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Getting Started Guide

Everything you need to set up TrustWord and start verifying your contacts.

Why TrustWord?

AI can clone a voice from a few seconds of audio. Scammers can spoof any phone number. Social engineering tricks even careful people. These aren't hypothetical threats — they're happening right now.

TrustWord gives each pair of people two unique, rotating passphrases — one you listen for and one you say. When a call feels off, you can verify the other person's identity in seconds. A scammer can't fake both sides.

Getting Started

  1. Download TrustWord from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
  2. Enter your display name — this is what your contacts will see. It can be a first name, nickname, whatever you prefer.
  3. That's it. Your device generates cryptographic keys automatically in the background. No accounts, no email, no phone number required.

Creating a Circle

A circle is a group of people you want to be able to verify — your family, close friends, coworkers, or any group you choose.

  1. Tap the + button on the home screen.
  2. Choose a name for your circle (e.g., "Family", "Work Team").
  3. Pick an icon and color to tell your circles apart.
  4. Tap Create. Your circle is ready.

You can create as many circles as you like. The same person can be in multiple circles — they'll have different TrustWords in each one.

Inviting Someone

After creating a circle, you'll need to invite the people you want to verify. This is a one-time setup for each person.

  1. Open the circle and tap Invite.
  2. TrustWord generates a QR code and an 8-digit invite code.
  3. The other person opens TrustWord on their phone and taps Join Circle.
  4. They scan your QR code or enter the invite code.
  5. Once they join, you're connected. Both of you will see your TrustWords immediately.

Important

Invite codes expire after 15 minutes for security. Always do the initial setup in person or over a channel you already trust (like a video call where you can see each other). Never set up TrustWord during a suspicious call — that defeats the purpose.

Joining a Circle

If someone else created the circle and is inviting you:

  1. Open TrustWord and tap Join Circle.
  2. Scan the QR code they're showing you, or tap "Enter code manually" and type the 8-digit code.
  3. Confirm the circle name and the inviter's name look correct.
  4. Tap Join. The circle appears on your home screen with your TrustWords ready to use.

Using TrustWords

Each pair of contacts has two TrustWords that rotate every 2.5 minutes:

  • Listen for — the word you expect to hear from them
  • You say — the word you tell them when they ask

When a call feels suspicious:

  1. Open TrustWord and find the person in your circle.
  2. Ask them: "What's your TrustWord for me?"
  3. Check that what they say matches the "Listen for" word on your screen.
  4. They'll ask you for yours. Tell them your "You say" word.
  5. If both words match, you've verified each other. If either word is wrong or they can't answer, hang up immediately.

Why two words?

With a single shared word, only one person can verify the other — the asker. The person answering just has to say "yep, that's right." Two different words mean both sides prove their identity. A scammer can't know both words because they don't have the app on their phone.

Best Practices

  • Set up in person. Always do the initial QR code exchange face-to-face or over a channel you already trust.
  • Don't share TrustWords preemptively. Never text or email your TrustWord to someone. The whole point is that only the real person can look it up on their device.
  • Hang up if it doesn't match. If someone can't give you the right word, end the call. Call the person back on a number you trust.
  • Enable biometric lock. Turn on Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint lock in Settings so no one else can open your app.
  • Mark contacts as verified. After your first successful TrustWord exchange, tap the verify button in the app. This helps you keep track of who you've confirmed.
  • Keep the app updated. Updates may include security improvements and new word lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lose my phone?

Your cryptographic keys are backed up with end-to-end encryption via iCloud (iOS) or encrypted backup (Android). When you set up your new phone, your circles and TrustWords will be restored automatically. No one — including us — can access these backups.

Do I need an internet connection?

Only for the initial setup (creating circles and inviting members). After that, all verification works completely offline. TrustWords are generated locally on your device using shared cryptographic keys — no server needed.

Can someone hack my TrustWord?

Each pair of contacts uses unique cryptographic keys derived from a key exchange that happens during setup. Compromising one relationship doesn't affect any other. Your private keys are stored in your device's secure hardware (iOS Keychain or Android Keystore) and never leave your device.

What if the words change during a call?

TrustWords rotate every 2.5 minutes, but there's a 30-second grace period where the previous words are still valid. If the words change mid-call, the app shows both the current and previous words so you're never caught off guard.

Can I use TrustWord for text messages too?

Yes. If you get a suspicious text from someone claiming to be a contact, you can ask them for their TrustWord via text. The same two-word verification works for any communication channel — calls, texts, video chats, or even in person.

Is TrustWord free?

TrustWord is free for up to 10 contacts across all your circles. TrustWord Pro unlocks unlimited contacts for a small annual subscription. All verification features work the same on both plans.

Need help?

If you have questions or run into issues, email support@trustword.app.