What this app provides
Keybase is a free, open-source tool built for secure online communication. It combines end-to-end encryption with identity verification, so you can message others, exchange files, and publish signed or encrypted documents with cryptographic protections.
Quick setup
Getting started is straightforward: download the Keybase client for your platform, create an account, and follow the guided steps to link your device and generate your keys. Registration is free and the app walks you through establishing your secure identity.
How to connect with people
You do not have to know someone’s email or phone number to start a secure conversation. Keybase lets you associate public identities from other services so you can find and verify users by the accounts they already use.
- GitHub and Twitter handles can be used to prove identities.
- Username matches from Reddit, Hacker News, or other social sites work as well.
- A personal website or published public key can also be linked.
- Phone numbers and email addresses are optional ways to connect, not required.
Suggested alternative
If you prefer a different app, WhatsApp is a widely used, free option that supports end-to-end encryption for messages and calls. It’s a convenient choice for general everyday chats, though it has different features and trust/verification models compared with Keybase.
Technical
- Windows
- Mac
- Free