Update Quick Start Guide

akwizgran
2022-02-28 14:15:46 +00:00
parent aae9753530
commit 598b1ad1a9

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ Unlike traditional messaging apps, Briar doesnt rely on a central server - me
If the Internets down, Briar can sync via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, keeping the information flowing in a crisis. If the Internets up, Briar can sync via the Tor network, protecting users and their relationships from surveillance.
## Creating an account
## Create an account
When you open the Briar app for the first time you'll be asked to create an account. Your account will be stored securely on your device, encrypted with your password.
@@ -22,13 +22,13 @@ After choosing your nickname and password, Briar will ask for permission to disa
On Huawei and Xiaomi devices you'll be asked to take extra steps to let Briar run in the background. Please follow the instructions carefully.
## Adding a contact
## Add a contact
After creating your account you'll see an empty contact list. To add a contact, press the plus button (+). There are two options, depending on whether the person you want to add is nearby.
If the person you want to add is nearby, choose "Add contact nearby". If the person you want to add is not nearby and you have Internet access, choose "Add contact at a distance".
#### Adding a contact nearby
#### Add a contact nearby
When you choose "Add contact nearby", Briar will ask for permission to use your camera so it can scan your contact's QR code. Briar will also ask for permission to access your location so it can connect to your contact via Bluetooth. Briar doesn't store, share, or upload your location, but this permission is needed for discovering nearby Bluetooth devices. Finally, Briar will ask for permission to turn on Bluetooth and make your device visible to nearby Bluetooth devices for a short time.
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ After granting all these permissions, Briar will show a QR code and a camera vie
If your devices fail to connect to each other, both of you should go back to the contact list and start the process again.
#### Adding a contact at a distance
#### Add a contact at a distance
When you choose "Add contact at a distance", Briar will show a link that you should send to the person you want to add. You can send the link via another app such as Signal. Your contact also needs to send you their link. Paste your contact's link and choose a nickname for them. If you and your contact are both signed into Briar and both have Internet access then your contact should be added to your contact list within a few minutes.
@@ -72,11 +72,11 @@ If a group of people within Wi-Fi range want to communicate, it can be useful to
If it's too risky to carry your phone from place to place (eg checkpoints), you can sync encrypted messages using a USB stick or SD card to carry them more discreetly.
## Sharing the app
## Share the app
If someone in your group needs to install Briar and doesn't have Internet access, you can share the app with them by choosing "Share this app offline" from Briar's main menu. This creates a Wi-Fi hotspot without Internet access where they can download the app from your device.
## Saving battery and data
## Save battery and data
Briar uses a lot of battery and data for connecting to your contacts via the Internet. So if you're on the move, especially if you have limited mobile data, you should consider whether you need to use Briar for online and offline communication, or whether it would be better to use something like Signal for online communication and use Briar when offline. You could agree a time of day when you and your contacts will be online in Briar and keep it offline the rest of the time.