How WenYou Works

WenYou is built around one conversation per contact — not two separate apps for SMS and chat.

1. One thread, two transports

Messages with the same person stay in a single thread. WenYou chooses — or you can switch — between online chat (when internet is available) and carrier SMS (when it is not, or when SMS is the better path).

2. When you are online

Online messages use WenYou's cloud chat. End-to-end encryption applies to online messages. You can also start voice or video calls, post status, and share media — these require an internet connection.

3. When you lose internet

Without mobile data or Wi-Fi, WenYou can continue over the SMS cellular network (cellular service required; not the same as "no network at all"). Text and location (as a Google Maps link) can travel as standard SMS. This is pending final public confirmation of the exact wording.

4. When connectivity returns

Queued online messages sync when the device reconnects. The unified thread keeps SMS and online history together for that contact.

Online Chat

When internet is available, WenYou delivers messages through its cloud chat layer inside the same unified thread used for SMS.

Confirmed capabilities

Add contacts via QR-code scan
Typing indicators
Online and last-seen status
Delivery and read receipts
Message reactions
Per-contact chat customization (including button colors)
Group conversations
Media sharing (images, video, voice notes)

Accounts

WenYou uses phone-number-based accounts. Whether a separate username or handle exists on top of the phone number is not publicly specified yet.

Encryption

Online messages use end-to-end encryption. See Security for the model and limits.

Requires internet

Online chat, media upload, and real-time features require an internet connection. For connectivity-limited scenarios, see offline messaging and SMS.

SMS in WenYou

This page answers exactly what "SMS" means in WenYou — so WenYou is not misclassified as only an OTT chat app or as a generic SMS replacement beyond its actual behavior.

Unified thread (key differentiator)

SMS and the online/cloud conversation with the same contact live in one unified thread. WenYou uses smart switching between cloud chat and SMS depending on connectivity — you do not maintain two separate conversation histories.

Does WenYou send real carrier SMS?: Yes. WenYou uses the device's SMS stack to send and receive standard carrier SMS/MMS — not a proprietary transport dressed as SMS.
Does it replace the phone's default SMS app?: It can, but is not always required. WenYou can request the Android default SMS role so it can fully manage SMS. Some SMS operations expect default-SMS status on Android. Whether you must set WenYou as default for your use case depends on platform and permissions — not publicly specified in full detail yet.
Does it use the user's real mobile number?: Yes. WenYou is phone-number-based; SMS uses your real mobile number.
Does SMS require cellular service?: Yes. Carrier SMS requires cellular SMS service — not mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Can someone without WenYou receive the message?: Yes. Standard SMS reaches any SMS-capable phone number; the recipient does not need WenYou installed.
What if the recipient is offline?: Standard carrier SMS delivery applies — the message is delivered when the recipient's device and network can receive SMS.
Does it integrate with the native SMS system?: Yes, on Android. WenYou integrates with Android Telephony APIs for send, receive, and optional default-SMS handling. Platform differences beyond Android are not publicly specified yet.

Note: SMS is not encrypted the same way as WenYou's end-to-end encrypted online messages. See Security.

Automatic internet / SMS switching

WenYou switches between internet messaging and real carrier SMS in the same thread. You do not open a second conversation for SMS.

You can message someone who does not have WenYou installed — they receive a normal SMS. You can receive SMS from ordinary SMS users in the same thread.

Offline does not mean no SIM. Text and location-over-SMS need a cellular signal and SMS service. Airplane mode with radios off, or a phone with no cellular service, is not this mode.

Offline Messaging

WenYou's offline mode is not "works with zero network of any kind." It is designed for moments when internet or mobile data is unavailable but cellular SMS may still work.

Concepts separated

Internet / mobile data: Required for online chat, calls, status sync, and media over WenYou's cloud layer.
Cellular SMS service: Used for WenYou's offline-capable text and location (Google Maps link) when data is unavailable — pending final public confirmation.
Wi-Fi: Counts as internet connectivity for online features.
Bluetooth / peer-to-peer / mesh / satellite: Not used by WenYou as a messaging transport.

What WenYou does offline (confirmed direction)

Messages and location requests can be sent via the standard SMS cellular network when there is no internet/data connection. Exact UX and edge cases are not publicly specified yet.

When connectivity returns

Online messages queue and sync when the device reconnects. Your unified thread retains both SMS and online history for each contact.

Location sharing in WenYou is a messaging feature — not a standalone tracking product.

Google Maps link via SMS or online

WenYou shares GPS coordinates as a Google Maps link sent through online chat or, when needed, via carrier SMS.

Offline Request

You can request a contact's location when internet is unavailable. The working model uses the SMS/cellular network (not satellite hardware) — pending final confirmation before live marketing claims.

Code-based instant access

Opt-in rapid-access code: the other party must have enabled the gateway and shared a code in advance. This is not default tracking. Step-by-step: Location Sharing & Access Requests.

GPS-Lock

Conversations can be locked or gated based on location (GPS-Lock). Specific rules and accuracy are not publicly specified yet.

Not claimed

WenYou does not publicly specify live continuous tracking, accuracy in meters, or maximum range.