StartMail launches iOS and Android apps with encrypted offline access

StartMail has launched dedicated iOS and Android apps, giving users another way to access its privacy-focused email service alongside webmail and third-party email clients.

The release of the apps brings encrypted messaging, unlimited email aliases, and offline reading to a dedicated mobile interface. Users can access their existing accounts without configuring an IMAP connection, simplifying setup compared with using a separate email client.

In our StartMail review, we highlighted that lack of dedicated mobile apps which left users relying on a browser or manually configuring compatible software. Those access methods remain available, so users can continue using their preferred setup.

Based in The Hague, Netherlands, StartMail offers a subscription email service built around encrypted communications and disposable addresses. The company says it doesn’t serve ads, track email activity, or scan inboxes for advertising. Its unlimited aliases let subscribers use separate addresses for shopping, newsletters, and other services while keeping their primary address private.

Offline access and mobile features

Beyond reading and sending messages, the apps let users create aliases, attach photos and files from their phones, and preview documents and images without opening another application. The store listings also describe offline drafting and queuing messages for delivery once connectivity returns.

StartMail’s support documentation clarifies that offline reading covers previously opened messages. Unopened emails may appear in the message list, but users still need an internet connection to view their full contents. The company says locally stored emails, contacts, aliases, and queued messages are encrypted on the device. Attachments must be added while online.

Aliases add an extra layer of protection by limiting where a user’s main address is shared. An address created for a particular service can be disabled or deleted if it starts attracting unwanted messages, without requiring the user to replace their primary email address.

For confidential correspondence, StartMail supports PGP encryption and password-protected messages for recipients who do not use compatible encryption tools.

The mobile apps do not yet replace every webmail function. Password and recovery settings, PGP key management, custom-domain administration, billing, and migration remain browser-based tasks.

You can download StartMail for Android from here, and for iOS from here.