Stealth Text
Stealth Text is the encrypted SMS, MMS, and RCS messaging app for Android. It replaces your default messages app while still talking to ordinary phone numbers, and adds end-to-end encryption when both sides are using Stealth Text.
Setting It as Default
Open Stealth Text the first time and accept the prompt to set it as your default messaging app. Android requires this so the app can receive incoming SMS and MMS instead of the system default.
Conversations
Threads. One conversation per contact or group, sorted by most recent.
Search. Full-text search across every message and attachment caption.
Pin and archive. Pin priority threads to the top, archive ones you want out of the list.
Group chats. Standard MMS groups, plus encrypted Stealth groups when every participant has Stealth installed.
Read receipts. Optional, off by default.
Encryption
Messages between two Stealth Text users are end-to-end encrypted with the same Signal-style protocol Stealth Chat uses. Messages to plain SMS numbers fall back to standard SMS or MMS, with a clear lock icon indicating which mode each message used.
- Encrypted lock icon on every secured message
- Plain text indicator for SMS or MMS that the carrier can read
- Per-thread key verification by scanning a QR code or comparing safety numbers
Stealth Features
Stealth Mode. Hide the app icon and require a PIN, password, or biometric to open. Useful when handing your phone to someone else.
Vanishing messages. Per-thread auto-delete after a chosen interval (1 minute to 1 week).
Spam filter. Local on-device filter that hides junk SMS based on number reputation, content patterns, and sender behavior.
Spoof detection. Flags messages from numbers that fail SMS authentication checks (when carriers expose them).
Stealth Purge. Bulk delete a thread or all messages older than a chosen date.
RCS
Stealth Text supports RCS for typing indicators, high-resolution media, and read receipts when the recipient's carrier supports it. RCS messages between Stealth Text users are still end-to-end encrypted.
Settings
| Default app | Toggle Stealth Text as the system default messaging app |
| Stealth Mode | Hide app icon and require auth to open |
| Vanishing default | Default vanishing-message timer for new threads |
| Read receipts | Send read receipts (default off) |
| Spam filter | Aggressive, balanced, or off |
| Backup | Encrypted local or cloud backup of message history |
Why Use Stealth Text
End-to-end encryption with anyone using Stealth. Plain SMS to everyone else, with no separate app.
Stealth Mode. Hide the app icon when you need a clean home screen.
Local spam filter. Junk SMS gets quarantined on-device, no carrier upcharge required.