How "Ports" work (vs phone numbers)

On Port, you do not need a phone number, email ID or username to connect. You simply connect by sharing a “Port”.    

A "Port" is a single-use piece of cryptographic information that facilitates a secure, end-to-end encrypted connection. Once used to establish a connection, the Port and its contents become irrelevant and cannot be used again. 

Think of a "Port" as a single-use ticket to connect with someone. After the ticket is punched and the connection is established, the ticket becomes useless, but the connection remains.  

A “Port” can be shared as a one-time scannable QR code or a one-time clickable link. To connect with you, someone can simply scan or click the Port. We're also developing support for Ports to work over NFC, enabling connections with just a tap.  

Unlike contact info, a “Port” is not a unique identifier for a user, providing you with the most secure way to connect.   

You can share Ports over various methods – be it meeting new people or bringing your current ones closer. 

  Ports are designed for various situations where one would typically share their phone number: 

• Face-to-face: Instead of sharing your number, connect via a Port QR code. 

• Existing connections: Easily invite contacts from your contact book or share a Port link instead of contact info if you're connected on email or LinkedIn. 

• Introductions via mutual contacts: Only people you authorize can share your Port contact, and the app informs you which trusted friend did so.  

• New connections via published contact info: For this scenario, we've developed “Superports” (multi-use Ports) as a safer and more manageable way to make yourself accessible to multiple people. Unlike publishing your number or email, publishing Superports is reversible (i.e., you can close the Superport). Read more about Superports here.  

Contact info can be shared even when offline. We’ve considered that as well. Ports can also be shared offline.  

Disconnecting on Port is as simple as connecting. Unlike with phone numbers, where blocking someone may not prevent them from contacting you using a different number, on Port, this is not possible. Since there is no "contact info" exchanged on Port, when you disconnect from someone, they cannot contact you on Port unless you choose to share another Port with them.