Wickr provides a more secure method for its users to communicate via chat rooms or instant messaging (IM). All shared messages are encrypted, and no metadata or personal information is stored by the app. To protect and secure your chats, Wickr allows you to set a "destruction" time. Messages sent will be destroyed/discarded after a set period of time. Wickr is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and desktop computers.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Chatting Through Wickr on iOS Devices
Step 1. Run Wickr
Locate the Wickr app on the device. This app is marked by an orange icon with the Wickr logo. Touch the icon to run it.
Step 2. Sign in to the account
Touch the “Login” button on the welcome page. Enter the Wickr account ID and password, then touch “Log in”.
Step 3. Open the “Messages” section
Touch the “Messages” button at the bottom of the menu bar. You will be taken to the inbox page where all messages are stored.
Step 4. Start a chat
From the “Messages” page, tap the chat button in the top right corner of the screen. A new page will open and load a list of contacts.
Step 5. Select the contact you want to chat with
Touch one or more contacts you want to talk to. The names of the selected contacts will be added to the “To” field at the top of the screen. You can also search for the desired contact by typing his Wickr username in the “To” field.
Step 6. Set the message destruction time
Wickr destroys all messages sent after a certain amount of time. You can set this time period for each new message that is sent. Touch the Wickr button or logo at the bottom of the screen. Use the displayed slider bar to set the time. You can set the time period from days to seconds.
Step 7. Send the message
Type a message into the message field next to the Wickr logo, at the bottom of the screen. Touch the “Send” button next to the field to send the message to the recipient.
Step 8. Review the chat
The messages will be displayed on the chat page with the recipient. Once received, the message will be displayed on the page along with the reply from the recipient.
Method 2 of 3: Chatting Through Wickr on Android Device
Step 1. Run Wickr
Look for this app icon on the Android device. The icon is orange and features the Wickr logo. Touch the icon to run the application.
Step 2. Sign in to the account
Touch the “Login” button on the welcome page. Enter the Wickr account ID and password, then touch “Log in”.
Step 3. Go to the “Messages” page
Touch the “Messages” tab from the menu bar at the top of the screen. You will be taken to the inbox page where all messages are stored.
Step 4. Start a chat
From the “Messages” page, tap the chat button in the top right corner of the screen. A new page will open and load a list of contacts.
Step 5. Select the contact you want to chat with
Touch one or more contacts you want to talk to. The names of the selected contacts will be added to the “To” field at the top of the screen. You can also search for the desired contact by typing his Wickr username in the “To” field.
Step 6. Set the message destruction time
Wickr destroys all messages sent after a certain amount of time. You can set this time period for each new message that is sent. Touch the Wickr button or logo at the bottom of the screen, then select the timer icon. Use the displayed slider bar to set the time. You can set the time period from days to seconds.
Step 7. Send the message
Type a message into the message field next to the Wickr logo, at the bottom of the screen, then touch the arrow button next to it to send the message to the recipient.
Step 8. Review the chat
The messages will be displayed on the chat page with the recipient. Once received, the message will be displayed on the page along with the reply from the recipient.
Method 3 of 3: Chatting Through Wickr on a Desktop Computer
Step 1. Run Wickr
Find and open this application on the computer.
Step 2. Open a new message
Click the “New Message” option in the left menu pane. A new window containing the contact list will open.
Step 3. Select a contact
Click one or more contacts you want to call. The names of the selected contacts will be added to the “To” field at the top of the screen. You can also search for a contact by typing their Wickr username in the “To” field.
Step 4. Create a message
Click the “Create Message” button next to the “To” column. A new window containing the chat page will be displayed.
Step 5. Set the message destruction time
Wickr destroys all messages sent after a certain amount of time. You can set this time period for each new message that is sent. Click the bomb icon at the top of the message field, at the bottom of the window. Use the loaded slider bar to adjust the timeframe. You can set the destruction time in days to seconds.
Step 6. Send the message
Type a message into the message field at the bottom of the screen. Press the “Return” or “Enter” key on the keyboard to send the message to the recipient.
Step 7. Review the chat
The messages will be displayed on the chat page with the recipient. Once received, the message will be displayed on the page along with the reply from the recipient.
Tips
- After expiration, the message is deleted, whether or not the message has been read.
- Since Wickr is an instant messaging app, your contacts will need to have Wickr installed on their smartphone or tablet in order to receive messages from you. If the user you want to message doesn't already have the Wickr app, the app will let you know and ask if you want to invite them to use Wickr. Accept the request to let your friends know that you use Wickr and want them to use it too.
