Documentation
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Ndevar.
General
Does Ndevar really work without internet?
Yes. The core offline messaging feature uses Bluetooth to route messages between nearby devices. As long as there are devices running Ndevar between you and the recipient, messages can route — no internet required.
How far can messages travel?
Individual Bluetooth connections have a range of roughly 10–30 metres depending on environment. But messages can hop through multiple devices, so the effective range depends on how many devices are between you and the recipient.
In a crowd, messages can travel much further because there are more potential relay devices.
Do other people see my messages?
No. Messages are end-to-end encrypted. Devices that relay your message in transit cannot read it — they only forward the encrypted envelope.
Does Ndevar drain my battery?
Ndevar uses Bluetooth, which is designed to be power-efficient. Background operation uses a small fraction of what Wi-Fi and cellular use. We've designed Ndevar to minimise battery impact — scanning is throttled when not needed.
Account & identity
Do I need an account?
No. Ndevar messaging works with no account. An account is required for encrypted cloud backup, remote wipe, and broadcast channels.
Why do I create my account in the app?
Your identity is created on your device first — before any account exists. Creating your account in the app links your device-generated identity to the portal, rather than the portal creating your identity for you. This means your identity is always device-native and never controlled by Ndevar.
What is a shortAddress?
Your shortAddress is the 8-character human-readable representation of your device identity. It's how contacts find and message you. Think of it as a username — except it's cryptographically derived from your private key, which means nobody can fake it.
Can I use Ndevar on multiple devices?
With the Protect+ plan, up to 5 devices can share the same identity via backup and restore. Each device has the same identity and receives the same messages.
Without Protect+, each device has its own independent identity.
Privacy & security
Does Ndevar store my messages?
No. Messages are never written to disk on any Ndevar server. The relay discards messages after delivery. There is nothing to retrieve, breach, or subpoena.
Can Ndevar read my messages?
No. Messages are end-to-end encrypted. Ndevar servers only ever see encrypted ciphertext with a one-time delivery token. We cannot decrypt it.
Is the free version private?
Yes. Privacy properties are the same across all tiers. The encryption, stealth addressing, and zero message storage apply to every message, paid or free.
Pricing & subscriptions
What's free?
Offline messaging, Bluetooth routing, end-to-end encryption, 1 registered device, internet relay, and Community broadcast (1 channel, 50 subscribers).
Are prices in Australian dollars?
Yes. All prices shown are AUD. The App Store converts to your local currency at checkout.
Can I cancel any time?
Yes. Cancel through the App Store subscription settings. Your subscription remains active until the end of the current billing period.
What happens to my backup if I cancel Protect?
Your encrypted backup is retained for 30 days after cancellation, then permanently deleted. Your device and its identity are unaffected.
Technical
What Bluetooth version does Ndevar use?
Ndevar uses Bluetooth (4.0+), which is supported on all iPhones running iOS 16 or later.
Does Ndevar work in airplane mode?
Yes. Bluetooth works in airplane mode on iOS. You can enable Bluetooth while in airplane mode via Control Centre.
Why does Ndevar need background access?
To relay messages for nearby users and to receive messages when the app is backgrounded. Ndevar uses Bluetooth background modes, which are power-efficient and don't require constant network access.