What Connect does
Connect is ARIVA's messaging and calling space. You can chat one-to-one, create groups, send voice notes, photos and files, and make internet voice and video calls.
Calls use your data, not airtime
ARIVA calls travel over the internet. They never open your phone dialer and never use MTN, Airtel, Glo or 9mobile airtime. The call screen shows "Internet Call • ARIVA" so you always know. On Wi-Fi, calls are free; on mobile data they use a small amount of data.
Contacts
The Contacts tab has two parts:
- On ARIVA · Tap to chat — people already on ARIVA. Tap the row to chat, or tap the phone or video icon to call.
- Invite to ARIVA — people from your phone who haven't joined. Tap Invite to send them a link by WhatsApp or SMS.
ARIVA only asks for your microphone and camera when you call. It does not upload your whole phone book.
Chats and groups
In a chat you can reply to a message, react, edit or delete what you sent, attach photos and documents, and see typing and read indicators. Groups work the same way with many members. You can mute any chat.
Voice notes
Hold the microphone button to record. Voice notes are great when typing in your language is slow.
Meetings
From Discover → Meetings you can start a video meeting and share a link. Members join inside ARIVA.
Translation help
ARIVA AI can translate a message into English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin, Swahili and more, so family members who speak different languages can understand each other.
Points from Connect
On the Rewards page, voice notes and video-call minutes are listed as future point sources. They show Coming soon because ARIVA does not count them yet. Only posts and comments earn points today.
Privacy of your messages
Messages are only readable by members of the conversation — ARIVA's database rules block everyone else. Messages are encrypted while travelling over the internet and stored securely. Full end-to-end encryption (where even ARIVA's servers cannot read messages) is Planned and not yet available, so avoid sharing passwords or bank PINs in any chat.
When a call won't connect
Calls need a steady internet connection. If a call drops, move closer to Wi-Fi or switch to voice only. Some strict networks block call traffic; ARIVA is working on relay servers to help.