Ever feel like every messaging app these days wants your phone number before you can even say hello? It’s like you’re trading your privacy just to send a meme.
The good news?
You don’t have to anymore.
There’s a growing list of apps that let you chat freely without sharing your digits, no SIM card, no number, no stress.
Below are some of the best (free or low-cost) messaging apps that ditch the number requirement while keeping your conversations smooth, secure, and private.
Take a look.
Also Read: Secure Messaging Apps That Don’t Need A Phone Number
Free Messaging Apps That Don’t Need A Phone Number
1. Jami
Jami is the ultimate free-spirited messenger, no number, no email, and no servers holding your messages hostage.
Instead, it uses a peer-to-peer system that connects you directly to others, which means better privacy and no middlemen snooping around.
It’s end-to-end encrypted, supports voice and video calls, and even works on desktop, mobile, and Linux.
Sure, it might take a bit of setup if you’re new to decentralized apps, but once you’re rolling, it’s rock-solid. It’s also open-source and totally free, forever, no hidden plans or premium tiers.
If you’re tired of big tech lurking over your chats, Jami gives you freedom without compromise.
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2. Olvid
Olvid, born in France, takes encryption so seriously that it doesn’t even ask for your phone number, ever. Instead, you’re identified through cryptographic keys that keep your identity completely secure.
The design is clean, professional, and well-suited for both business and personal users who want peace of mind.
It’s less mainstream, which means your friends might need a nudge to join, but it’s one of the most polished private messengers out there.
Olvid’s free plan gives you all the essential messaging features, while business users can upgrade for advanced admin controls. For anyone who values security, Olvid is a hidden gem.
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3. Diode
If you love futuristic concepts, Diode might be your jam. It’s built from scratch as a “no phone number required” platform and designed around privacy-first networking.
Signing up is effortless, no number, no email, just instant access. Messages are encrypted end-to-end, and the app has a slick, modern look.
Diode’s free plan gives you unlimited chatting in “Free Zones,” perfect for individuals or small communities.
Paid plans start at about $2.50 per month if you want more advanced features like team management. It’s a fun choice for people who love being early adopters of privacy-forward tech.
Check Out: Best Anonymous Messaging Apps For Android
4. Element
Element is for those who want control over their data but don’t want to give up convenience.
Built on the Matrix open-source protocol, it allows you to chat using a username instead of a phone number.
You can even host your own server if you’re tech-savvy, or just use public ones. It’s flexible, feature-rich, and supports file sharing, voice, and video calls.
While it can feel a bit geeky at first, once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate how customizable it is.
The personal version is completely free, while businesses can opt for paid managed hosting. Element is ideal for those who want privacy without leaving behind modern chat features.
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5. Skred
Skred likes to keep things mysterious, no email, no phone number, and no trace of your personal info.
It’s a secure peer-to-peer messenger that lets you create multiple identities on one device, which is perfect if you like separating work, gaming, and personal chats.
The design is simple and user-friendly, and it offers all the basics, texting, calling, media sharing, without any sign-up friction.
It’s free to download and use, with optional in-app features you can purchase if you want extras. Because it’s less known, you might have to bring your own crowd, but once you’re in, you’ll appreciate how light and private it feels.
Check Out: Best Apps To Hide Phone Number, Text Messages
6. Threema
Threema is the privacy app with Swiss precision. It doesn’t just promise anonymity — it guarantees it. You’re assigned a random ID instead of needing a number or email, so you can chat completely incognito.
It’s used by both individuals and companies that take privacy seriously. The one-time price is around $3–6 (depending on your app store region), but once you buy it, it’s yours forever, no ads, no subscriptions, just pure messaging.
The interface is smooth and clean, and its encryption standards are among the best in the world. If you want a polished, professional experience without ever giving up your digits, Threema is worth every penny.
Check Out: Best Apps LIke Whisper
7. Session
Session is the ultimate anonymous messenger, no phone number, no email, not even metadata. Instead, you get a unique Session ID that works like a digital passport for your messages.
It’s built on a decentralized network that routes your data through random nodes, making it almost impossible to trace.
It’s entirely free and open source, with talk of future “Pro” features for those who want extras, but the base app is already incredibly powerful.
It’s not as lightning-fast as WhatsApp because of its privacy layers, but it’s rock-solid for secure communication. If privacy is your top priority, Session is where you’ll want to set up camp.
8. SimpleX Chat
SimpleX Chat takes privacy to the next level, it doesn’t just avoid phone numbers; it doesn’t even give you a fixed user ID.
Instead, you connect with people via QR codes or links, and those connections exist only as long as you want them to.
It’s like being invisible online until you decide otherwise. The design is minimalistic but smart, and the performance is surprisingly smooth.
Everything is end-to-end encrypted, and the app doesn’t collect any data about you. SimpleX is completely free, with no hidden costs or upgrades. If you love minimalism and maximum privacy, SimpleX is like your digital invisibility cloak.
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9. Ginlo
Ginlo might not be a household name, but it’s one of the finest privacy messengers.
It lets you sign up without a phone number, keeps chats encrypted, and offers both personal and business versions.
The interface feels clean and modern, and it’s perfect for teams or individuals who want a balance of privacy and usability.
The personal version is free, while the business plan starts around $3 per user monthly.
With German data protection standards behind it, you know your information stays safe. If you want something trustworthy and professional but still casual enough for friends, Ginlo checks all the boxes.
10. Zangi
Zangi is a lightweight messaging app that puts anonymity front and center. Instead of registering with your number, you get a unique “Zangi ID,” so you can chat freely without exposing your identity.
It’s perfect for travelers or users who want to separate work and personal chats. The app offers all the basics, messages, calls, file sharing and runs smoothly even on slow networks.
It’s completely free to use, with optional paid features for advanced security and business needs. If you want something simple and fast that doesn’t tie you down to your SIM card, Zangi might be your go-to messenger.
Also Read: Best Alternatives To Telegram App
Conclusion — The Best of the Best
If I had to pick one app from this list that stands above the rest, it would be Session. It’s completely free, and doesn’t ask for any personal info.
Its decentralized, metadata-free system makes it nearly impossible for anyone to trace your activity. It’s not only a privacy powerhouse but also a great everyday messenger that feels stable and modern.
While other apps like Threema and Element are solid too, Session strikes the perfect balance between security, accessibility, and cost.
If you’re ready to chat without giving away your number or your peace of mind Session is the one to start with.
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