Install guide

Helix on Android

From buying a license to your first encrypted message — sideloaded directly, no Play Store. Works on Android and GrapheneOS.

Windows macOS Linux Android iPhone / iPad

Buy a license

Choose a tier on the pricing page and pay with BTC, ETH or USDT. Your license key appears the moment payment confirms — no account, no email, no phone number.

Closed network; one mobile + one desktop seat per license.

Get your download + key

You receive the private APK link, its SHA-256, and your HELIX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX key. Pick the build for your phone (arm64-v8a fits almost all modern devices).

Save the key like a seed phrase — no reset, no re-issue.

Verify the download (recommended)

Optional but wise: use any "Hash Checker" app, or on a computer run sha256sum helix-android.apk, and compare to the published value.

Allow install & sideload the APK

  1. Open the APK from your browser or Files app.
  2. Android will ask to allow installing unknown apps for that app → toggle it on, then back and tap Install.
  3. GrapheneOS: same flow; you may also want to install Helix in a separate user profile for isolation.
  4. Play Protect may ask to scan an unknown app — you can decline; the build is sideloaded by design.

First run — set your unlock secret

Helix opens with no obvious login. Set a private unlock secret that reveals the real app; without it the device gives nothing away.

No recovery for the unlock secret. It isn't stored anywhere we can read.

Activate your license

Account → Activate, paste your HELIX-… key. The phone claims the mobile seat; activate a desktop for the second seat.

Configure your protection

  • VPN & onion network — choose an exit country, fail-closed.
  • Physical Meeting — one tap kills mic, camera and GPS. On GrapheneOS this disables the sensors at the OS level for every app.
  • Disappearing messages or Compliance mode. Screenshots are blocked automatically.

Start using it

  • Add people by invite or by scanning their QR — outsiders can't message or call you.
  • Message, call & video, share files, use your self-custody wallet.

Troubleshooting

"App not installed"

Usually the wrong ABI — install the arm64-v8a build. Remove any older copy first.

"Install blocked / unknown apps"

Grant the "install unknown apps" permission to the browser/Files app you're opening the APK from, then retry.

Play Protect warning

Expected for a sideloaded app — you can proceed. Verify the checksum (step 3) for certainty it's genuine.

New phone

Install and activate the same key — the mobile seat rolls over and the old phone deactivates. You don't need the old device.

Get your license