Skip to content

Installation

Mycel is distributed as an APK file that you install directly on your Android device.

Why not the Play Store?

Mycel is designed for situations where you may not have internet access. The Play Store requires an active connection and Google account, which conflicts with our goal of working completely offline. Sideloading the APK ensures you can install Mycel anywhere, anytime.

The easiest way to install and keep Mycel updated:

  1. F-Droid - A trusted open-source app store (like Play Store, but community-run)
  2. Obtainium - An update manager that notifies you when new Mycel versions are released

1. Install F-Droid (App Store)

F-Droid is a trusted catalog of open-source Android apps. If you don't already have it:

  1. Go to f-droid.org on your phone
  2. Tap Download F-Droid
  3. Open the downloaded APK and tap Install
  4. You may need to allow installation from your browser (see Enable Unknown Sources below)

2. Install Obtainium

Obtainium tracks app releases on GitHub and notifies you when updates are available - no app store required.

  1. Open F-Droid
  2. Search for Obtainium
  3. Tap Install

Alternative: Download from GitHub if you prefer not to use F-Droid

3. Add Mycel to Obtainium

Get it on Obtainium

Tap the badge above to add Mycel automatically, or manually:

  1. Open Obtainium
  2. Tap + (Add App)
  3. Paste: https://github.com/ethene/mycel-releases
  4. Tap Add → Install

That's it! Obtainium will notify you of future updates.

Manual Installation

If you prefer not to use Obtainium:

Download

Download Mycel APK

Enable Unknown Sources

Since Mycel isn't on the Play Store:

  1. Open Settings > Security (or Privacy)
  2. Find Install unknown apps
  3. Enable for your browser or file manager

Install

  1. Open the downloaded .apk file
  2. Tap Install
  3. Tap Open to launch Mycel

Requirements

  • Android 8.0+ (Oreo, API 26)
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled
  • ~50 MB storage

Troubleshooting

"App not installed" error

  • Check you have enough storage
  • Ensure the APK downloaded completely

Installation blocked by Play Protect

  1. Tap More details
  2. Tap Install anyway

This is normal for apps from outside the Play Store.

"Signatures do not match"

You have a different version installed. Uninstall it first, then install the new APK.

Uninstalling removes your data

Your messages and identity are deleted when you uninstall. Only do this if necessary.

Next: First Steps - Set up your identity and send your first message