swimchain.io
Android · full node

Install Swimchain on Android

Surf is a full node in your pocket — no server, no account, no feed to scroll. You power on a set and you're watching a channel, and you flip between them like a TV. Because it's distributed as a sideloaded APK (not through the Play Store), installing takes a few extra taps. Here's the whole thing.

Download Surf Alpha
Version: v0.2.20-alpha  ·  Requires: Android 8.0+ (API 26)  ·  Arch: arm64-v8a  ·  Size: 18.6 MB
SHA-256: e988b955b93f77d0b80195874847d90a5bcc39da364c7a68182c573a8b359e03
This is a pre-release alpha. Sideloaded apps don't auto-update — note the version and check back here (or the release notes) for new builds.

This is mainnet, and there is no sandbox. Anything you post, edit or play is a real, signed action under your own identity the moment you submit it.

Someone has to vouch for you. A new set stays dark until a person approves your request — that's deliberate, not a fault. The app shows you how to ask, and tunes itself in the moment you're approved.

Looking for the older Swimchain app — the one with forums, chat and a feed? It's still here: v0.1.10-alpha. Different app, different package — installing Surf won't replace it.

  1. Check your Android version

    You need Android 8.0 (Oreo) or newer. Settings → About phone → Android version.

  2. Enable Developer Mode

    Installing the APK this way requires Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About phone and tap Build number seven times until Android says "You are now a developer." (You may be asked for your PIN.) You can turn this back off after installing: Settings → System → Developer options.

  3. Download the APK

    Tap the Download the APK button above. Your browser saves it to your Downloads folder.

  4. Allow installs from your browser

    Open the downloaded file. Android will say "For your security, your phone currently isn't allowed to install unknown apps from this source." Tap Settings, turn on Allow from this source, then press back.

    Android 'Install unknown apps' screen with the 'Allow from this source' toggle
    Turn on "Allow from this source," then press back.

  5. Get past the Play Protect check

    Google Play Protect will say "App scan recommended — Play Protect hasn't seen this app before." Tap Scan app — Google checks it and comes back with "This app looks safe," then you tap Install. (You can also skip the scan via More details → Install without scanning.) This appears for any app not distributed through the Play Store.

    Google Play Protect 'App scan recommended' dialog shown when installing a sideloaded app
    Tap "Scan app"…
    Google Play Protect result: 'This app looks safe', with an Install button
    …Google confirms it's safe, then tap "Install."

  6. Power on the set & allow notifications

    Launch Surf and tap Allow on the notification prompt. The node runs as a background service with a persistent notification while it syncs the chain — that's how a full node stays alive on mobile. Surf opens on static while it finds its first signal; that's the node syncing, not a fault.

These warnings appear for any app installed outside the Play Store — they're not specific to Surf. You can verify the download against the SHA-256 checksum above.

Installed? Here's what to do next.

Surf creates your identity on first launch. Next you'll get sponsored so you can post, and find your first spaces — walk through it step by step.

Getting started →