Rakuten Viber Messenger has grown from a basic calling tool into a massive global platform used by over a billion people. It is now considered a “super-app” because it combines many different functions into one easy-to-use place. You can send instant text messages, make high-quality video calls to friends in other countries, or even run large groups for your local community. The app is completely free and focuses on making digital communication feel natural and simple. It has successfully moved beyond its original purpose to offer a much wider range of digital services for its users.

In 2026, Rakuten Viber Messenger updated its system with new artificial intelligence features to help users stay organized and save time. These “smart” updates make it easier to manage your daily conversations and find information quickly. Security remains a top priority, ensuring that your private chats and calls stay protected from outside eyes. When compared to other messaging apps, Viber stands out because it balances advanced technology with high-level privacy. It continues to be a reliable and secure choice for anyone looking to stay connected with people all across the globe.

What is Rakuten Viber?

Rakuten Viber Messenger is a popular communication app owned by a large Japanese company called Rakuten. It works on many different devices, including smartphones and computers. The main purpose of the app is to let people stay in touch easily using an internet connection. Instead of using a traditional cellular network for calls or texts, the app sends all your data over the web. This makes it a flexible tool for anyone who wants to communicate globally.

By using the Rakuten Viber Messenger app, you can send text messages, high-quality photos, and short videos to your friends and family for free. You can also make voice or video calls and share audio clips without paying for standard long-distance charges. As long as you have a stable Wi-Fi or data plan, you can connect with other users anywhere in the world. It is a simple, cost-effective way to manage your personal and professional conversations in one place.

Key Features of Rakuten Viber Messenger

Rakuten Viber Messenger isn’t just about text; it’s an ecosystem of expression. Here are the core features that define the user experience:

• AI-Powered Group Chat Summaries: A standout 2026 feature. If you miss 100 messages in a busy group, Viber’s AI (powered by OpenAI technology) can provide a concise bulleted summary of the main points, action items, and decisions.
• High-Quality Voice and Video Calls: Enjoy free Viber-to-Viber calls anywhere in the world. You can host group video calls with up to 60 participants, making it ideal for both family reunions and professional catch-ups.
• Viber Plus Exclusives: For power users, the premium subscription allows you to hide your “is typing” status and provides voice-to-text transcription for those moments when you can’t listen to a voice message.
• Disappearing Messages: Add a layer of privacy by setting a self-destruct timer (from 10 seconds to 24 hours) for any message in 1-on-1 or group chats.
• Viber Out: For a small fee, call landlines or mobile numbers that don’t have Rakuten Viber Messenger installed. This remains one of the most affordable ways to make international calls.
• Communities and Channels: Unlike standard groups, Communities can have unlimited members, while Channels allow creators to broadcast content to a global audience.
• Creative Tools: With over 55,000 stickers, custom GIFs, and AR Lenses, you can express yourself in ways that words often can’t capture.

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How Rakuten Viber Messenger Protects Your Data

Security is the backbone of Rakuten Viber Messenger. In an era of increasing data breaches, Viber remains one of the most secure mainstream messengers.

1. End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)

• By default, all 1-on-1 calls, personal chats, and group chats are end-to-end encrypted. This means the “keys” to unlock your messages stay on your device—not even Rakuten Viber can read them.

2. Encryption-in-Transit for Public Spaces

• While Channels and Communities use encryption-in-transit (to allow new members to see history), your private data is never sold to third parties.

3. Hidden Chats

• If you have sensitive conversations, you can hide them from your main chat list and protect them with a PIN. They won’t appear unless you search for the specific code.

4. Trusted Contacts

• You can “authenticate” your contacts. If their security status changes (perhaps due to a man-in-the-middle attack), the padlock icon will change color, alerting you instantly.

Pro Security Tip: Always enable Two-Step Verification in Settings > Account. This requires a PIN whenever you register your phone number on a new device, preventing unauthorized account takeovers.

Pros and Cons of Rakuten Viber Messenger

Every app has its strengths and trade-offs. Here is an honest look at the Viber experience:

Feature	Pros	Cons
Privacy	Top-tier encryption; messages aren’t stored on servers after delivery.	Encryption is not active for group video calls or Channels.
Usability	Excellent desktop-to-mobile syncing and call handoff.	The UI can feel “cluttered” due to ads and business messages.
Features	AI summaries and massive sticker library.	High battery consumption during long video calls.
Connectivity	Great at handling low-bandwidth (2G/3G) connections.	File sharing has size limits compared to apps like Telegram.

How to Get Started with Rakuten Viber: Step-by-Step

Setting up Viber is a breeze. Follow these steps to join the billion-strong community:

• Download & Install: Find “Rakuten Viber Messenger” on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Verification: Open the app and enter your mobile number. You will receive a 6-digit code via SMS or an automated call to verify your identity.
• Profile Setup: Add your name and a profile photo. You can also link your email to help recover your account later.
• Sync Contacts: Allow the app access to your contacts to see who else is already using Viber.
• Desktop Setup (Optional): Download the Viber Desktop app on Windows or Mac. Scan the QR code using the scanner within the mobile app (More > QR Icon) to sync all your chats instantly.

Comparison: Viber vs. WhatsApp vs. Telegram

Feature	Rakuten Viber	WhatsApp	Telegram
Default Encryption	Yes (1-on-1 & Groups)	Yes (All)	No (Only Secret Chats)
Max Group Size	250 (Groups), Unlimited (Communities)	1,024	200,000
AI Features	Chat Summaries (2026)	Basic AI Assistance	Extensive Bot API
International Calling	Viber Out (Paid)	No (App-to-App only)	No (App-to-App only)
Desktop App	Fully Independent Sync	Linked to Phone	Cloud-Based

Unique Insight: While WhatsApp is the market leader in volume, Viber wins on international versatility. The “Viber Out” feature makes it a superior choice for expats or travelers who need to call actual phone numbers in foreign countries without using expensive roaming.

Practical Tips for Rakuten Viber Messenger

My Notes: Use the “My Notes” chat to save links, set reminders, and store photos. It’s a private space that syncs across all your devices.

• Edit Sent Messages: Made a typo? Long-press a sent message and select “Edit” to fix it—no need to delete and resend.
• Save Data: If you are on a limited data plan, go to Settings > Media and disable “Auto-download media over cellular networks.”
• Polls and Quizzes: In group chats, use the Poll icon to quickly settle where to go for dinner or create fun quizzes for the family.

Conclusion

Rakuten Viber Messenger remains a top pick for people who want both privacy and fun. It offers secure messaging alongside interactive tools that make chatting enjoyable. Whether you are sending a quick note or a long video, the app ensures your personal data stays protected while you stay social.