Get started

What you need

• A computer running macOS 11+, Windows 10+, or x86_64 Linux (CLI). macOS is best tested; see step 1 to download
• A supported flip phone — tested on the TCL Flip Go (4058W) and Sonim XP3plus (XP3900). Both are 4G LTE Android flips, not KaiOS. Different model? Request compatibility testing.
• A USB cable that carries data (not charge-only)

Quick setup

1. 1

   Download dumbsms

   Install for your platform: .pkg on macOS (app + dumbsms-cli), setup.exe or zip on Windows (app + CLI), CLI .deb or tarball on Linux. See the download page for each installer.

   Download
2. 2

   Enable developer mode

   Turn on USB debugging on your flip phone. The steps differ by model — the Sonim uses the standard Android path; the TCL hides it behind a soft-key trick.

   Developer mode guide
3. 3

   Connect over USB

   Plug the phone into your computer with a data-capable cable. Accept the RSA fingerprint prompt on the phone so your computer is authorized.

   USB connection steps
4. 4

   Install the companion app

   Required on the TCL Flip Go for picture and group messages. On macOS/Windows: Settings → companion app → install companion. On Linux CLI: dumbsms-cli app install.

   Companion app guide
5. 5

   Start texting

   Threads sync from the phone. Compose from your keyboard, attach photos, pick contacts from macOS Contacts, and reply in group threads.

   Using dumbsms

Help topics

Questions first? See FAQs. Stuck during setup? Troubleshooting or contact the author.