TetherStables AI / KB
All KB documents

Keet

tether-products
en
v1.0

Machine-readable: Markdown · JSON

Keet is a fully peer-to-peer messaging app for text, voice calls, video calls, screen sharing, and file sharing. All communication is end-to-end encrypted and travels directly between users without passing through any servers.

Keet overview

Keet is a communication tool that lets users chat, make audio and video calls, and share media without relying on central servers. It is fully peer-to-peer (P2P): all interactions occur directly between user devices without intermediaries. No data is stored in the cloud.
No phone number, email address, or personal information is required to create an account. Keet is free across all platforms with no subscriptions, no hidden fees, and no ads.
Keet is developed by Holepunch, S.A. de C.V. (registered in El Salvador), which is backed by Tether. The underlying technology platform is Pear Runtime (https://docs.pears.com), an open-source peer-to-peer tech stack.

Keet key features

  • Peer-to-peer messaging: text messages sent directly between devices. No server relays, no cloud storage.
  • Voice and video calls: peer-to-peer calls with end-to-end encryption. Call quality depends on participants’ combined internet connection.
  • Screen sharing: share your screen during calls.
  • File sharing: share files of any size directly between peers. No compression, no file size limits. Speed depends on participants’ internet connections.
  • End-to-end encryption: always on for all messages, calls, and file transfers. No opt-in required.
  • No sign-up required: no email, no phone number, no personal information. Install and start chatting immediately.
  • 24-word recovery phrase: user identity is secured by a 24-word seed phrase (similar to a crypto wallet). This is the only way to recover an account or move it to a new device.
  • Display name and username: display name is visible to other users and can be changed at any time. Username is optional but recommended — it helps others find you and send direct message requests or group invitations.
  • Groups: spaces where users interact via text, calls, and file sharing. Users can create groups, invite others via link or QR code (with configurable expiry: 2 hours, 2 days, 2 weeks), and manage members with roles (admin, moderator, member).
  • Broadcast groups: creators can engage audiences with one-way messaging, allowing reactions but not replies.
  • Multi-device linking: link multiple devices to the same profile via Profile > Settings > My Devices > Add a device. Pair using a QR code or a profile link. Chat rooms and settings sync across linked devices.
  • Bitcoin Lightning payments: integration for sending Bitcoin via the Lightning Network using an LND wallet. Both sender and receiver must be online and have wallets configured. See the Lightning Network section below.

Keet download links

Keet is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and GrapheneOS. Download from https://keet.io/download/ or from the official app stores.

Updates are delivered peer-to-peer and applied automatically. Minor updates apply silently; larger updates prompt the user to restart the app.

Keet account setup and recovery phrase

On first launch, select “I’m new to Keet. Set up a private profile.” The app generates a 24-word recovery phrase that acts as the user’s secure identity.
Quick setup: automatically generates a recovery phrase and securely stores it on the device.
Manual setup: allows the user to write down and manage the recovery phrase themselves. Copy or write it down immediately and store it securely.
Critical: the recovery phrase is the only way to restore the account or move it to a new device. If lost, the account and all data are unrecoverable. There is no server-side backup because Keet stores nothing on servers.

Keet data availability and group hosting

Because Keet is peer-to-peer, a group’s data (messages, files) is only available when at least one participant with the data is online. If all participants go offline, the group’s content is temporarily unavailable until someone comes back online.
Keet Bookmarking: bookmarking a group keeps it hosted on the user’s device even when not actively viewing it. If at least one participant with a bookmarked group stays online (e.g., on a desktop), data remains available for everyone.
Keet Best practice: bookmark important groups on a desktop device that stays online. Ask other participants to do the same. A Linux ARM device (e.g., Raspberry Pi) can serve as a personal always-on data relay.
Chat history is stored locally on each device. Keet does not overwrite data during updates.

Keet privacy and security

Keet collects no metadata, no usage patterns, and no personal information. Users are identified by a cryptographic key pair. Peers find each other via a Distributed Hash Table (DHT) that only distributes routing information, not message content. Keet does not use any trackers.
Keet IP visibility: when joining a group, other peers may be able to see your IP address using network monitoring tools. If extra privacy is needed, use a VPN.
Keet Activity status: not visible. Other users cannot see whether you are online, typing, or reading a message.
Keet Read receipts: toggleable in Profile settings. Currently available for direct messages (DMs) only.
Keet Blocking: go to Group Options, select the user in the member list, and click Block Member. Blocked users’ messages appear as “Message blocked” across all shared groups. The blocked user cannot send DM requests. Unblock from the same member list.
Reporting a Keet message: select the message and click Report. The reported message content is hidden in the chat. This action cannot be undone.
Reporting a Keet user: open Group Options, select the user, open their User Profile, and select Report Member. The report is sent to group administrators and moderators, who decide on appropriate action.
Keet Scam warning: Keet will never DM users about wallets or seed phrases. Ignore and report any such messages.

Keet Bitcoin Lightning Network payments

Keet integrates with the Lightning Network for peer-to-peer Bitcoin payments using LND (Lightning Network Daemon) wallets. This is a technical feature intended for users comfortable with Lightning Network technology.
Setup: open Profile & Settings > Wallet & Transfers > Configure Wallet and enter LND wallet details. Both sender and receiver must be online and have wallets configured.
Important: Keet is not responsible for the safety or security of the connected LND wallet. Keet cannot see or control transactions made through the wallet. LND wallets are third-party, fully non-custodial — the user has full control and full responsibility. Do not hold significant balances in the LND wallet connected to Keet.
Keet does not support altcoins. Only Bitcoin via Lightning Network is supported.

Keet underlying technology: Holepunch and Pear Runtime

Keet is built on technology from Holepunch, the peer-to-peer infrastructure company. The developer platform is Pear Runtime (https://docs.pears.com), an open-source suite of building blocks: Hyperswarm (P2P networking), Hypercore (P2P data streams), Hyperdrive (P2P file system), Hyperbee (P2P database), Autobase (P2P collaboration).
Holepunch will not have a token. There are no crypto airdrops for Keet users. The network is free and open at the base layer.

Keet common user questions

"I lost my device. Can I recover my Keet account?" Only with the 24-word recovery phrase. Without it, account and data are unrecoverable.
"My Keet group is not syncing or messages are missing." At least one participant must be online for data to be available. Bookmark the group and keep a desktop app online.
"Why is Keet not a web app?" Modern browsers do not provide the peer-to-peer capabilities Keet requires. Keet uses Pear Runtime, which operates outside the browser.
"Can I use Keet on multiple devices?" Yes. Link devices via Profile > Settings > My Devices > Add a device using a QR code or profile link.
"Are there mobile notifications for Keet?" Desktop notifications work for bookmarked and recent groups. Mobile notification support is being improved.

Keet support and community channels

Email: support@holepunch.to (for issues that prevent opening Keet or joining groups)
Support site: https://support.keet.io
Twitter / X: @keet_io, @holepunch_to, @Pears_p2p
Community groups within Keet (paste the pear:// link into Keet to join):

  • Keet Welcome: general questions and discussion. pear://keet/yfo65n76jzi9girwkdqffaa6istu4n9zrc8pje6qds1qqco448fk6cnoa5uuynb7tnje58r7mtpzs1bodbk8routkfmk3fhd4czh6y8x5jsj7t69pq3iatqd8jj38bjxy318atyxy7mnwg1zk4djry47cchdaye
  • Bug Bandits: bug reports, feedback, and suggestions. pear://keet/yfoios17dgbdhoyizg1er4zdsay9admk4oo3meh4j1tawqx4fw5scmysf93per7subcttbhrjuoiriey7b65sh5yrdmhpape7j7f4d7s51kfur9wwwrkwb8ms31n9ro1h467iqq4orw945do88oxztmpfoznnye
  • Keet News: latest announcements and updates. Also accessible via Profile > Keet News. pear://keet/yfo7j69nb4d8sqtbex7p87e5ukiq9mzyuj3rrpxbwmtrx3ba5x3ga7bdr98c1ycomg1kuo3p9zgscrqahbyo7xsgkr4x5k9rerbpjmjxp3h555imc1ug1qyinw9utwf7n5csxq91n9wuf5p5orxmpsk97youaye

Keet official links

Sources