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SimpleX Chat

SimpleX Chat

Beginner9 minutes3 questions2026-08-09
The idea in one minute

Start with meaning, then move to detail.

This lesson explains SimpleX Chat as part of getting started with Hermes correctly. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.

If you are new

If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?

For hands-on use

For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.

For specialists

For advanced readers, inspect Prerequisites, Install simplex-chat, Start the daemon, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.

What do you need first?

No prior experience is required; follow the steps on a safe test setup first.

What will you know?

A clear outcome before you read.

  • Understand SimpleX Chat without assumed prior knowledge.
  • Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
  • Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Topic map

What does the source say, and in what order?

  1. 01
    Prerequisites

    Start here to understand the core idea or structure.

  2. 02
    Install simplex-chat

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  3. 03
    Start the daemon

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  4. 04
    Configure Hermes

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  5. 05
    Via setup wizard

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  6. 06
    Via environment variables

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  7. 07
    Find your contact ID or display name

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  8. 08
    Authorization

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  9. 09
    Group chats

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  10. 10
    Sending with hermes send

    Finish here to verify the result and special cases.

Examples from the official page

Copy only after you understand the effect.

# Linux / macOS binary curl -L https://github.com/simplex-chat/simplex-chat/releases/latest/download/simplex-chat-ubuntu-22_04-x86_64 -o simplex-chat chmod +x simplex-chat
simplex-chat -p 5225
hermes gateway setup
Try it now

Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.

Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.

Knowledge check

Three decisions before completion.

1. What is the source of truth when “SimpleX Chat” changes?
2. What is the best way to apply this lesson?
3. What should happen before a step can modify files or an external account?