# Installing SecurQbit

SecurQbit offers native apps for iOS and Android. Both are lightweight and built on each platform's official VPN framework. This page covers per-platform installation, system requirements, and the permissions the app requests.

## System requirements

| Platform | Minimum OS | Architecture |
| --- | --- | --- |
| iOS | iOS 20 | arm64 (A-series / Apple silicon) |
| Android | Android 10 (API 29) | arm64-v8a, armeabi-v7a |

> **Note:** Older OS versions are not supported. The VPN frameworks and crypto primitives SecurQbit relies on require these minimum releases.

## Install on iOS

1. Open the **App Store** on a device running iOS 20 or later.
2. Search for **SecurQbit** and tap **Get**.
3. Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple Account.
4. Open the app and continue to the [Quickstart](/quickstart).

On first connect, iOS prompts you to **Allow** a VPN configuration. This installs a system VPN profile under **Settings > General > VPN & Device Management**.

## Install on Android

You have two options on Android 10 or later.

### Google Play (recommended)

1. Open the **Play Store** and search for **SecurQbit**.
2. Tap **Install**, then **Open**.

### Sideload the APK

If the Play Store is unavailable on your network, install the signed APK directly:

1. Download the APK from [securqbit.com](https://securqbit.com).
2. In **Settings > Apps > Special access > Install unknown apps**, allow your browser or file manager to install.
3. Open the downloaded `.apk` and confirm.

```text
# Verify the APK signature before installing (optional, recommended)
apksigner verify --print-certs securqbit.apk
```

> **Tip:** Only download the APK from the official site. Re-disable "install unknown apps" afterward to keep your device locked down.

## Permissions the app requests

SecurQbit asks for the minimum permissions needed to operate a tunnel:

| Permission | Platform | Why it's needed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VPN profile / configuration | iOS & Android | Required to create the encrypted tunnel and route traffic through it. No VPN can function without it. |
| Run foreground/background service | Android | Keeps the tunnel alive while the screen is off so protection doesn't drop. |
| Notifications | iOS & Android | Surfaces connection status alerts (optional). |

SecurQbit does **not** request your contacts, location, photos, or microphone. The VPN profile only grants the ability to carry your network traffic through the tunnel — see [No-Logs & Privacy](/no-logs-privacy) for what we do and don't see.

## Next steps

Continue to [Connecting to a Server](/connecting), or jump straight into the [Quickstart](/quickstart).