What is Arattai App? Features, Security & Comparison With WhatsApp | All You Need to Know

India’s push for homegrown digital apps has received a boost after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw publicly supported the messaging app Arattai.

Built by Chennai-based Zoho Corporation, Arattai is being promoted as a “Made in India” alternative to WhatsApp. While Pradhan called the app “free, easy-to-use, secure and safe” on X, Vaishnaw highlighted Zoho’s capabilities by revealing that a recent Union Cabinet presentation was created on Zoho Show instead of Microsoft PowerPoint.

What is Arattai?

Arattai, which means “casual chat” in Tamil, is a messaging app created by Zoho. It works much like WhatsApp, letting users:

• Send text messages, photos, and videos
• Make voice and video calls
• Share documents
• Post stories
• Create broadcast channels for businesses

The app positions itself as a local, user-friendly, and secure communication tool.

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How to Use Arattai?

Using Arattai is very simple:

• Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Sign up using your mobile number.
• Sync contacts to start chatting instantly.
• Explore features like voice and video calls, document sharing, and group chats.

Zoho has designed Arattai with a clean interface so even first-time users can adapt quickly.

Similarities Between WhatsApp and Arattai

Both apps share several common features:

• Instant messaging with text, images, videos, and documents
• Voice and video calling
• Group chats
• Status or story updates
• Business-friendly broadcast channels

For a regular user, switching between WhatsApp and Arattai feels smooth, as the core features are the same.

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Differences Between WhatsApp and Arattai

Despite similarities, some key differences stand out:

• Encryption: WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, while Arattai currently secures only voice and video calls.
• User base: WhatsApp has nearly 3 billion global users; Arattai is still new and expanding.
• Origin: WhatsApp is owned by Meta (a US-based company), while Arattai is fully Indian-made under Zoho Corporation.
• Reach: WhatsApp dominates globally, but Arattai is positioning itself as a “Swadeshi” choice for Indian users.

Is Arattai Secure?

Arattai provides end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls. This protects conversations from interception. But text messages are not yet encrypted, which is a drawback compared to WhatsApp. Experts say Arattai must add full text encryption to match WhatsApp’s security standards.

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Will Arattai Replace WhatsApp Completely?

Arattai faces a tough challenge. WhatsApp has nearly 3 billion global users, while Arattai is still building its base. For now, it is unlikely to replace WhatsApp entirely.

But Arattai has an advantage—it is Indian-made, supported by Zoho’s global presence with 55+ apps and 130 million users worldwide. If it continues to add features and improve security, it can grow as a serious competitor.

Why Are People Switching Towards Arattai?

Some users prefer Arattai because it:

• Keeps data within India, reducing reliance on foreign tech giants
• Supports a Swadeshi digital movement
• Is backed by trust in Zoho, a strong Indian company
• Offers basic features that are simple and accessible

For many, choosing Arattai is not just about convenience—it is also about digital independence and supporting Indian innovation.

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Arattai as a Step Towards Digital Atmanirbhar Bharat

Arattai is more than just another app, and in the digital sphere, it symbolizes India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat ideal. Supporters of apps like Arattai contribute to India's ability to develop dependable platforms of its own and reduce its future dependency on international IT firms. 

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