Sunbird Messaging - Chat with any bubble you want

FAQ's

What is the Sunbird Messaging App?

Sunbird Messaging is an Android app that allows you to securely connect iMessage and RCS/Google Messages accounts on your Android device, not relying on a third piece of software or server you need to manage in your home. In the future, Sunbird plans to have a web app and to continue to unify the world’s most popular messaging apps, including Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, into one app inbox on your Android device and the web.

More message app types such as Telegram, Instagram Messenger, Slack, Line, and Discord may be included in future updates.

How can I use Sunbird?

Signup for the waitlist at sunbirdapp.com. Once your spot opens up on the waitlist, you will receive an invitation email to a closed beta launch in the Google Play store. You can refer friends to bump up on the list. Sunbird is better with friends!

How is Sunbird different from other unified messaging apps?

There are some significant differences. Here are some of them:

Sunbird is the only "iMessage for Android" app where you need only your Android device, no personal server, Apple device or desktop software is required.

Your messages from the Sunbird app will appear as blue bubbles to iPhone and Mac users.

At launch, iMessage, RCS/Google Messages, and SMS/MMS will be supported.

How safe is my data when I use the Sunbird App?

The Sunbird app keeps your data secure through multiple overlapping security measures. For one, all communication between the Sunbird app and its servers is protected with Transport Layer Security (TLS). Further, within these payloads, the actual content of user messages is protected by a second layer of AES encryption. The key used to encrypt and decrypt user message payloads is generated by the app, and is never stored by the Sunbird servers. Further, within the Sunbird app, user message data is only ever stored in its encrypted form. At no time does Sunbird store your iMessage or RCS/Google Message user credential. Any files you send or receive over Sunbird are securely stored so that only you can access them, and they are automatically deleted after a period of time.

Is Sunbird available on the Google Play, or other app stores?

We are currently in restricted beta and new slots will be available for beta users regularly.

How fast is the Sunbird set up on my Android device?

Sunbird should generally take less than a minute to set up and less than 5 minutes to add iMessage & RCS/Google Messages.

Do I need a Mac or Apple device to make this work?

No Apple or Mac device is needed! Only your Android phone. You don't have to create or maintain an Apple server in your closet or some complex virtual machine to jump into iMessage conversations. Sunbird was created for the masses.

Does Sunbird use my data plan?

If your device is not connected to a Wi-Fi network, Sunbird messages will be sent over cellular data possibly incurring data usage. This means that cellular rates may apply, depending on your carrier.

Does Sunbird work internationally?

Yes. Sunbird works anywhere in the world as long as you have an Internet connection. International roaming text messaging rates may apply.

Does Sunbird work without Wi-Fi?

Yes. If you do not have a Wi-Fi connection, messages sent from the Sunbird app will be sent over your cellular network.

Can Sunbird work in Airplane Mode?

Yes. You can send and receive iMessages or RCS Messages when you're connected to in-flight Wi-Fi.

How can I move up the waitlist? When will I get access to Sunbird?

When you join the waitlist, you'll get a unique link to share with your friends to move up.

Is there a way to backup or archive messages?

This is on the product roadmap. We are creating the ability for the user to back up their Sunbird account to their Google Drive account. Once this feature is launched, if you do change phones, you will be able to use your Google backup that is on your Android phone to repopulate your new Sunbird app on your new phone. We already have a local backup and restore feature on your Android device that is being implemented and updated regularly for functionality.

Can you send images/videos in full quality?

Images and video are able to be sent uncompressed and high resolution via the Sunbird app. The only file size or type limits are those imposed by the native messaging app.

How much will Sunbird Cost?

Sunbird will not remain a free product for unlimited messaging. Over the coming months we will test subscription types and payment options.

Are there plans for a desktop client?

No, there are currently no plans for a desktop client. However, we do plan to launch a desktop-accessible web app that will seamlessly integrate with the Sunbird account you use on your phone.

Will Sunbird work on a tablet?

The Sunbird app, while not optimized for a tablet screen, will work on most Android tablets.

Will the app be open source?

No, due to commercial and legal requirements, there are no plans to make the Sunbird source code open source.

Can I use Sunbird on two devices with the same account details?

Sunbird cannot be used on two Android devices at the same time. If you need to change devices, please make sure you unlink iMessage on your previous device first, clear cache and data, and delete Sunbird from that device, before setting it up on your new device. There is currently no way to preserve messages in the Sunbird app when switching devices, though that is on the product roadmap.

How do I know Sunbird is safe and secure?

The Sunbird team takes your data security very seriously and has implemented a number of technical measures and operational processes, which include 3rd party penetration testing and an ISO 27001 certification. To read a summary of the measures Sunbird has taken in regards to security between November 2023 and April 2024, please review our blog post here: https://www.sunbirdapp.com/update-security-incident-remediation-and-sunbird-re-launch

What is Sunbird?

Sunbird Messaging is an Android & web app that gives users the ability to unify the world’s most popular messaging apps into one app inbox including iMessage, SMS/MMS, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. More message app types such as Telegram, RCS, Instagram Messenger, Slack, Line, and Discord will be included in future updates. Sunbird Messaging servers never store user messages, or any other personal data, ensuring a safety, security and privacy.

Blue bubbles on your Android.

60 Second Setup

Secure & Private

Unified Messaging

FAQ's

Blue bubbles on your Android.

60 Second Setup

Secure & Private

Unified Messaging

FAQ's

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