Getting Started

Install

Download the latest release for your platform.

xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /Applications/Hushwire.app

sudo dpkg -i hushwire-client_*.deb
sudo apt-get install -f

Create an Account

1. Launch the client. It connects to the alpha server automatically.
2. On the login screen, click Register.
3. Choose a username and password (minimum 8 characters).
4. You're in. You'll need to join or create a community to start chatting.

There is no password recovery. The server stores a salted hash of your password — it cannot recover the original. Use a password manager.

Communities and Channels

Hushwire organizes communities. Each community has its own channels, roles, and categories.

1. Create a community — click the + button in the sidebar on the left.
2. Join a community — click Join Community and paste an invite link or token.

When you create a community, a #general channel is created automatically. You're auto-joined to all channels within a community.

Inviting Others

To invite someone to your community:

1. Open your community and go to community settings (or right-click the community name).
2. Click Create Invite to generate a shareable link.
3. Send the link to the person you want to invite — text, email, whatever works.

The invite link takes them to a page on hushwire.io where they can download the client. No access code needed — the invite itself is their ticket in.

Once they've installed and created an account, they paste the invite link in the client to join your community.

Voice Chat

1. Click a voice channel (e.g. #lounge).
2. Your mic activates on push-to-talk (backtick ` by default).
3. Hold the key to talk, release to stop.
4. Change the PTT key in Settings > Audio.

Voice is end-to-end encrypted. The server relays encrypted packets without the ability to hear the conversation.

Identity Verification

The first time you see another user, their identity key is stored locally (trust-on-first-use). If their key ever changes, you'll see a warning.

You can verify identities out-of-band by comparing safety numbers: right-click a user and go to Identity.

Settings

Access settings via the gear icon in the bottom-left user panel:

• Audio — Input/output devices, PTT key, volume
• Identity — Your identity fingerprint
• Devices — Manage linked devices

What's Encrypted

Updating

When a new version is available, you'll see a toast notification in the app with a download link. If your version is too old to connect, the app will show an Update Required dialog.

FAQ

Can the server operator read my messages?

No. All messages are encrypted on your device before being sent. The server only sees ciphertext.

What happens if I go offline?

Your messages are stored (encrypted) on the server and delivered when you reconnect. Your community and channel membership persists — you don't lose access to anything.

Can I use multiple devices?

Yes. After logging in on a new device, your primary device will receive a provisioning request. Approve it to link the new device.

What if I forget my password?

There is no password recovery. Choose a password you'll remember, or store it in a password manager.

How do I report a bug?

Email alpha@hushwire.io.