Getting
Started
Welcome to Fernweh. Let's get you connected in just a few simple steps.
Four simple steps
1. Download Fernweh
Get Fernweh for iOS or Android. Search for "Fernweh" in the App Store or Google Play, or scan the QR code on our homepage.
Pro tip: Fernweh works best when the people you message have it too, especially for offline messaging, where nearby phones relay messages for each other. Share the download link to get everyone connected.
2. Create Your Account
Sign up with your email or phone number. We'll send a one-time code to confirm it's you, then you pick a unique username so people can find you.
Privacy note: We only use your email or phone to secure your account. We don't sell or share your contact information.
3. Add People
Connect however works for you: privately sync your contacts, add someone by username, scan a QR code, or discover people nearby over the mesh.
Quick start: Contact sync is private: phone numbers are hashed on your device and never uploaded in the clear, so we only match people who are already on Fernweh.
4. Start Messaging
That's it! Start a conversation, create a group, make a call, online or completely offline. Everything is end-to-end encrypted by default.
Enable offline mesh: Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and allow Fernweh's nearby/location permissions. These let your phone relay messages to and from nearby devices, so Fernweh keeps working even with no signal, SIM, or Wi-Fi.
You're all set!
Need Help?
Check out our FAQs or contact support if you run into any issues.
Learn More
Explore our feature guides to discover everything Fernweh can do.