Getting Started

Welcome to Cyph! This guide will walk you through the process of setting up your secure account, generating your encryption keys, and preparing your devices for end-to-end encrypted communication.

1. Accessing Cyph

You can access Cyph directly through the web or via native applications.

• Web: Navigate to https://cyph.app.
• Desktop/Mobile: Cyph offers apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux.

2. Registration & Username Selection

To begin, you will need to register a new account.

1. Register: Follow the prompts to create your account.
   • Troubleshooting: If the registration process seems to hang, check your internet connection. If the problem persists, please submit a ticket.
2. Choose a Username: Select a unique username.
   • Note: Usernames cannot be changed once registered. If you need a different identity later, you will have to create a new account, though you can change the capitalization of your username in settings.

3. The Paper Master Key

During setup, Cyph generates a high-entropy, memorable passphrase (e.g., “correct horse battery staple”) known as your Paper Master Key.

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING

• Write this down immediately.
• Store it somewhere safe.
• Do not lose it.

By design, only you have access to your private data. If you lose your Master Key and are not signed in on any device, your account and data are lost forever. Cyph cannot reset your password or recover your data; the only option would be an account reset which wipes all data.

4. Syncing Additional Devices (Optional)

After generating your master key, the setup wizard will prompt you to add as many additional devices as possible to ensure you never permanently lose access to your account. This step uses a temporary encrypted channel to transfer your keys securely to other devices (like your phone or laptop) without re-entering the full master key.

1. On your initial device (where you’re completing registration): In the “Cyph Account Setup” screen, click the Phone or Computer button depending on the type of device you’re adding (or go to Settings > Activate Another Device if you skipped this step).

2. On your new device: Open Cyph and click Use Activation Code on the login screen.

3. Sync:

   • Grant Permissions: Accept camera permissions on your new device when prompted.
   • Scan: Scan the QR code displayed on your initial device.
   • Alternative: You can also use the copy button to copy the auth code and paste it manually (e.g., for desktop-to-desktop sync).

4. Verify: Check that the codes match on both screens, then click the checkbox on your initial device to complete the sync.

5. Repeat for additional devices if needed, then click NEXT to proceed.

This process can also be repeated later via Settings > Activate Another Device on any logged-in device, but it’s most convenient to do it immediately during registration if you plan to use Cyph across multiple devices from the start.

5. Securing Your Session (Lock Screen)

You will be asked to set a Lock Screen PIN or Password.

• This is used to quickly unlock your session on your current device without re-entering your full Master Key.
• If you forget this PIN, you can use your Master Key to regain access.

6. The Account Verification Period

After registration, you may notice you cannot immediately send messages to other users. This is normal.

• What is happening? Your account is undergoing AGSE (Air Gapped Signing Environment) verification. A valid Cyph signature is required to protect users from Man-In-The-Middle attacks.
• What can I do while I wait?
  • You can set up your Profile.
  • You can use Solo Features in the Vault, such as Files, Passwords, and Notes.