swimchain.io
Android · full node

Install Swimchain on Android

The Swimchain app runs a full node in your pocket — no server, no account. Because it's distributed as a sideloaded APK (not through the Play Store), installing takes a few extra taps. Here's the whole thing.

Download the APK Alpha
Version: v0.1.10-alpha  ·  Requires: Android 8.0+ (API 26)  ·  Arch: arm64-v8a  ·  Size: 17.6 MB
SHA-256: 952c308d9e881b04a6047675a4c1e7d1f72f093023700534293ec1742ddd73d4
This is a pre-release alpha. Sideloaded apps don't auto-update — note the version and check back here (or the release notes) for new builds.

  1. Check your Android version

    You need Android 8.0 (Oreo) or newer. Settings → About phone → Android version.

  2. Enable Developer Mode

    Installing the APK this way requires Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About phone and tap Build number seven times until Android says "You are now a developer." (You may be asked for your PIN.) You can turn this back off after installing: Settings → System → Developer options.

  3. Download the APK

    Tap the Download the APK button above. Your browser saves it to your Downloads folder.

  4. Allow installs from your browser

    Open the downloaded file. Android will say "For your security, your phone currently isn't allowed to install unknown apps from this source." Tap Settings, turn on Allow from this source, then press back.

    Android 'Install unknown apps' screen with the 'Allow from this source' toggle
    Turn on "Allow from this source," then press back.

  5. Get past the Play Protect check

    Google Play Protect will say "App scan recommended — Play Protect hasn't seen this app before." Tap Scan app — Google checks it and comes back with "This app looks safe," then you tap Install. (You can also skip the scan via More details → Install without scanning.) This appears for any app not distributed through the Play Store.

    Google Play Protect 'App scan recommended' dialog for Swimchain
    Tap "Scan app"…
    Google Play Protect result: 'This app looks safe' for Swimchain, with an Install button
    …Google confirms it's safe, then tap "Install."

  6. Open the app & allow notifications

    Launch Swimchain and tap Allow on the notification prompt. The node runs as a background service with a persistent notification while it syncs the chain — that's how a full node stays alive on mobile.

    Swimchain running (node synced, 1 peer) with the 'Allow Swimchain to send you notifications?' prompt
    The app is already running a node behind the prompt — tap "Allow."

These warnings appear for any app installed outside the Play Store — they're not specific to Swimchain. You can verify the download against the SHA-256 checksum above.

Installed? Here's what to do next.

The app creates your identity on first launch. Next you'll get sponsored so you can post, and find your first spaces — walk through it step by step.

Getting started →