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FAQ

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Daniele Ricci edited this page Jul 4, 2017 · 38 revisions

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How can I use Kontalk on more then one device?

You have to transfer your personal key from your current device to the new one. You may read this tutorial.

Will you store any personal data on server?

Your public key is stored on our servers, which is the public part of your key (hence the name). It is used to authenticate you and encrypt messages to you. The only information stored in the public key is the name you choose at registration. You are free to type in anything you like there. Additionally your contact list is saved on server-side.

Your hashed phone number is your Kontalk ID and publicly visible throughout the network.

What is the personal key?

We wrote a page explaining just that.

I can see an online status under the name of an open conversation, "active", "online"... what do they mean?

We use three ways to show a user status:

  • active: The App is currently in use.
  • online: The App is connected to the server. For example because a push notification arrived. Online doesn't necessarily mean that Kontalk is used right now. After 30 seconds out of the app or after turning the screen off, the users goes into this state until the app disconnects automatically.
  • seen [some time ago]: This state is shown when the user disconnects automatically for inactivity.

Is it possible to change the name I chose on registration?

Technically it is, but is not implemented in Kontalk yet. Currently the only way of changing your name is to delete your account (Menu > Settings > Delete your account) and register again. But please remember that every new registration generates cost for the network (community) because of the SMS we must send for verification!

Will messages be delivered to offline users?

Yes. Specifically, our server (but it depends on the server in this case) keeps messages for a maximum time of 7 days. They will be deleted either when they expire or when they are delivered.

Is it possible to use a pre-existing XMPP/Jabber account of the form username@jabberservice.com with Kontalk clients?

No. You always have to register a valid phone number to use Kontalk clients. See also the discussion in our forum.

Can I chat with plain XMPP/Jabber contacts?

Yes. You can add any XMPP contacts to the desktop client just by entering their JID and start chatting right away. After synchronizing the contact list these contacts will also be available in the Android app.

I have recreated my key (i.e. I registered my number on a new phone). Now my contacts get a "bad key warning". What's happening?

Your old key will become invalid and the new key will be received by your contacts as soon their contact lists will be automatically refreshed. This may take a few hours.

To immediately retrieve the new key they can refresh the contact list manually. To refresh the contact list:

  • open the contact list by using the compose button > New chat
  • menu > Refresh

When you'll open a conversation with the contact you'll need to verify and accept the new key.

By the way: if you have a new phone you can use your existing account/key by following this tutorial.

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