FAQ
FAQ
These are the questions you are most likely to ask before installing or applying. Answers stay short and accurate.
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◇ Download, privacy, and security guidance comes from the official site
FAQ
FAQ
If you are still unsure, start with the privacy and download pages.
FAQ
FAQ
What is the difference between a Nome invite and a chat invite?
A Nome invite comes from the website application and review flow for product invitations and future benefits. A chat invite creates a connection with a person or group inside the app. They are separate, and neither is required to download the APK.
How do I request a Nome invite?
Submit your email, country or region, Android platform, purpose, and optional referral source; accept the privacy notice and terms and confirm eligibility. The request enters manual review after email verification.
How long does review take?
There is no guaranteed review time. Status is provided through a secure email magic link; do not repeatedly submit the same active request.
Why is an email address required?
Email is used to verify an invite application, deliver status links, report the review result, and send necessary security notices. It belongs to the invite application system, not your chat identity or a download credential.
How do I install the APK?
Download the APK directly from the official Nome download page, verify the SHA-256, package name, and version, then follow Android's prompt to allow that source for this install. Disable unnecessary unknown-source permission afterward.
Why is this not an app-store release?
Nome is a publicly available product. Its Android client is currently distributed directly from the official website and is not yet listed on Google Play. A web release is not the same as a store release.
Is the current build production-signed?
No. The current APK is the officially distributed ARM64 debug build, still uses the development package name, and is not production-signed. The download page states this technical boundary clearly.
What does ARM64 mean?
ARM64 is the processor architecture supported by this APK. Most newer Android phones use ARM64, but you should still confirm device compatibility before downloading.
Why is the APK large?
The current web build is about 358.8 MB because it is a debug build containing development runtime components and has not been size-optimized for store distribution.
What does the invite currently control?
It is used only for invite applications, review, issuance, and future product benefits. It does not control APK downloads. Anyone can download from the website, and the app does not currently enforce invite activation.
What happens if the APK is forwarded?
The APK is publicly downloadable. To avoid an outdated or modified copy, always obtain it from the official Nome download page and verify the published SHA-256.
How will migration to a future production build work?
The current package is chat.simplex.app.nome.dev. A later production-signed build may use a different package name and signature, may require a separate install and data import through Nome backup and migration, and is not guaranteed to upgrade in place.
Can deleting the app lose my data?
Yes. Chat data is primarily stored on the device. If you delete or migrate the current build without a valid backup, local data may be unrecoverable.
How do backup and migration work?
Use Nome's in-app backup and migration functions and verify the backup before deleting the old build. Never send backup files or passwords to website administrators.
Can administrators see chat content?
No. The invite console handles email, region, applications, invites, and minimal security logs. It has no access to chat content, contacts, groups, or communication relationships.
Why does the admin console show invite status?
Invite status supports application review, invite issuance, and future product benefits. It is not download access, a chat account, presence, or communication activity.
How do I verify the SHA-256?
After download, run `shasum -a 256 filename` on macOS or Linux, or `Get-FileHash filename -Algorithm SHA256` in Windows PowerShell. The result must match the full digest on the download page exactly.