Install guide

Helix on macOS

From buying a license to your first encrypted message — no App Store, no Apple account, no approval from anyone.

Windows macOS Linux Android iPhone / iPad

Buy a license

On the pricing page, choose a tier and pay with BTC, ETH or USDT. No account, no email. Your license key appears the instant payment confirms.

Closed network — everyone you talk to runs Helix too. One desktop + one mobile seat per license.

Get your download + key

You receive a private download link, the SHA-256 checksum, and your HELIX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX key.

Save the key like a seed phrase. No account, no reset, no re-issue.

Verify the download

In Terminal, in your Downloads folder:

shasum -a 256 Helix-macos.zip

Match it to the published value. Mismatch → don't open it, re-download.

Install & open past Gatekeeper

The app is unsigned — we don't use an Apple Developer account, so macOS will warn the first time. That's expected.

  1. Double-click the zip to unpack Helix.app, then drag it into Applications.
  2. Right-click (or Control-click) Helix.app → Open, then click Open in the dialog. (Do not just double-click the first time — right-click → Open is what clears Gatekeeper.)
  3. If macOS still refuses: System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll down, and click Open Anyway.
Terminal alternative: xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/Helix.app removes the quarantine flag so it opens normally.

First run — set your unlock secret

No ordinary login. Set a private unlock secret that reveals the real app; without it the device shows nothing.

No recovery for the unlock secret. It's not stored anywhere we can read.

Activate your license

Account → Activate, paste your HELIX-… key. The Mac claims the desktop seat; activate your phone for the mobile seat.

Configure your protection

  • VPN & onion network — choose an exit country, fail-closed.
  • Physical Meeting — kill mic, camera and GPS in one tap. On a Mac, also keep a camera cover for certainty.
  • Disappearing messages or Compliance mode for regulated work.

Start using it

  • Add people by invite or QR — outsiders can't reach you.
  • Message, call & video, share files, use your self-custody wallet.

Troubleshooting

"Helix can't be opened because Apple cannot check it"

Expected for an unsigned app. Right-click → Open, or System Settings → Privacy & Security → Open Anyway, or run the xattr command above.

"Helix is damaged and can't be opened"

That's the quarantine flag, not real damage. Run xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/Helix.app.

Apple Silicon vs Intel

The build is universal — the same Helix.app runs on both.

New Mac

Install and activate the same key; the desktop seat rolls over automatically.

Get your license