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Snikket Messaging Service

Welcome to Snikket, our private, self-hosted messaging platform! If you've used apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram, you'll quickly feel at home with Snikket. This service allows us to keep all our chats under our own control, without relying on big tech companies and their servers. With Snikket, you can have private conversations, group chats, and even share files—while knowing your data stays on our own server.

Snikket is built on XMPP, a well-established messaging protocol known for its reliability, extensibility, and strong security options like end-to-end encryption (OMEMO encryption is available for added privacy). This means the service isn’t only secure, but it’s flexible and works well across different platforms and devices.

Let’s dive into how Snikket works and how you can start chatting!

How Does Snikket Work?

Snikket works just like any other messaging app you might already use, but behind the scenes, it uses the XMPP protocol. This protocol ensures that your messages are routed securely through our server, and optionally encrypted with OMEMO (for end-to-end encryption), making sure no one else can read your conversations—except you and the person you're chatting with.

  • 1-on-1 Messaging: You can send private messages directly to anyone in the network. Each message is either server-to-server encrypted or (when OMEMO is used) completely end-to-end encrypted for extra privacy.

  • Group Chats: You can create or join group chats with multiple participants, perfect for coordinating events, discussing topics, or just casually chatting with family and friends.

  • File Sharing: Snikket allows the sending of images, documents, voice messages, and other media, all securely transmitted through our private server.

Because we host the service ourselves, your messages, contacts, and data are completely under our control, giving us the benefit of full privacy without relying on external services.

How to Access Snikket

Accessing Snikket is simple. The app is available on both Android and iPhone (iOS), with built-in support for desktop clients using XMPP-compatible apps like Gajim or Dino. Follow the steps below to get connected!

1. Download the Snikket App

Android:

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
  2. Search for Snikket.
  3. Tap Install to download the app, then Open once it’s finished.

iPhone (iOS):

  1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
  2. Search for Snikket.
  3. Tap Get to download the app, then Open once it’s installed.

2. Accept Your Invite

To join our private Snikket server, I will provide you with an invite link. This invite link is unique to you and allows you to register and create an account on the Snikket server. Follow these steps:

  1. On your phone, open the invite link I sent you (check your email or message if you can’t find it).
  2. The Snikket app will automatically open and ask you to confirm your username. You can pick your unique username and tap Create Account.
  3. You're now ready to start chatting!

3. Start Messaging

Once you're logged into Snikket, you can begin chatting with others on the platform. You can: - Create a chat by searching for other users (I’ll provide a directory or usernames of people on the server). - Start a group chat by inviting multiple people to one conversation. - Send media files like images or voice notes simply by tapping the attachment or media icon.

4. Using Snikket on Desktop (Optional)

If you prefer to chat from your computer, you can use any XMPP-compatible desktop client. Here are a few recommended ones:

  • Gajim (Windows/Linux): Free and user-friendly, available from gajim.org.
  • Dino (Linux): A lightweight XMPP client for Linux users.

To log in using a desktop client:

  1. Download and install the client of your choice from the provided website.
  2. When asked for your account info, use the same username (yourusername@snikket.server) and password you created in the Snikket mobile app.
  3. Once logged in, you’ll be able to access all your chats and groups from your desktop!

Should I Trust Snikket?

Yes, you absolutely can trust Snikket for secure communications. Here’s why:

  • Privacy First: Since the server is self-hosted, only trusted people (you, me, and our friends and family) can access or manage it. No third-party companies are involved.
  • Open-source: Snikket is built on XMPP, an open-source protocol with strong encryption standards like OMEMO. This means it has been thoroughly tested and reviewed by security experts worldwide.
  • End-to-end Encryption: You also have the option to enable OMEMO encryption, which ensures that no one—even the server itself—can read your messages except for you and the person you’re chatting with.

Troubleshooting and Help

If you run into any issues setting up Snikket or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, and I’ll help you get things running smoothly.

Setting Up Your Snikket Account

Setting up your Snikket account is quick and easy. Once you receive the invite from me, all you need is a phone, internet connection, and the Snikket app. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Download the Snikket App

Snikket is available both for Android and iPhone (iOS) devices. Choose your platform below and follow the instructions to download the app.

For Android:

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
  2. In the search bar, type "Snikket" and press Enter.
  3. The app from the Snikket Development Team should appear. Tap Install.
  4. Once installation is complete, tap Open to launch the app.

For iPhone (iOS):

  1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
  2. In the search field, type "Snikket" and select the app from the list.
  3. Tap Get to download and install the app.
  4. After installation, tap Open to launch Snikket.

Step 2: Accept Your Invitation

To join the Snikket chat network, you will need an invite link. This link is unique to each user and allows you to create your own account on our private server. Here’s how to accept your invite:

  1. Make sure you’ve received the Snikket invite link from me (check your email, SMS, or messaging app).
  2. Open the message containing the invite and tap the invite link. It will automatically open in the Snikket app.
  3. When prompted, confirm that you want to set up an account on the server by tapping Yes or Create Account.

Step 3: Create Your Username

During account setup, you'll be asked to choose a username. This username will be used by other people to find and chat with you.

  1. Enter your preferred username when prompted. This could be your first name, a nickname, or something you'll easily remember. For example, you could choose something like "john_doe" or just "john".
  2. Tap Next or Continue.

Note: If the username you entered is already taken (rare, since this is a private server), you'll need to choose a different one.

Step 4: Set Your Password

Now you’ll need to set a password for your account. This password keeps your account private and ensures that only you can access it.

  1. Create a strong password. A good password is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
  2. Re-enter the password to confirm it.
  3. Tap Next or Continue.

Remember this password—you’ll need it if you ever want to access your account on a different device (e.g., if you’ve logged out or want to use Snikket on your desktop).

Step 5: Complete the Setup

Once you've confirmed your username and password, Snikket will finalize your account creation.

  1. You will see a confirmation screen showing your account details (username and server address).

  2. The format will be something like yourusername@snikket.server. Take a mental note of this.

  3. Tap Done to enter the Snikket app.

Step 6: Start Chatting!

You're now ready to start using Snikket! You can: - Find your friends and family: I can provide you with usernames of other Snikket users on the network so you can add them to your contacts list. - Send messages: Tap on a contact's name and start chatting. - Create or join group chats: Snikket supports group conversations, perfect for family chats or organizing events. - Share files: Send pictures, voice notes, or documents directly through the app!

Step 7: Enable End-to-End Encryption (Optional)

Snikket supports OMEMO encryption, which provides an additional layer of privacy by ensuring that only you and the person you're chatting with can read your messages.

Here's how to enable it:

  1. Open a chat window with someone else using Snikket.
  2. You’ll see an option to “Enable Encryption” (often a small lock icon).
  3. Once enabled, your messages will be encrypted. The lock icon will remain closed, signaling the conversation is secure.

Troubleshooting

If you have any problems during setup, such as trouble receiving the invite link, creating a password, or connecting, please reach out to me for help. Common issues can often be solved by: - Double-checking your internet connection. - Ensuring the invite link was clicked on the same device where Snikket is installed. - Restarting the app if anything freezes.

Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve successfully set up your Snikket account. You can now enjoy secure and private messaging with friends and family under our own server. Happy chatting! 💬