session they cannot decrypt any other session — past or future.
If I uninstall and reinstall can I recover my account? +
No. Uninstalling EncroGram permanently destroys your identity and all data. There is no cloud backup. This is by design.
Does EncroGram work without internet? +
You need an internet connection to send and receive messages. Reading already-delivered messages stored on your device works offline.