In this article we are going to take a closer look on the many functions that XMPP offers us. XMPP is a decentralized messaging protocol, that can be fully encrypted (even with your own keys through OpenPGP) and has many different applications for multiple platforms. To learn more about XMPP generally, we invite you to consult their main homepage: xmpp.org

Note: a common synonym for the XMPP network is Jabber
        > XMPP address is the same as Jabber ID.

In this guide, we are going to use the app Cheogram, which is based on Conversations. Also, here we assume that you already have your XMPP account setup and ready to go. (If you need help with setting up, follow this link)

And if you are interested in using XMPP for a virtual number and that way have phone services without a SIM card, you may want to learn about jmp.chat and check out our guide to set it up.

Adding your first contact

  1. On the main page, tap on the purple circle with the letter symbol inside of it
  2. On the next page (contacts), tap on the purple circle with the + symbol inside of it
  3. Click on 'Add contact' on the very top
  4. Enter the full XMPP address of your contact
    (side note for jmp.chat users: you may add any phone number here in the right format: <internat.#>@cheogram.com )
  5. Add the contact - done!

It will show now in your contact list. Now, please note: in order to use all functions and full encryption with OMEMO, the your contact has to add you back on his end!

So your friend may get something like this:

By adding each other and ensuring that presence updates are activated on both sides (see following picture) you be able to fully use all functions and complete encryption!

Joining groups

Similarily to adding contacts, we can also join public groups (or create our own).

  1. On the main page, tap on the purple circle with the letter symbol inside of it
  2. On the next page (contacts), tap on the purple circle with the + symbol inside of it
  3. Now taü pm 'Join public channel'
  4. Enter the full channel address
    (in this case we connect to our 'Take Back our Tech' channel)
  5. Done!
    Note: Be aware that channels use TLS, and don't offer OMEMO encryption (private groups do use OMEMO)

Functions overview

XMPP is fully featured - it can do Audio and video calls, voice messages, file transfer, location sharing, ... and all of that encrypted!

Again, for these functions to pop up, contacts need to add each other in their contact list and enable presence updates.

Let's take a closer look at those..

Audio and Video calling

  1. Inside the chat windows of your contact, look for the phone symbol on the top
  2. Start and audio or video call - it's that easy!

For jmp.chat users calling to real phone numbers: The phone symbol should pop up for you right away after adding the contact - without your contact having to add back or do anything.

Inside the call, it's possible to switch back and forth to the messaging screen. There is also a dialer available.

Here is an example of an audio call:

And here is an example for a video call:

Sending files

  1. Inside the chat windows of your contact, look for the paperclip symbol on the top
  2. Select 'Choose file'
  3. Select your files you want to send.
    You can also send multiple at once (hold down on the files)

Sharing location

  1. Inside the chat windows of your contact, look for the paperclip symbol on the top
  2. Select 'Send location'
  3. You can specify any location, or send your current actual location by using the button on the bottom right.

Sending voice messages

  1. Inside the chat windows of your contact, look for the paperclip symbol on the top
  2. Select 'Record voice'

This should give you an idea of the many functions we get with XMPP. We hope you enjoy your private communication!

Feel free to join our groups and let us know how the app works for you!


If you want to change your password for XMPP follow this guide.

XMPP resources

To invite your friends to start using XMPP, here is what they can use to create an account and to log in on their devices:

Other XMPP servers open for account registration:

404.city
jabbers.one
chatterboxtown.us
anonym.im

XMPP clients for different platforms

Linux: Dino, Gajim

Windows: Gajim

macOS: beagle.im

iOS: siskin.im, Snikket

Browser: mov.im, conversejs.org