In a world where digital privacy and self-sufficiency are at the top of international agendas, India’s Arattai App is a beacon of innovation and determination. Introduced by Zoho Corporation in the early months of 2021, Arattai, or “casual chat” in Tamil, has rapidly emerged as a privacy-conscious, native option to international messaging giants such as WhatsApp. With its new popularity boost, courtesy of endorsements from Indian leaders and a swelling user base, Arattai is changing the way secure communication happens for millions. Here’s a detailed analysis of what makes the app a winner in the instant messaging space.
The Arattai Success Story: A Swadeshi Phenomenon
Arattai started up in the midst of the 2021 WhatsApp privacy policy furore that raised concerns about sharing data across the board. Taking advantage of the moment, Zoho Corporation quietly launched Arattai as part of India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) program. Built with privacy and ease for the user in mind, the app took off big-time, especially in September 2025, when the number of daily sign-ups jumped from 3,000 to more than 350,000 within three days. This fast-paced growth, fueled by support from leaders such as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, led Arattai to #1 in India’s App Store Social Networking category.
Most Important Features That Make Arattai Different
- Arattai merges the comfort of contemporary messaging apps with a clear emphasis on privacy and efficiency. Here’s what sets it apart:
- End-to-End Encrypted Calls: Audio and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, with users having secure communications.
- Multi-Platform Syncing: Present on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and even Android TV, Arattai provides hassle-free chat syncing across devices.
- Media and File Sharing: Share text messages, voice messages, photos, videos, and documents in one-on-one or group conversations.
- Stories and Channels: Share ephemeral stories or broadcast messages through channels, ideal for personal and business use.
- Low-Data Video Calls: Designed for India’s varied connectivity, Arattai provides smooth calls even on low-bandwidth connections.
- No Ads, No Data Sharing: Purely free, Arattai assures no third-party data sharing in keeping with Zoho’s privacy-first philosophy.
These attributes, driven by a distributed architecture for speed and dependability, make Arattai an attractive option for users looking for a no-frills, secure messaging experience.
Why Arattai Is Gaining Traction
The app’s meteoric rise in 2025 owes to a number of reasons. First, its privacy-first stance appeals to users skeptical about data abuse by cross-border tech giants. Arattai does not depend on advertisement revenue like other competitors, meaning that the user data remains confidential. Second, the fact that it is aligned with Zoho’s ecosystem means the experience is effortless for companies and users already operating on Zoho’s productivity software. Third, the support of Indian leaders has lent more weight to its “Made in India” brand, supporting the country’s pursuit of digital sovereignty.
Recent posts on X highlight user enthusiasm, with many calling Arattai a “WhatsApp killer” for its spyware-free design and robust call encryption. However, some users note minor drawbacks, such as occasional sync delays and the lack of full text message encryption compared to apps like Signal. Despite these, Arattai’s clean interface and low-data performance have earned it high praise.
Challenges and Opportunities
While impressive, Arattai also has challenges in its growth. The “Arattai” name may be difficult to recall for non-Tamil users, potentially slowing down its global uptake. Moreover, elements such as end-to-end WhatsApp import of chats are still absent, which may slow adoption by those users who are reluctant to change platforms. Yet, Zoho’s quick server escalation in reaction to the 2025 signup boom shows it is invested in overcoming growing pains.
The scope is enormous. With India’s digital population swelling, Arattai can corner a large portion of the market by remaining innovative and being integrated with Zoho’s enterprise solutions. Adding features such as group call capacity or introducing AI-based chat upgrades can further help secure its position.
FAQ: Arattai App – India’s Indigenous Messaging Solution
Q1. What is the Arattai App?
A1. Arattai is a privacy-focused, Indian instant messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation. The name “Arattai” means casual chat in Tamil.
Q2. When was Arattai launched?
A2. Arattai was introduced in early 2021, during the WhatsApp privacy policy concerns in India.
Q3. Why is Arattai gaining popularity in 2025?
A3. Its growth in 2025 is due to privacy-first features, endorsements from Indian leaders, and a surge in user sign-ups, reaching over 350,000 daily registrations in three days.
Q4. Which platforms support Arattai?
A4. Arattai is available on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android TV, offering seamless multi-device syncing.
Q5. Is Arattai secure?
A5. Yes, it offers end-to-end encrypted audio and video calls, ensuring secure communications.
Q6. Does Arattai share user data with third parties?
A6. No, Arattai is ad-free and does not share user data, aligning with Zoho’s privacy-first philosophy.
Q7. Can users share media on Arattai?
A7. Yes, users can share text messages, voice messages, photos, videos, and documents in one-on-one or group chats.
Q8. What makes Arattai different from WhatsApp or Signal?
A8. Arattai combines low-data performance, multi-platform syncing, no ads, and strong privacy while being an Indian-made alternative to international messaging apps.
Q9. Does Arattai have stories or channels?
A9. Yes, users can share ephemeral stories or broadcast messages through channels, suitable for personal and business use.
Q10. How does Arattai perform on low-bandwidth connections?
A10. It offers smooth, low-data video calls, designed for India’s varied internet connectivity.
Q11. Is Arattai integrated with other Zoho products?
A11. Yes, Arattai is part of Zoho’s ecosystem, allowing effortless integration for companies and users already using Zoho productivity tools.
Q12. Are there any drawbacks of using Arattai?
A12. Some users report occasional sync delays and that full text import from WhatsApp is not yet available.
Q13. Can non-Tamil users easily remember the app name?
A13. The name “Arattai” may be hard for non-Tamil speakers to recall, which could affect global adoption.
Q14. How does Arattai compare with international messaging apps in privacy?
A14. Unlike WhatsApp or other ad-supported apps, Arattai does not share user data with third parties and emphasizes secure communication.
Q15. What features make Arattai attractive for businesses?
A15. Arattai’s multi-device sync, channels, and integration with Zoho’s enterprise tools make it suitable for business communication.
Q16. Has Arattai received endorsements from Indian leaders?
A16. Yes, leaders like Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have promoted the app, boosting its credibility.
Q17. Is Arattai free to use?
A17. Yes, Arattai is completely free with no hidden charges or advertisements.
Q18. What are the app’s growth opportunities?
A18. Opportunities include global expansion, AI-based chat features, enhanced group calls, and further integration with Zoho enterprise solutions.
Q19. How has Arattai handled the 2025 surge in users?
A19. Zoho quickly scaled its servers to handle over 350,000 daily sign-ups, ensuring stable performance.
Q20. Why should users choose Arattai over WhatsApp or Signal?
A20. Users may choose Arattai for privacy, no ads, low-data usage, Indian origin, multi-platform support, and integration with Zoho’s productivity ecosystem.
Q21. Can Arattai handle large group chats?
A21. Yes, Arattai supports group conversations, making it suitable for family, friends, and business teams.
Q22. Does Arattai support video and audio calls?
A22. Yes, both audio and video calls are supported with end-to-end encryption for secure communication.
Q23. Can I use Arattai on my desktop or laptop?
A23. Absolutely. Arattai is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, allowing users to sync messages across devices.
Q24. How does Arattai handle media storage?
A24. Arattai allows sharing of photos, videos, documents, and voice messages, all protected by Zoho’s secure architecture.
Q25. Does Arattai have a web version?
A25. Yes, Arattai offers multi-platform support, including desktop apps, ensuring messages stay in sync.
Q26. Can I import my old chats from WhatsApp to Arattai?
A26. Currently, full chat import from WhatsApp is not available, but Zoho is expected to add features for easier transition.
Q27. Are messages deleted automatically in Arattai?
A27. Arattai supports ephemeral stories but standard chats remain until manually deleted by the user.
Q28. How does Arattai perform in low internet connectivity areas?
A28. The app is optimized for low-bandwidth connections, making video calls and messaging smoother even on weak networks.
Q29. Is Arattai suitable for enterprise use?
A29. Yes, integration with Zoho’s productivity and business tools makes it ideal for company communications.
Q30. Does Arattai show ads to users?
A30. No, Arattai is completely ad-free, ensuring a distraction-free experience.
Q31. What kind of security protocols does Arattai use?
A31. Arattai uses end-to-end encryption for calls and robust server security for messaging, protecting user data.
Q32. Can I share files in Arattai channels?
A32. Yes, channels allow sharing of text, media, and documents, suitable for business and broadcast communication.
Q33. How often is the app updated?
A33. Zoho releases regular updates to improve performance, security, and add new features based on user feedback.
Q34. Does Arattai support multiple languages?
A34. Currently, the app interface is primarily in English and Indian regional languages, including Tamil, with plans to expand.
Q35. How large is Arattai’s user base?
A35. As of September 2025, daily sign-ups exceeded 350,000, with the app topping India’s App Store Social Networking category.
Q36. Can Arattai work on tablets and smart TVs?
A36. Yes, Arattai supports Android tablets and Android TV, offering cross-device syncing for convenience.
Q37. Does Arattai have a “status” or story feature?
A37. Yes, users can share ephemeral stories similar to other messaging platforms.
Q38. Can Arattai notifications be customized?
A38. Yes, users can customize alerts, sounds, and notification settings per chat or group.
Q39. Is Arattai compliant with Indian digital privacy laws?
A39. Yes, Arattai follows India’s privacy regulations, emphasizing user control over personal data.
Q40. How does Arattai compare with international messaging apps?
A40. Arattai offers local support, no ads, privacy-first design, and multi-platform sync, making it a strong Indian alternative to WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram.
Q41. What future features can users expect?
A41. Zoho plans to add larger group call support, AI-based chat enhancements, chat import tools, and further integrations with its software ecosystem.
Q42. Can I use Arattai for business broadcasts?
A42. Yes, the channels feature allows businesses to broadcast messages to multiple users efficiently.
Q43. Is Arattai suitable for international use?
A43. While primarily targeted at Indian users, Arattai is available globally on app stores, but adoption may be limited due to the regional name.
Q44. Can Arattai handle voice messages?
A44. Yes, users can record and send voice messages in both one-on-one and group chats.
Q45. Are there any storage limits for media sharing?
A45. Arattai allows sharing of large files and media, though individual file size may be subject to app-specific limits.
Q46. How fast are Arattai messages delivered?
A46. Messages are delivered instantly, thanks to Zoho’s distributed server architecture.
Q47. Does Arattai support emoji, GIFs, and stickers?
A47. Yes, Arattai includes emojis, GIFs, and stickers for expressive communication.
Q48. Can I block or report users on Arattai?
A48. Yes, users can block, report, or mute unwanted contacts for safer communication.
Q49. Is Arattai compatible with business accounts?
A49. Yes, Arattai channels and multi-device sync are ideal for small and medium enterprises.
Q50. Can Arattai calls be recorded?
A50. Currently, call recording is not supported to maintain privacy and security.
Q51. How does Arattai handle network interruptions?
A51. The app is designed to resume messages and calls seamlessly even if the connection drops.
Q52. Can Arattai send broadcast messages?
A52. Yes, users can broadcast text and media messages through channels to multiple recipients.
Q53. How does Arattai protect against spam?
A53. Arattai has built-in spam detection and reporting tools to prevent unwanted messages.
Q54. Is Arattai lightweight compared to other messaging apps?
A54. Yes, Arattai is optimized for low storage and low data usage, making it suitable for budget devices.
Q55. Are there parental controls in Arattai?
A55. Currently, basic privacy settings are available, and full parental control features may be added in future updates.
Q56. Can I use Arattai on multiple devices simultaneously?
A56. Yes, Arattai supports multi-device login, allowing chats to sync across phones, tablets, and PCs.
Q57. Does Arattai have group video call features?
A57. Basic 1:1 video calls are supported, with plans to expand group video calling in future updates.
Q58. How does Arattai ensure low-latency performance?
A58. Arattai uses a distributed server architecture for speed and reliability, reducing lag during messaging and calls.
Q59. Can Arattai integrate with other Zoho apps?
A59. Yes, it can integrate with Zoho Mail, Zoho CRM, and other productivity tools for seamless business use.
Q60. Is Arattai accessible for users with disabilities?
A60. The app includes basic accessibility features, such as screen reader support and adjustable text size.
Q61. How frequently does Arattai release security updates?
A61. Zoho prioritizes security and releases regular updates to patch vulnerabilities and enhance encryption.
Q62. Does Arattai support international languages?
A62. Currently focused on English and Indian regional languages, with plans to expand multilingual support.
Q63. Can Arattai replace WhatsApp for daily communication?
A63. Yes, for users prioritizing privacy, multi-platform access, and low-data usage, Arattai is a viable alternative.
Q64. How does Arattai support India’s digital sovereignty initiatives?
A64. Being Made in India, Arattai promotes self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and offers a local, secure alternative to foreign messaging apps.
Q65. How can I provide feedback or request features on Arattai?
A65. Users can submit feedback directly through the app or via Zoho Corporation’s official channels, helping improve future versions.
Q66. Does Arattai have AI-powered features?
A66. Currently, AI features are limited, but Zoho plans smart chat enhancements and automation in future updates.
Q67. Can Arattai handle multiple accounts on one device?
A67. Currently, Arattai supports one primary account per device, but multi-account support may be added in future updates.
Q68. Does Arattai allow message reactions?
A68. Yes, users can react to messages with emojis, making chats more interactive.
Q69. Can I schedule messages on Arattai?
A69. Message scheduling is not yet available, but it is planned for future releases.
Q70. How does Arattai handle spam or phishing links?
A70. Arattai includes automatic link scanning and reporting tools to protect users from malicious content.
Q71. Can Arattai be used for professional video conferences?
A71. While primarily designed for casual and business messaging, group video conferencing is limited, but future updates may expand this capability.
Q72. How secure is Arattai compared to WhatsApp or Signal?
A72. Arattai offers end-to-end encryption for calls and strong server-side security, but full message encryption comparable to Signal is partially implemented.
Q73. Can I customize the Arattai interface?
A73. Users can change chat backgrounds, notifications, and themes, though full customization options are limited.
Q74. Does Arattai support chat backups?
A74. Yes, users can back up chats locally or on Zoho cloud services, depending on their preference.
Q75. How does Arattai manage contact syncing?
A75. The app can sync contacts from your device while ensuring no data is shared with third parties.
Q76. Can I pin important chats in Arattai?
A76. Yes, pinning conversations is supported for quick access to important chats.
Q77. Does Arattai offer read receipts and typing indicators?
A77. Yes, it provides read receipts and typing indicators, similar to other messaging apps.
Q78. Are there parental controls for chat monitoring?
A78. Basic privacy settings exist, but full parental control features are under consideration for future updates.
Q79. How often does Arattai update its features?
A79. Arattai is updated periodically, with enhancements to security, performance, and user experience.
Q80. Can Arattai messages be searched easily?
A80. Yes, search functionality allows users to quickly find past messages, media, and files.
Q81. Can businesses use Arattai for team communication?
A81. Yes, Arattai channels and group chat features make it suitable for internal corporate communication.
Q82. Does Arattai have a dark mode?
A82. Yes, a dark mode option is available for user comfort during night-time usage.
Q83. Is Arattai optimized for older devices?
A83. Yes, the app is lightweight and optimized for low-spec smartphones, ensuring broad compatibility.
Q84. Can Arattai send location or live location?
A84. Yes, users can share current location, though live location tracking may be limited in early versions.
Q85. Does Arattai support file types like PDFs, Excel, or Word?
A85. Yes, Arattai allows sharing of documents in multiple formats, including PDFs, Word, and Excel files.
Q86. Can Arattai handle high-resolution video sharing?
A86. Yes, it supports high-quality video sharing with optimization for faster uploads on low-bandwidth networks.
Q87. How does Arattai compare to Telegram in features?
A87. Arattai focuses on privacy, low-data usage, and local integration, whereas Telegram emphasizes cloud-based features and global channels.
Q88. Is Arattai suitable for rural India with limited connectivity?
A88. Yes, Arattai is low-data-friendly, making it ideal for regions with slower internet speeds.
Q89. How can I report a bug or technical issue in Arattai?
A89. Users can report issues via the in-app support feature or Zoho’s customer service channels.
Q90. What are the upcoming features in Arattai’s roadmap?
A90. Planned features include AI-based chat enhancements, larger group calls, full chat import from WhatsApp, advanced parental controls, and expanded international language support.
Q91. Can I schedule video or audio calls in Arattai?
A91. Currently, call scheduling is not available, but it may be introduced in future updates.
Q92. Does Arattai have an offline messaging feature?
A92. Yes, messages can be composed offline and will be sent automatically once connectivity is restored.
Q93. Can I export my chat history for backup?
A93. Yes, users can export chats and media for personal backup purposes.
Q94. How does Arattai handle spam messages in group chats?
A94. Arattai provides group admin controls and spam reporting tools to maintain chat safety.
Q95. Are there customizable privacy settings for each chat?
A95. Yes, users can control read receipts, last seen visibility, and notifications per chat.
Q96. Can Arattai integrate with calendars or reminders?
A96. Integration with Zoho Calendar and task management tools is supported, helping with business productivity.
Q97. Does Arattai support file compression for sending large files?
A97. Yes, Arattai optimizes file sizes to ensure smooth sharing without compromising quality.
Q98. Can Arattai run on low-end smartphones without lags?
A98. Yes, the app is lightweight and optimized for smooth performance even on budget devices.
Q99. Are there in-app tutorials for new users?
A99. Yes, Arattai provides guides and tooltips to help new users navigate features easily.
Q100. Does Arattai support voice-to-text typing?
A100. Yes, users can dictate messages, which are converted into text using built-in voice recognition.
Q101. Can I pin important messages in chats?
A101. Yes, message pinning is supported for both individual and group chats.
Q102. How often does Arattai update its encryption protocols?
A102. Security updates, including encryption enhancements, are released regularly to protect user data.
Q103. Does Arattai have multi-language typing support?
A103. Yes, it supports regional Indian languages and English, with plans to expand further.
Q104. Can I use Arattai for educational purposes?
A104. Yes, teachers and students can use Arattai channels for lessons, announcements, and discussion groups.
Q105. Does Arattai allow message deletion for both sender and receiver?
A105. Yes, users can delete messages from both ends to maintain privacy.
Q106. Can I use Arattai to send polls or surveys?
A106. Polling is not yet available, but future updates may include interactive features for groups and channels.
Q107. Does Arattai have a dark mode scheduler?
A107. Yes, dark mode can be manually activated or scheduled based on user preference.
Q108. Are there any in-app games or entertainment features?
A108. No, Arattai focuses on messaging, calls, and productivity, keeping the interface clean and ad-free.
Q109. Can Arattai integrate with other Zoho apps for workflow automation?
A109. Yes, it can connect with Zoho CRM, Mail, and Projects to streamline business communication and workflows.
Q110. What measures does Arattai take to prevent account hacking?
A110. Arattai uses two-factor authentication, secure encryption, and account monitoring to safeguard users against unauthorized access.
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