Frequently Asked Questions
Murmur is a messaging app that works without the internet.
When two people with Murmur come near each other, their phones automatically exchange messages using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Messages spread from person to person as people move around.
Think of it like passing notes in a crowd — except your phone does it silently in your pocket.
YES
You can use any name or no name at all. Murmur does not use your phone number, email, or any personal information.
Your identity is just a random code created on your phone — it means nothing to anyone else.
NO Messaging works entirely offline.
Note: If you enable "QA Mode" in settings (only for developers), it will send usage data over the internet. Keep this OFF in restricted environments.
Each phone-to-phone exchange works within about 10-100 meters, depending on your surroundings.
But here's the key: messages hop from phone to phone. So a message can travel across a city — it just takes time as people move around and encounter each other.
In a crowded area, messages spread quickly. In a quiet neighborhood, it takes longer.
The "Nearby" counter shows how many Murmur users are within range. The colored dots show how your phone is connecting:
You don't need to do anything — the app picks the best method automatically.
Android requires Location Permission to scan for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices. This is an Android rule — all apps that scan for wireless devices must ask for it.
Murmur does NOT track where you are. We only use this to find other Murmur users nearby.
Hearts are a simple "like" button.
The colored bar shows how connected the message author is to your social circle:
NOT REMOTELY
There is no server to hack or demand data from. Messages only exist on people's phones and spread directly between devices.
However: If someone installs Murmur and comes near other users, their phone will receive messages like anyone else's. This is true of any open network — think of a public bulletin board.
Important: If someone takes your unlocked phone, they can read your messages. Always use a screen lock.
Messages are not encrypted — anyone on the network can read them.
This is intentional. Full anonymity means messages cannot be traced back to their author. There's no "from" address.
Think of Murmur as an anonymous public bulletin board. Don't share secrets you wouldn't post publicly.
NO
Once a message spreads to other phones, you cannot recall it. This prevents censorship — no one can erase inconvenient truths.
You can swipe away messages to hide them from your own feed, but this only affects your phone.
When two phones meet, they only have a short time to exchange messages. Not everything can be shared.
Murmur prioritizes messages from people connected to your Friends list. This way, messages from your community reach you first.
Trust shapes what spreads. Build your network with people you know.
You must be physically near the person (within about 10 meters).
Go to Friends and tap "Add Friend Nearby". You'll both see a 6-digit code. Enter each other's codes and verify they match.
Why this matters: No one can add you as a friend remotely. They must be physically present. This ensures your trust network is made of real people you've actually met.
Spreading: Messages spread through the network for about 3 days. After that, phones stop forwarding them.
On your phone: Messages eventually disappear based on hearts:
Hearting a message keeps it on your phone longer.
Go to Settings > Share Murmur:
The other person taps the file to install it.
Murmur keeps Bluetooth active to find nearby users. This uses some extra battery — similar to having Bluetooth headphones connected.
If battery is critical, you can disable Murmur temporarily in Settings.
Check these: