User manual for the C-DOT Samvad Android app (V02), covering installation, login, chat, group chats, broadcast/multicast messages, calls, and chat backup.
This manual describes the Samvad Android application (Version V02, dated May 5th 2021), a secure chat and call application developed by C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics), the Telecom R&D Centre of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. The app provides secure unified communication in closed user groups over a self-hosted network, intended for security agencies personnel.
The document explains installation from an APK file (the app is not hosted on public stores for security reasons), login and account lock behavior, the main screen tabs (Chat, News, Organization Directory, Call Log), profile and settings, adding chat members, chat features including self-destructive (Vapour) and confidential messages, OTR encryption, group chats, broadcast and multicast messages, file sharing, calls, chat backup and restore, and password recovery via OTP. Annexures cover notification whitelisting on Sony, Vivo and Xiaomi devices, common problems, and FAQs.
| Minimum free storage | 500 MB in internal storage |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Android OS version 5.0 or above |
| Maximum attachment size | 30 MB (image, audio/video, text/pdf) |
| Maximum plain text message length | 2065 characters including white space |
| Password requirements | At least 8 characters with uppercase, lowercase, numeric and special character |
| Account lock threshold | 5 wrong login attempts |
No. The app is not hosted on any public site due to security requirements; it is distributed in APK format, typically via a link sent with the user's login ID and password.
The phone needs at least 500 MB of free internal storage and Android OS version 5.0 or above. It cannot be installed on external memory.
Signing in with a different username/mobile number permanently deletes all chat history, call history and settings of the previous user on that device, unless a chat backup was taken and is restored afterwards.
Use the 'Forgot Password' option on the login screen and reset via OTP SMS verification, or contact the system administrator to have the password reset.
Check the internet connection and its speed, and check the file size; the maximum size for an image is 30 MB.