AndroidIRCx
A powerful IRCv3-compliant IRC client for Android with end-to-end encryption, multi-network support, and modern features
Key Features
- Connect to multiple IRC networks and servers simultaneously
- Modern, intuitive and responsive user interface optimized for mobile
- End-to-end encrypted chat with SSL/TLS support for secure private communications
- Proxy and Tor support for anonymous connections and enhanced privacy
- Watch ads to earn free scripting time for automated bot operations
- Comprehensive support for full IRC protocol – channels, private messaging, modes, nick-changes
- Real-time channel and private messaging with seamless reconnection handling
- Customizable notifications, alerts and notification channels (for Android 8.0+)
- Foreground-service mode for persistent background connectivity
- Configurable reconnection and idle-timeout settings to suit user preferences
- Graceful handling of disconnections, network changes and reconnections
- Lightweight and efficient — optimized for minimal battery and data usage
- Support for multiple simultaneous channels and private chats per network
Security & Privacy
- End-to-end encryption for direct messages and channels with key verification
- Secure SSL/TLS encryption for all IRC server connections
- SASL authentication support for secure login to IRC servers
- Biometric authentication (fingerprint/face) and PIN app locking
- Secure storage for credentials with biometric/PIN protection
- Fingerprint verification and trust-on-first-use (TOFU) key pinning
- QR code-based key exchange for secure encrypted channel setup
- Proxy and Tor support for anonymous connections and enhanced privacy
IRC Protocol & Connectivity
- Complete IRCv3 protocol support with CAP negotiation
- Multiple servers per network with automatic failover
- DCC file transfer support for sending and receiving files
- Server-accurate timestamps for real-time message synchronization
- Auto-connect functionality for favorite servers on app startup
- Graceful handling of disconnections and automatic reconnection
- Network change detection with seamless connection recovery
- Configurable reconnection intervals and idle-timeout settings
Technical Stack & Architecture
- Built with React Native 0.82 and TypeScript 5.8.3 for cross-platform compatibility
- React-native-tcp-socket for reliable IRC network connections
- Libsodium cryptographic library for end-to-end encryption
- AsyncStorage for efficient data persistence
- Service-oriented architecture with specialized managers (ConnectionManager, IRCService, TabService)
- Event emitters for real-time service communication and updates
- Message history with 200 messages per tab for optimal performance
- Firebase integration for Crashlytics and analytics
User Interface & Experience
- Configurable channel tabs (top/bottom/left/right) for personalized navigation
- Scrollable identity profile lists for easy account management
- User list management with context menus and inline actions
- Picture-in-Picture mode for Android multitasking
- Backup and restore functionality for settings and configurations
- Enhanced settings navigation with improved organization
- Customizable notification channels for Android 8.0+ devices
- Modern, intuitive and responsive mobile-optimized interface
App Screenshots
Download AndroidIRCx
📱 Scan to Download
Scan this QR code with your mobile device to download the APK directly
Points to: androidircx.com/uploads/app-release.apk
📖 Installation Guide
- Enable Unknown Sources: Go to
Settings → Security → Install unknown appsand allow your browser to install apps - Download the APK: Click the "Download APK (Direct)" button above or scan the QR code with your mobile device
- Locate the File: Open your device's Downloads folder or notification panel
- Install the App: Tap on
app-release.apkand follow the installation prompts - Verify (Optional): Compare the SHA-256 hash of the downloaded file with the one shown above
- Launch AndroidIRCx: Open the app and start connecting to IRC networks!
File Verification
Verify your download: After downloading, compare the SHA-256 hash of your file with the one displayed above to ensure file integrity.
On Windows: certutil -hashfile app-release.apk SHA256
On Linux/Mac: sha256sum app-release.apk
The calculated hash should match: 06e62ef4e9ea10a01720e7dd4df820040fa91ee82fd063e6e9cf937edb655af3
System Requirements
Minimum: Android 7.0 (Nougat, API 24) or higher
Recommended: Android 11 (API 30) or higher
Target: Android 15 (API 36)
Permissions required:
• Internet access
• Camera (for QR code key exchange)
• NFC (for NFC-based key sharing, optional)
• Foreground service (for persistent connections)
• Foreground service – data sync
• Notifications permission (Android 13+)
• Ignore battery optimizations (optional but recommended)
• Wake lock (prevents disconnects during sleep)
Current Version
Version 1.6.1
The latest version includes significant improvements and new features:
• Android keyboard handling improvements with configurable offsets/behavior.
• Voice recordings now capture audio only.
• Media upload progress indicators and preview fixes (images/video).
• Tab indicator fix for left/right tabs.
• Duplicate channel tabs reduced for case-insensitive names.
• New performance settings for user list grouping/virtualization.
• Help updates for keyboard troubleshooting and media encryption wording.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is IRC?
IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a real-time text messaging protocol that has been around since 1988. It allows users to communicate in channels (chat rooms) or private messages. AndroidIRCx brings this classic communication platform to modern Android devices with enhanced security and features.
Is AndroidIRCx safe to use?
Yes! AndroidIRCx is completely open-source, regularly scanned by VirusTotal, and includes end-to-end encryption, SSL/TLS support, and SASL authentication. All connections are secured, and the app undergoes security audits. You can verify the SHA-256 hash to ensure file integrity.
Why isn't it on the Google Play Store?
AndroidIRCx is available on Google Play Store! However, we also provide direct APK downloads for users who prefer to install manually or need access to beta features before they're published to the store.
What Android version do I need?
AndroidIRCx requires Android 7.0 (Nougat) or higher. Android 11 is recommended for the best experience. The app is optimized for modern Android versions and targets Android 15.
Can I connect to multiple IRC networks?
Absolutely! AndroidIRCx supports simultaneous connections to multiple IRC networks and servers. You can manage all your IRC communities from one app with multi-network support and failover capabilities.
How do I verify the APK is authentic?
After downloading, compare the SHA-256 hash of your downloaded file with the hash displayed on this page. You can also check the VirusTotal scan results linked above. The source code is available on GitHub for full transparency.
Can I build the app without ads or Crashlytics?
Yes. AndroidIRCx is open source, so anyone can clone it from GitHub and build their own APK. For a local build without ads, keep scripting time enabled and set the supporter state to on in the React Native Zustand store (supporter always on).
Where can I get help or report issues?
Join our IRC network at chat.androidircx.com or visit irc.dbase.in.rs. You can also report issues on our GitHub repository.