No, Hike Messenger can't be used on two devices—it shut down in India back in January 2021.
Quick Fact
Hike Messenger officially called it quits in India on January 15, 2021, after launching way back in December 2012 under founder Kavin Bharti Mittal.
Geographic Context
Born in New Delhi, Hike became a cultural icon among Indian users who loved its sticker-heavy, localized approach. By 2026, its absence left a gap that WhatsApp and Telegram quickly filled. The shutdown really showed how tough it is for homegrown apps to compete against global platforms with massive network effects.
Key Details
| Aspect |
Information |
| Founded |
December 12, 2012 |
| Founder |
Kavin Bharti Mittal |
| Headquarters |
New Delhi, India |
| Shutdown Date |
January 15, 2021 |
| File Size Limit |
100 MB per attachment |
| End-to-End Encryption |
Supported in group chats |
| Platforms Supported (as of 2021) |
Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows Phone, Nokia S40/S60, Nokia X |
Interesting Background
Hike wasn’t just a messaging app—it was a digital reflection of early 2010s Indian internet culture. It revolutionized chat with culturally specific stickers, themes, and emojis that younger users adored. Even its gaming side, “Rush,” tried blending identity, safety, and play. But after WhatsApp entered India with free, reliable messaging and encryption, Hike struggled to stand out. Today, people still debate whether its failure came down to execution, bad timing, or just overwhelming competition.
-wrapped answer phrase
Hike Messenger can't be used on two devices because it’s no longer running.
Practical Information
By 2026, Hike Messenger is completely offline in India—no downloads, no updates. If you need similar features, WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal are your best bets. For nostalgia’s sake, you might find old versions in sketchy third-party stores, but they’re unsupported and risky. The company hasn’t hinted at a comeback. Even Hike’s gaming spin-off “Rush” folded, though its ideas influenced later social gaming integrations. For developers and researchers, Hike’s story remains a textbook example of localization challenges and the brutal reality of competing in a market dominated by giants.
For a deeper look at India’s messaging wars, check out Statista and TelecomTalk.
Can I use Hike on Web?
Yes, Hike had a web version where you could chat even with your phone off. “This week, we’re rolling out Hike on the web,” founder and CEO Kavin Bharti Mittal announced. “It works even if the user’s phone is switched off.”
Can I use Hike on laptop?
Absolutely—Hike was a cross-platform app that worked on PCs. It let you call, send stickers, images, videos, files, and more. If you wanted to install it on your laptop, you could do it without Bluestacks by following a simple tutorial.
How can I log out from Hike?
-
Open the three-dot menu on the Hike home screen.
-
Tap Settings.
-
Go to Account.
-
Select Logout Account.
Which is better: Hike or WhatsApp?
Hike let you attach much larger files—up to 100MB, compared to WhatsApp’s 16MB limit. WhatsApp compresses images and videos by default, which isn’t ideal if you need high-resolution media. That alone made Hike a favorite for file-sharing among power users.
How do I log out of all devices on Hike?
To sign out everywhere, just open the app and go to Menu > Settings > Logout.
Can Chrome use Hike?
Here’s how to install Hike Messenger on a PC:
Open Google Chrome, then grab the ARC Welder Chrome app. After installing it, you’ll see a new desktop icon called Chrome App Launcher. Open that, double-click ARC Welder, and load the Hike APK file.
How can I download the Hike app?
-
Android (2.2+),
-
iPhone and iPod Touch,
-
Blackberry (including BB10),
-
Windows Phone,
-
Nokia S40 (full touch and touch-and-type), and S60 touch devices,
-
Nokia Android (Nokia X Dual SIM).
What is Hike Web?
Hike Web was the browser-based version of the app. By November 2021, it had become a mainstream messaging tool in India, outperforming rivals like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram in several areas.
Is Hike a Chinese app?
Nope—Hike was proudly Indian. Hike Private Ltd. launched Hike Messenger (also known as Hike Sticker Chat) on December 12, 2012. It was an Indian freeware, cross-platform instant messaging and VoIP app, later acquired by Hike Private Limited.
Is Hike banned in India?
Hike Messenger is no longer available in India. The shutdown was announced by CEO Kavin Bharti Mittal via Mashable. The app, known for its fun Indian stickers and chat backgrounds, officially closed its doors.
Is Hike working in India?
Hike StickerChat is completely offline in India. The shutdown was confirmed by founder and CEO Kavin Bharti Mittal on Twitter on January 6, ending years of service.
How can I delete my HikeTop account?
Go to Menu > Settings > Manage Account > Unlink Account. (For Android users on Hike 2.5+: tap the options menu from your home screen > Settings > Account > Logout/Delete Account.)
Is Hike end-to-end encrypted?
Yes, but only in group chats.
Is Rush by Hike safe?
Rush was designed with safety in mind. Hike created a AAA-quality gaming platform where every player had a HikeMoji-led identity—ensuring privacy while keeping the fun alive through creative self-expression.
Why did Hike fail?
The company’s own hiring missteps and feature overload doomed it. Hike tried to do too much, lacked a clear unique selling point, and couldn’t keep up with rapid changes in the market.
Why is the Hike app shutting down?
Users could export their data before the shutdown. Kavin Bharti Mittal didn’t give a detailed reason, but he tweeted that “global network effects are too strong for India to have its own messenger.”
Who owns the Hike app?
Kavin Bharti Mittal founded it in 2012. Over nine years, he grew the company significantly. Hike spent years trying to monetize its messaging app and even explored building a super app.
Is the Hike app shutting down?
Yes—Hike Messenger shut down on January 15, 2021. CEO Kavin Bharti Mittal made the announcement via Twitter.
