Getting Started for Users

Install the Polkadot app, create a devnet account, and open your first Product by its .dot domain. This page gets you to the app; the guides take each step from there.

Never enter a real seed phrase

Never type a recovery phrase that holds real value into a devnet build, and never share your recovery phrase with anyone.

What you are using

The Polkadot app is self-custodial: your keys are generated and stored on your own device, and nothing signs without your approval. It brings identity, chat, payments, and app discovery into one client. The web gateway is the no-install option when you only want to open Devnet apps from a browser.

flowchart TD
  You[You] --> App["Polkadot app<br/>(mobile / desktop)"]
  You --> Web["Web gateway<br/>dev-dot.li"]
  App --> Acct[On-device account]
  App --> Cash["Devnet funds (CASH)"]
  App --> Browse["Discover apps<br/>Browse / .dot links"]
  Web --> Browse

Install the app

These are devnet builds. The Polkadot releases on Google Play and the App Store connect to a different network and do not work with this documentation.

Platform	Where to get it
Android (recommended)	join the tester group — get each new build automatically
Android (manual APK)	latest Android release
iOS (TestFlight)	latest iOS release
Desktop (macOS / Windows / Linux)	latest desktop release
Web gateway (no install)	https://dev-dot.li

On Android, joining the tester group is the easiest route: accept the invitation with a Google account and you are notified of each new build, including the weekly one. It serves the Google Play services build only.

To install by hand instead — or if your device has no Google Play services — take app-polkadot-devnet.apk (~200 MB) from the GitHub release and allow installs from unknown sources; app-polkadot-devnet-nogms.apk is the same build for devices without Google Play services.

iOS distribution is TestFlight-only: the release notes carry the current join link, and the first build of each version reaches the group once Beta App Review approves it.

Prefer not to install anything?

The gateway at dev-dot.li opens devnet apps in any browser. For the full experience — an on-device account, payments, and signing — install one of the clients above.

Then follow the path

1. Create an account & get funds — create or import an account and fund it.
2. Back up & restore your account — save the recovery phrase and turn on the cloud backup, before you need them.
3. Get & use CASH — top up the spendable balance and send it to someone.
4. Username & proof of personhood — claim a readable name instead of a long address.
5. Discover & open apps — find Products in Browse and open them by .dot domain.
6. Messaging & calls — chat and call your contacts.