Top Messaging Apps that Work Without Phone Numbers

Using messaging apps without a phone number enhances privacy and anonymity when texting without exposing your personal number.

• Enhanced Privacy: Eliminate sharing your personal phone number and communicate without exposing your number.
• Global Messaging: Text internationally without using your phone number.
• Secrecy/Anonymity: Keep your identity hidden for a more secure and private communication experience.
• Device Flexibility: Simply log in to any device you want and start chatting.
• No SIM Card Required: Communicate without relying on a physical SIM card or carrier service.

Element, Session, Jami, Briar, Threema, Telegram, and Slack are some top messaging apps that do not require a phone number.

​Element is a secure, open-source messaging and collaboration app built on the Matrix protocol. It offers end-to-end encryption and decentralization to ensure user privacy and control over data.

Sign-Up Process

1. Visit the Website: Navigate to Element's official website; download and open the Element app on your device.​
2. Create an Account: Click on "Create Account." > "homeserver".
3. Complete Registration: Select username, password, and optional email address. Agree to the terms of service and privacy policy and click "Register".
4. Set Up Your Profile: Set up your profile by adding a display name and profile picture.​
5. Secure Your Account: Enable two-factor authentication for added security.

Session is a reliable messenger app that doesn't need a phone number. It uses a unique Account ID for each user, ensuring anonymity, and operates without a central authority.

Sign-Up Process

1. Download the App: Install Session on your device (Available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, or Linux).
2. Generate Account ID: Upon opening the app, it automatically generates a unique 66-character Account ID.
3. Set Display Name: Choose a display name for your contacts.
4. Secure Your Account: Write down or securely store your recovery phrase for future account recovery.
5. Add Contacts: Share your Account ID or scan QR codes from your contacts to connect.
6. Start Messaging: Once connected, start chatting, sending messages, voice notes, and files.

Jami is a free messaging app that works without phone number​. It operates on a decentralized network, ensuring privacy and security. You can send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share files while maintaining anonymity.

Sign-Up Process

1. Download and Install: Download the app from the Jami website, Google Play, or App Store and install.
2. Launch the App: Open the application once installed.
3. Create an Account: Choose a unique username and optionally set a password for extra security.
4. Add a Profile Picture (Optional): Personalize your account by adding an avatar or profile picture.
5. Backup Your Account (Optional): Choose to back up your account for easy transfer or recovery if needed.
6. Add Contacts: Use the search feature to find and add contacts by username or ID to start chatting.

​Briar is a secure, open-source app for messaging without a phone number, especially designed for activists, journalists, and anyone needing robust privacy. It operates without centralized servers, using direct, encrypted connections via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the Tor network to ensure messages remain private.

Sign-Up Process

1. Install the App: Download Briar from the official website or trusted sources. (Note: It may not be available on standard app stores.​)
2. Create an Account: Open the app and set a unique nickname and password.​
3. Set Permissions: Grant necessary permissions, including camera access and location services.
4. Add Contacts: Use QR codes or contact links to add friends.

Threema is popular as one of the best private messaging apps without a phone number. It is developed by Threema GmbH in Switzerland, offering end-to-end encryption and operating on a decentralized architecture.

Sign-Up Process

1. Purchase and Download: Buy Threema from the App Store (Google Play or Apple App Store).​
2. Launch the App: Open Threema after installation.
3. Create an Account: The app generates a unique Threema ID for you automatically.​
4. Set a Profile: Set a display name and profile picture (optional).
5. Secure Your Account: Set a passcode to lock the app and protect your conversations.​
6. Add Contacts: Share your Threema ID with friends or scan their QR codes to add them to your contact list.​

Slack is among the must-have communication tools for small businesses. This team collaboration and messaging platform doesn’t require phone numbers for registration; you can sign up with an email address instead. After registration, you can set up profiles and connect with teammates via email or workspace invitations.

Sign-up Process

1. Download and Install: Install the Slack app from the App Store (Google Play or Apple App Store).
2. Launch the App: Open Slack after installation.
3. Create an Account: Tap "Sign up." Enter your email address to receive an invitation.
4. Verify Your Email: Check your inbox for a verification email and click on the link to confirm your account.
5. Set Up Your Workspace: Choose your workspace name, create your profile, and set up channels for team communication.
6. Start Messaging: Once registered, you can invite team members, join channels, and begin communicating.

​Facebook Messenger is one of the best apps for messaging without phone number. It enables users to send text, voice, and video messages, as well as make voice and video calls. Initially, Messenger required users to sign up using a phone number. However, later it allowed users to create an account using their Facebook credentials.

Sign-up Process

1. Download and Install: Install the Facebook app from the App Store (Google Play or Apple App Store).​
2. Launch the App: Open Facebook after installation.​
3. Create an Account: Tap "Create New Account". Provide the required details, including your email.​
4. Verify Your Account: Confirm your account by entering the code sent to your email.
5. Set Up Your Profile: Add a profile picture, cover photo, and other personal details.​
6. Start Using Messenger: Once your Facebook account is set up, download and install the Messenger app. Log in with your Facebook credentials to start messaging.​

Discord is a popular communication platform offering features like voice, video, and text chat. Initially, it asks for phone number verification during sign-up to prevent spam and abuse. However, there are ways to verify Discord without a phone number using an email address. 

Sign-Up Process

1. Download and Install: Install the Discord app from the App Store (Google Play or Apple App Store).
2. Launch the App: Open Discord after installation.
3. Create an Account: Tap "Sign Up." Enter your email address, create a username, and set a password.
4. Verify Your Email: Check your inbox for a verification email and click on the link to confirm your email address.
5. Set Up Your Profile: Customize your profile with a photo and set your preferences.
6. Start Messaging: Once registered, you can join servers, create new ones, and communicate with others.

When choosing a messaging app without a phone number, consider the key features that ensure security, privacy, and functionality of the app.

1. End-to-End Encryption: Your messaging app must offer end-to-end encryption to ensure that only you and the recipient can read your messages.
2. User Anonymity: Look for apps that allow you to communicate without revealing any personal information, such as your phone number or full name.
3. Cross-Device Compatibility: A good messaging app should work seamlessly across multiple devices and operating systems.
4. Additional Features: Consider a messaging app with additional features like group chat and video calls for more advanced communication.

Messaging apps that don’t require phone numbers offer a valuable way to protect your privacy and maintain anonymity. There are many alternatives to choose from. However, not all messaging apps may offer your desired features or services.

So, if you want to use a specific messaging app that requires a phone number, buy a virtual phone number instead of using your personal number during sign-up. This way, you can still maintain your privacy while enjoying all the services in your chosen app.

Yes, there are many private messaging apps like Telegram and Threema. They offer an auto-delete message feature so that texts are deleted once read after a set amount ot time.

Session and Threema are among the best-encrypted messaging apps that work without a phone number.

To choose a secure messaging app, look for end-to-end encryption, username-based login, person-to-person communication, surveillance, meta protection, and auto-delete message features to ensure security in the app.

Telegram, Slack, and Messenger are some apps that can be used for group messages. These apps allow you to create a messaging group with your friends and other members.