# Session - Private Messenger

> Privacy you can trust

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/network.loki.messenger](https://chrome-stats.com/d/network.loki.messenger)

## Overview

- **ID:** `network.loki.messenger`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Session Foundation
- **Category:** COMMUNICATION
- **Downloads:** 6,450,300
- **Rating:** 4.62 / 5 (35,108 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.33.5
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-09
- **First published:** 2020-02-04
- **Publisher country:** CH
- **Size:** 65 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-12
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=network.loki.messenger)
- **Website:** [https://getsession.org/](https://getsession.org/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://getsession.org/privacy-policy](https://getsession.org/privacy-policy)

## Description

Session is a privacy-first private messenger built on encrypted routing and end-to-end encryption. It uses a decentralized network of user-operated servers to prevent data breaches, with no metadata logging and IP protection for your conversations.

Features include private one-to-one and group chats up to 100 participants, secure attachments, and a no-phone-number setup. Open-source and stewarded by the Session Foundation in Switzerland.

## Rankings

- #20,006 — Overall
- #112 — Communication (Free)
- #1 — session
- #2 — section
- #14 — messenger
- #26 — messages

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.app.role.DIALER`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH`
- `android.permission.BROADCAST_STICKY`
- `android.permission.CAMERA`
- `android.permission.DISABLE_KEYGUARD`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MEDIA_PLAYBACK`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_PHONE_CALL`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_SPECIAL_USE`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_OWN_CALLS`
- `android.permission.MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.RAISED_THREAD_PRIORITY`
- `android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.READ_MEDIA_AUDIO`
- `android.permission.READ_MEDIA_IMAGES`
- `android.permission.READ_MEDIA_VIDEO`
- `android.permission.READ_MEDIA_VISUAL_USER_SELECTED`
- `android.permission.READ_SYNC_SETTINGS`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED`
- `android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS`
- `android.permission.USE_BIOMETRIC`
- `android.permission.USE_FINGERPRINT`
- `android.permission.USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT`
- `android.permission.VIBRATE`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.WRITE_SYNC_SETTINGS`
- `com.android.launcher.permission.INSTALL_SHORTCUT`
- `com.android.vending.BILLING`
- `com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE`
- `network.loki.messenger.ACCESS_SESSION_SECRETS`
- `network.loki.messenger.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`

## Review summary

Session is praised for privacy and anonymity, enabling calls/texts without sharing personal data and without a SIM. Reviewers highlight its decentralized, encrypted design and crypto donation option. Key downsides are bugs and slow media sending, missing features like video calls and media controls, privacy concerns around visible notifications, and setup/lock security friction. Overall, a compelling privacy-focused alternative with notable reliability and feature gaps.

### Pros

- Privacy-first design: no phone number, email, DOB, or personal data required; end-to-end encryption with minimal metadata
- Sign-up and use without a SIM/phone number; you can call and text without exposing a number
- Decentralized, privacy-focused messaging with no data tracking and strong emphasis on anonymity
- Crypto donation option and a sense that Session is a privacy-oriented alternative to mainstream apps

### Cons

- Bugs and performance issues: described as buggy with slow media sending and occasional delays
- Feature gaps: no video calls, no multi-image sending, no media quality controls, and no text-to-speech
- Notification privacy concerns: visible or non-discreet notifications of secret messages; requests for disguise notifications
- Security UX friction: in-app locking is weak or cumbersome (reinstall may be needed when settings change)

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/network.loki.messenger)