What is the beta version of Threema 2.0 for desktop?
Version 2.0 of Threema’s desktop app is a major update that will not only introduce a completely redesigned user interface, but it will also be based on a totally new architecture. Thanks to multi-device functionality, this version of the desktop app no longer requires an active connection to the mobile device.
The beta version of Threema 2.0 for desktop allows iOS users to already use the upcoming multi-device functionality with a mobile device and up to two computers. iOS users can connect the mobile Threema app for iOS (version 6.4 and above) with the beta version of Threema 2.0 installed on a computer and use them independently from each other. (The regular desktop app can still be used alongside the beta version.)
How to Get the Beta Version of Threema 2.0 for Desktop
Please note that this is beta software that can be rough around the edges. Features are limited. Make sure to create a backup before you proceed. For known issues and limitations, please refer to this FAQ entry.
- Install and open the beta version of Threema 2.0 for desktop. (There is no browser version available for this beta version.)
- In the Threema app, navigate to “Settings > Threema 2.0 for Desktop (Beta),” and tap “Add Device.”
- Follow the instructions on the screen to link your computer to your mobile device.
At the moment, the beta version of Threema 2.0 is only available for iOS, and up to two computers can be linked. The development of the multi-device technology for Android devices is underway, and support for multiple linked devices, including tablets, is planned.
The beta version is also available for the business app Threema Work.
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The beta version of Threema or Threema Work 2.0 for desktop stores the following data on your computer:
- Your Threema ID and device ID (public and private keys)
- Chat history (messages)
- Contacts and groups
- User settings
All data is stored on your computer in encrypted form and protected with a password of your choice that you set when linking the beta version of Threema 2.0 for desktop to your mobile device (a strong password is recommended). Each time you use the beta version of Threema 2.0 for desktop, you have to enter your password to access your chats, contacts, etc.
If you want to relink Threema 2.0 for desktop after resetting, please proceed as follows:
- In the desktop app, click on the three dots in the upper left corner to open the settings
- Go to “Devices > Relink this device”
- You can now start Threema Beta again and relink your computer to your mobile device
If you want to irrevocably delete all data of the desktop app from your computer, please proceed as follows:
- In the desktop app, click on on the three dots in the upper left corner to open the settings
- Select “Remove Threema ID and Data” in “Profile.” This will irrevocably delete all of the app’s data (e.g., Threema ID, device ID, contacts, chats, etc.) on the desktop
The beta version of Threema 2.0 for desktop (and Threema Work 2.0 for desktop) is beta software that is still being developed. The desktop app is generally stable; however, you may occasionally encounter issues.
These are the current limitations of the beta version of Threema 2.0 for desktop (subject to change):
- The beta version of Threema 2.0 for desktop only works with one iOS device (i.e., one iPhone/iPad) and up to two computers (Windows/Mac/Linux).
- It’s available for iOS only (Threema for Android is not yet supported).
- The beta version for desktop is only available in English and German.
- It’s required to keep Threema installed on your iOS device. Even though Threema works independently on linked devices, we recommend to open the app on each device at least once a week while connected to the Internet. This ensures new messages are downloaded to both devices.
- New messages sent or received will appear on both devices. Any messages exchanged before linking will not be displayed in the beta version.
- At the moment, videos are sent as file messages. Recording voice messages and sending or receiving polls and locations will be supported in a future release. You can simultaneously use the current desktop app or the web client to circumvent this limitation.
- Contacts can be added and modified but not deleted in Threema 2.0 for desktop (for consumers). This is not possible in Threema Work 2.0 for desktop.
- It is not yet possible to insert mentions.
- New message notifications may appear on your iOS device even if you have already read the messages in the desktop app. Open the affected chats on the iOS app to mark them as read.
- The “Do Not Disturb” setting is not yet supported by the desktop app.
- Updates will not be performed automatically. You will be notified when updates are available.
- The chat history stored in the beta version of Threema 2.0 for desktop may not be retained when switching to a future beta or release version of the product. Please keep important messages on your mobile device.
- Enterprise proxies (network-based content filtering) are generally not supported.
- If you have a new iPhone/iPad and move Threema to the new device, Threema 2.0 for desktop will be unlinked and may cause the Threema app to malfunction. To avoid this situation, please remove the linked device on your old iPhone/iPad before switching to the new one (the message history will be deleted in the desktop app). You can then add the device again on the new iPhone/iPad. Alternatively, you can manually reset the desktop app, cf. this FAQ entry.
We are aware of the following technical issues and plan to resolve them with a future update:
- Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) is not supported when using the beta version of Threema 2.0 for desktop.
- When deleting a contact on the mobile device, any associated messages and conversations will be deleted on desktop too.
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