Is imo safe? Privacy, scams and legit check (2026)

Quick facts

Owned by: imo.im
Based in: Not clearly disclosed
Encryption: imo says it encrypts calls and messages, but has not published an independent audit of its encryption.
Data it collects: Phone number, contacts, usage and device data, plus ad data in the free version.
Minimum age: 13+

What keeps you safe

Works well on slow connections.
Popular for calls with family in South Asia and the Gulf.

Risks to know about

Little independent security research is available.
The free app shows ads and collects ad data.

Scams to watch for on imo

Unknown callers posing as officials or relatives.

Is imo legit?

imo is a real, widely downloaded app, but less transparent than the big messengers.

Is it safe for kids?

No parental controls.

How to use imo safely

Only accept calls from people you know.
Use WhatsApp or Signal for sensitive conversations.

Where imo is restricted

Does a VPN make imo safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop imo collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs Private Internet Access, Surfshark and CyberGhost

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is imo safe to use?

Usable for calls with family, but it has no published independent security audit like Signal or WhatsApp.

Is imo legit?

imo is a real, widely downloaded app, but less transparent than the big messengers.

Is imo encrypted?

imo says it encrypts calls and messages, but has not published an independent audit of its encryption.

What data does imo collect?

Phone number, contacts, usage and device data, plus ad data in the free version.

Is imo safe for kids?

No parental controls.

Does a VPN make imo safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on imo. It does not stop imo itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.