Is Orbit's family chat encrypted?

Yes. Messages and voice notes are end-to-end encrypted with a key that only your family's phones hold. Orbit's server stores encrypted messages it can't read.

Can I send a private message to one person?

No. Orbit has one group chat for the whole family. Mentioning someone with @ alerts only them, but everyone in the family can read the message.

Yes. Chat is part of Orbit's free plan, along with the live map and SOS.

Free forever

A family chat that's only ever your family

Every Orbit family gets one group chat, in the same app as the map. Messages and voice notes are end-to-end encrypted, so Orbit's server stores them in a form it can't read.

Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play

On iPhone (iOS 16 or later) and Android (8.0 or later).

End-to-end encrypted

Your family shares one key that only family members' phones hold. Messages and voice notes are encrypted on the phone before they are sent, and Orbit won't send a message rather than fall back to plain text.

Voice notes

Tap the mic to record and tap again to send, or hold it and let go. A voice note can run for up to a minute.

@mention, and only they get the alert

Type @ and a name, and only the people you mention are notified. The message still sits in the family chat for everyone to read.

Quick messages and announcements

Kids send "On my way", "Got here" or "Can you pick me up?" in one tap. Parents can send an announcement such as "Dinner's ready" and choose who gets an alert with sound.

Family chat: common questions

Is Orbit's family chat encrypted?: Yes. Messages and voice notes are end-to-end encrypted with a key that only your family's phones hold. Orbit's server stores encrypted messages it can't read.
Can I send a private message to one person?: No. Orbit has one group chat for the whole family. Mentioning someone with @ alerts only them, but everyone in the family can read the message.
Is family chat free?: Yes. Chat is part of Orbit's free plan, along with the live map and SOS.