The Chat Room for
Right Here, Right Now.
Sifter is the location-based chat app that connects you with the people physically around you. Join geofenced chat rooms near you — no profile tracking, no friend requests, just secure conversations that disappear when you leave the area.
Free on the App Store • iOS 15.6+
Digital connection.
Physical reality.
Sifter is a hyperlocal, geofenced chat app. Most apps pull you away from the world — Sifter pulls you deeper into it.
If you aren't here, you aren't in.
Chat rooms are tied to physical coordinates. Walk in to join. Walk out to leave. No remote lurkers allowed.
Zero Footprint.
No chat logs. No history tracking. Conversations exist only in the moment, just like real life.
No Friction.
Forget QR codes, invites, or friend requests. Just open the app and talk to the room immediately.
1. Enter a Zone
Sifter detects public spaces and events around you. No setup required — just walk into the geofence.
2. Join the Conversation
See who's there. Ask questions, share updates, or just banter. Everyone in the chat is physically present.
3. Leave Without a Trace
Walk away, and the chat disappears. No notifications following you home. Your privacy is guaranteed.
Built for the Real World
From morning coffee runs to massive conferences, Sifter unlocks the hidden layer of conversation around you.
Conferences
Network instantly without awkward introductions. Find who's at the keynote right now.
Campuses
Find study groups in the library or see where the party is happening on the quad.
Neighborhoods
Borrow a drill, report a lost pet, or organize a block party with actual neighbors.
Events
Live react to the concert with the crowd. Coordinate meetups in the mosh pit.
Frequently Asked Questions
The short version of what Sifter is, how it works, and what makes it different.
What is Sifter?
Sifter is a location-based chat app for iPhone. Users create chat rooms anchored to real-world places, and other people who are physically within the room's geofence can see and join the conversation. When you leave the area, you leave the chat.
How is Sifter different from a regular chat app?
Every chat room is tied to a precise geographic boundary. You can only see and participate in rooms that you are physically standing inside. There is no remote access, no global feed, and no random pairing. Every conversation is grounded in a real place.
Is Sifter free?
Yes. Sifter is free to download on the Apple App Store and free to use. No subscription required.
Do I need an account to use Sifter?
Yes. Creating chat rooms requires a verified account — a phone number with SMS verification and a username. Some rooms allow guest access, which still requires a verified phone number but lets you appear with a limited profile.
Does Sifter share my location with other users?
No. Your precise location is used only to determine which chat rooms you are inside the boundary of. Sifter never shares your coordinates, your address, or your movements with other users.
What iOS version do I need?
Sifter requires iPhone running iOS 15.6 or later.