Install and start using M2

A screen-by-screen guide for Android 13 and later—from the APK download to your first private Channel.

Check before installing

Three details should match

  • Websitemirageproject.org
  • Download sourcedownloads.mirageproject.org
  • APK filenameM2-Android-arm64.apk

If any of these details is different, cancel the download and return to the official M2 website. Advanced users can also compare the SHA-256 checksum on the verification page.

Chapter 01

Download and install M2

The screenshots show one Android and Chrome configuration. Your device may use different wording or show fewer prompts.

Step 1

Open the official website and choose arm64

On your Android device, open mirageproject.org, tap Download M2, then choose Download M2 for arm64. This is the recommended build for most recent Android phones and tablets.

M2 home page on Android with the Download M2 button
Tap Download M2.
M2 download page showing the recommended arm64 APK
Choose the recommended arm64 APK.
Step 2

Confirm the browser download

Your browser may warn that APK files can be harmful. Before continuing, verify the prompt shows M2-Android-arm64.apk from downloads.mirageproject.org. If it matches, tap Download anyway.

Android browser confirmation for M2-Android-arm64.apk from downloads.mirageproject.org
Confirm both the filename and Mirage Project source.
Step 3

Open the downloaded APK

When the download finishes, tap Open. You can also open your browser’s Downloads screen or Android file manager and tap M2-Android-arm64.apk.

Browser notification showing the M2 APK download is complete
Open the completed download.
Android Downloads screen showing M2-Android-arm64.apk
Or select the APK in Downloads.
Step 4

Approve the M2 installation

Android should identify the app as M2. Tap Install. If Android asks whether this browser or file manager may install apps, grant permission only to that app for this installation—do not enable unknown installs globally.

Android installer asking whether to install M2
Confirm that the app name is M2.
Android warning for an app installed outside an authorized app store
Prompt wording varies by device.
Step 5

Keep Play Protect enabled

Google Play Protect may recommend scanning an app downloaded outside Google Play. If Scan app is offered, scanning is recommended. Some devices place other choices under More details; you do not need to turn off Play Protect globally.

Google Play Protect screen recommending a scan of M2
A Play Protect scan may be offered.
Step 6

Open M2

When Android reports App installed, tap Open. M2 initializes its encryption components, then opens the Channels screen.

Android installer reporting that M2 is installed
Tap Open after installation.
M2 startup screen while encryption components initialize
Allow M2 to finish starting.

Chapter 02

Create a Channel

A Channel is a private space for one team or project. Create one only after M2’s protected connection is ready.

Step 1

Wait for the protected connection

M2 may first say Protecting digital identity. Keep the app open and wait. Continue only after the status changes to Digital identity protected and the connection indicator turns green.

M2 Channels screen while the app is protecting the digital identity
Wait here; continue only after the indicator turns green.
Step 2

Tap Create Channel

On the Channels screen, tap Create Channel. Use Join Channel only when another Host has invited you.

M2 Channels screen with Join Channel and Create Channel actions
Choose Create Channel.
Step 3

Enter an M2 Code

Paste a valid M2 Code and tap Next. Treat an M2 Code like a private credential; do not post it publicly or send it by ordinary email. For purchase inquiries, contact info@mirageproject.org.

Step 4

Name the Channel on this device

Enter the Channel name you want to see on this device, then tap Next. Choose a name that helps you distinguish this work from other Channels.

M2 field for the Channel name shown on this device
Enter a device-local Channel name.
Step 5

Choose your display name

Enter the name other Channel members should see, then tap Next. You do not need to use a legal name.

M2 field for the name other Channel members will see
Choose the name members will see.
Step 6

Review and create

Review the Channel name, your display name, and the accepted M2 Code. When everything is correct, tap Create Channel.

M2 review screen before creating a Channel
Review the details before creating.
Step 7

Confirm the Channel appears

After creation completes, the new Channel appears on the Channels screen. Open it to message the team or invite members.

M2 Channels screen showing a newly created Channel
The new Channel is ready.

Chapter 03

Invite a member

Each invitation grants one person access to your Channel. Open Invite member again for every additional person.

Step 1

Open the Channel settings

Open the Channel, then tap the settings icon in the top-right corner.

An M2 Channel with its settings icon in the top-right corner
Open Channel settings.
Step 2

Create a fresh invitation

In Channel Settings, tap Invite member. M2 creates a new one-time invitation and shows its short invitation ID. Closing and reopening this screen creates another invitation with a different ID.

M2 Channel Settings with the Invite member row
Choose Invite member for each person.
Step 3

Share one invitation with one person

For the strongest handoff, let the intended member scan the current QR code directly from your screen. Otherwise, tap Copy and send the complete current invitation code through a protected, authenticated channel. After that member joins, reopen Invite member before inviting someone else; a used invitation cannot be reused.

Keep invitations private.

Anyone who receives a valid invitation may be able to join. Do not post a QR code or invitation publicly, and do not send it to Mirage Project support by email.

Chapter 04

Join a Channel

Ask the Channel Host for a fresh invitation, then complete the join flow on your Android device.

Step 1

Tap Join Channel

Wait until M2 reports that your digital identity is protected, then tap Join Channel on the Channels screen.

M2 Channels screen with the Join Channel action
Choose Join Channel.
Step 2

Scan or paste the complete invitation

Scan the Host’s current QR code directly, or copy the entire invitation and tap Paste code. M2 fills the invitation field from your clipboard. Never use an invitation posted in a public place.

Step 3

Name the Channel on your device

Choose the Channel name shown only on this device and tap Next. Then enter the display name other members should see.

M2 join flow asking for the Channel name shown on this device
Choose your device-local Channel name.
Step 4

Join and confirm

Review your entries and tap Join Channel. When the operation succeeds, the Channel appears in your list. If M2 reports an error, check the protected connection and ask the Host for a new complete invitation before trying again.

Ready to start?

Download the current signed M2 APK from Mirage Project, then keep this guide open while you install.