Arattai Messenger — Complete Guide (Install, Features & Privacy)

Arattai Messenger — Complete Guide

What Arattai is, step-by-step install & setup, features, privacy notes, tips & troubleshooting.

1. What is Arattai?

Arattai is an Indian instant messaging and calling app developed by Zoho Corporation. It aims to provide a simple, fast, and India-centric messaging experience with chat, voice/video calls, file sharing, group features and some privacy-focused options.

2. Key features (at a glance)

One-to-one chat, group chat, and channels-like sharing.
Voice and video calling (mobile & desktop).
Media and file sharing (photos, documents, videos, large files).
“Secret chat” or end-to-end encrypted option for sensitive messages (where available).
Cross-platform clients: Android, iOS, and desktop clients (Windows / macOS / Linux).
Local data storage and India-hosted servers (Zoho emphasizes data locality).
Lightweight UX designed for quick onboarding and simple navigation.

Quick summary — Main features

One-to-one text chat with multimedia (images, video, voice notes, documents)
Voice & video calling (1:1 and group calls)
Group chats and channels for communities and announcements
Secret chat / end-to-end encryption options for sensitive messages
Large file sharing and cloud attachments
Desktop and web clients for cross-device usage
Backup & restore (local or cloud) and chat export
Privacy controls, block/report, and notification settings
Business features & integrations (broadcasts, business profile, Zoho ecosystem)

1. Install & initial setup (step-by-step)

Install

Open Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone).
Search for “Arattai” and tap Install / Get.
Open the app after installation completes.

Create account & verify

Select your country code and enter your phone number.
Enter the OTP (one-time password) sent via SMS to verify your number.
Choose a display name and optionally add a profile photo.
Allow required permissions (contacts, microphone/camera for calls). Deny optional permissions if you prefer; enable later from device settings as needed.

Tip: Use an email backup option if the app offers it — this helps with account recovery.

2. One-to-one messaging — How to send text, media & voice notes

Send a text message

Open the chat with a contact (tap their name).
Type your message in the text box and press the send button.

Share images, video, and files

Tap the attachment icon (paperclip / +) inside the chat.
Choose Photo / Video to attach media from your gallery or use camera to capture new media.
For documents, choose File, browse device storage and select the file to upload.
Confirm upload and send. Large files may upload to cloud storage and send as a link — wait until upload completes for reliable delivery.

Record & send voice notes

Press and hold the microphone icon to record a voice note.
Release to send; swipe to cancel if you change your mind.

Best practice: Compress or resize very large images before sending if you have limited data.

3. Voice & Video Calls — step-by-step

Make a one-to-one voice call

Open the chat of the person you want to call.
Tap the phone icon to start a voice call.
Allow microphone permission if prompted; wait for the contact to answer.

Make a video call

Open chat → Tap the video camera icon.
Allow camera and microphone access if required.
Switch between front/back camera during a call using the on-screen toggle.

Group calls (if supported)

Create a group chat and add participants.
Open group → Tap the group call icon (audio/video) to invite multiple members.
Participants can accept or decline; host controls may allow muting or removing participants.

Note: Call quality depends on network bandwidth. Prefer Wi-Fi or 5G for stable group video calls.

4. Groups & Channels — how to create and manage

Create a group

From the main screen tap New Group (or similar option).
Add members from your contacts, set a group name and icon, then tap Create.

Manage group settings

Open group → Tap group info / settings.
Change admin roles, edit group description, set message permissions (admins only or everyone), and control media auto-download.
Pin important messages or announcements for quick reference.

Create a channel (broadcast/announcement)

Choose New Channel or Broadcast List.
Publish announcements; members receive updates without being able to post (ideal for news or business updates).

5. Secret Chats & Encryption

Arattai may offer a secret chat mode or options for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for sensitive conversations. Use these steps where available:

Open a contact’s profile → Choose Start Secret Chat (or choose encryption settings inside chat).
Secret chats often enable message timers (self-destruct), disable forwarding, and ensure messages are stored only on endpoints.
Verify encryption keys / safety numbers with the other user when the app provides a verification option.

Security tip: Always update the app to the latest version for the newest security fixes and encryption improvements.

6. File Sharing & Large Attachments

Tap the attachment icon → choose File → pick the file from device or cloud storage.
If the file exceeds device upload limits, the app may upload the file to a cloud link; share the link once upload completes.
Use the desktop client for sending very large files (faster uploads from a wired connection).

Look for a progress indicator to ensure the file uploaded successfully before notifying recipients.

7. Backup & Restore

Open Settings → Chats → Backup & Restore (or similar path).
Choose backup destination: local storage or cloud (if offered). Enable automatic scheduled backups for safety.
To restore, install the app on the new device, verify your number, and follow the prompt to restore from the most recent backup.

If using cloud backups, confirm whether backups are encrypted. Local backups are safer from cloud exposure, but can be lost if device is damaged.

8. Desktop & Web Clients

Download the official desktop client from the Arattai website or open the web client in a browser (if provided).
Sign in using phone verification (scan QR code or enter OTP as prompted).
Use desktop for long typing, file transfers, and multi-window productivity.

Ensure you log out of public computers after use for account safety.

9. Privacy & Notification Controls

Privacy settings

Settings → Privacy: control last seen, profile photo visibility, read receipts and who can add you to groups.
Block/report contacts from the contact profile or chat menu.

Notification settings

Settings → Notifications: toggle sound, vibration, popup, and preview options.
Use Do Not Disturb / mute for individual chats or groups when you need breaks.

10. Business & Integration Features

For small businesses or teams, Arattai can be used for customer messages, broadcast updates, and internal coordination. Steps below are generic — check the app for specific business tools:

Create a business profile and include working hours, website, and contact info.
Use broadcast lists or channels for announcements and offers.
Explore integrations with Zoho products (CRM, Desk) or APIs for automation and message routing.

If you manage many customers, prefer official business APIs or CRM connectors to avoid manual handling and to comply with messaging policies.

11. Tips, best practices & power user tricks

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available for account security.
Use desktop client for large uploads and faster typing.
Clear large media from groups periodically to free storage.
Pin important chats and use starred messages for quick access.
Use secret chats for sensitive information and verify encryption codes when possible.

12. Troubleshooting — common problems and fixes

OTP not received: Check mobile network, request resend, or use call-based verification if offered.
Audio/video calls failing: Check microphone/camera permissions and network status; switch to Wi-Fi if cellular is weak.
Messages not delivered: Force close & reopen the app, check background data restrictions, and ensure the recipient hasn't blocked you.
Backup restore failed: Confirm you used the same phone number and backup location; check available storage.

13. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Question	Short answer
Is Arattai free?	Basic messaging and calls are typically free; check for premium/business features that may have charges.
Are calls encrypted?	Calls often use modern encryption; use secret chats for maximum message privacy (verify within app settings).
Can I use Arattai on multiple devices?	Yes — desktop and web clients usually support linking your phone account; follow the QR/OTP verification step.

14. Final notes & safety

Keep apps updated: Always run the latest Arattai version for security and feature updates. Confirm features like encryption, backups, and business integrations inside the app settings or official documentation because these can change with new releases.

3. Why people are trying Arattai

Made-in-India alternative to global messaging apps.
Recent surge in downloads and public interest (rapid signups in short time windows).
Focus on privacy, local data hosting, and simple UI for Indian users.

Quick note: New apps can gain fast traction during community campaigns or endorsements. Always check the official app page for the latest updates and security clarifications.

4. Step-by-step: How to install Arattai

Android: Open Google Play Store → Search Arattai → Tap Install. Once installed, open the app.
iPhone / iPad: Open App Store → Search Arattai → Tap Get / install.
Desktop: Visit the official Arattai website and download the desktop client for Windows / macOS / Linux if available (or use Web client if provided).
Permissions: Allow required permissions such as contacts and microphone for calls. You can deny optional permissions and enable them later from Settings.

5. Step-by-step: First-time setup & account creation

Open the app and choose your country code + phone number.
Enter the OTP sent to your phone to verify (standard SMS verification).
Create your display name and optionally add a profile picture.
Allow the app to access your contacts if you want Arattai to auto-detect friends who already use it.
Complete any introductory prompts (privacy settings, notifications).

6. How to use core features (quick guide)

Send a message

Open contact or group → Type message → Tap send.
Use attachments (paperclip / + icon) to send photos, documents, or voice notes.

Make a voice or video call

Open a chat → Tap call (phone) or video icon → Grant microphone/camera permissions if prompted.
For group calls, create a group and tap the group call icon (if supported).

Create & manage groups

From main screen tap “New Group” → Add members → Set group name & icon.
Use group settings to change admins, permissions, and message history retention.

7. Privacy & security — what to know

Arattai emphasizes privacy and local data storage. At launch and in early coverage, voice and video calls are reported to be end-to-end encrypted, while standard message encryption options vary — a dedicated “secret chat” mode can be used for fully encrypted messages. Full end-to-end encryption for all chats may be rolled out progressively; check the app’s privacy page for the latest status.

Security tip: If you need maximum privacy, use the app’s secret chat or explicitly encrypted features, verify encryption settings in the app, and keep the app updated.

8. Backup & data portability

Arattai may offer local backup options or cloud-backup managed by Zoho. Before switching apps or relying on backups, confirm whether chat history export/import is supported and how backups are stored (local vs cloud). Always verify backup encryption options.

9. Troubleshooting & common fixes

Not receiving OTP: Check network, request resend, try alternate SMS/call verification.
Calls failing: Grant microphone/camera permissions and check network connectivity (Wi-Fi vs cellular).
Sync delays / missing messages: Force-close app, clear cache (Android), or reinstall if problems persist.
Media not downloading: Check storage permission and available space on the device.

10. Arattai vs WhatsApp — quick comparison

Data locality: Arattai emphasizes India-hosted data; WhatsApp stores data as per Meta’s policies.
Encryption: WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption by default for chats & calls; Arattai provides encrypted calls and secret chats, and continues to develop encryption features for wider use.
Features: Both offer chats, groups, calls, and file sharing. Arattai aims for simpler UX and India-focused features.

11. Tips for power users

Enable secret chats for sensitive conversations.
Use desktop client for longer typing and file management.
Manage storage: clear large media from group chats regularly.
Use contacts sync only if you trust the device and network.

12. For organizations / small businesses

If you run a small business, check whether Arattai supports business profiles, broadcast lists, or APIs for automation. Zoho’s ecosystem often provides business integrations, so look for official business features or Zoho product integration for CRM, support, or notification automation.

13. How to keep updated

For the latest features and security updates, follow Arattai’s official website and Zoho’s announcements. Enable automatic updates in Google Play / App Store so you get security and feature fixes promptly.

Key Advantages of Arattai

Made in India: Designed with a focus on local users and data security within India.
User-Friendly Interface: Clean, simple design — easy to learn even for first-time messaging app users.
Free to Use: Text messaging, voice calls, and video calls are generally free with internet access.
Group & Channel Features: Allows creation of groups and channels for families, teams, or communities.
Supports Multimedia: Send images, videos, voice notes, and documents easily.
Secret Chats & Encryption: Options for secure conversations with self-destruct timers and end-to-end protection.
Zoho Integration: Works well with Zoho ecosystem (CRM, Desk, Workplace) for business communication.
Cross-Platform: Available on Android, iOS, and also supports desktop/web login.
Data Privacy: Focus on Indian data storage policies, giving more confidence to privacy-conscious users.

Key Disadvantages of Arattai

Smaller User Base: Compared to WhatsApp or Telegram, fewer people are using Arattai, which may limit communication.
Limited Global Reach: Works best in India; international adoption is still low.
Feature Gaps: Some advanced features (e.g., payments, bots, extensive third-party integrations) are not yet available.
Backup Options: Cloud backup may not be as seamless as WhatsApp/Telegram; restoring data can require manual steps.
App Size & Updates: Frequent updates may take storage space; older devices may face performance issues.
Business Tools Still Growing: Although Zoho integration is a plus, Arattai’s business messaging ecosystem is still developing.

Comparison Table — Advantages vs Disadvantages

Advantages	Disadvantages
Indian-made, data stored locally	Smaller user base compared to WhatsApp
Easy to use interface	Limited global reach
Free text, voice & video calling	Missing advanced features like in-app payments
Group chats & channel support	Cloud backup system less polished
End-to-end security options	Frequent updates may affect storage/performance
Zoho product integration	Business tools still in early stage

Conclusion

Arattai is a promising alternative to mainstream messengers, especially for Indian users who value data privacy, Zoho integration, and local control. It is best suited for personal use, family groups, and small businesses. However, users who need advanced features, a large international network, or highly polished backup systems may find limitations. Choosing Arattai depends on your priority between privacy/local focus and mass adoption/features.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any details. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning we might earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Please do your own research before making financial, technical, or personal decisions based on this content.

TECH KARTHIK

Arattai Made in India App — Full Review, Pros & Cons 2025