Joining a Hub

There are two common ways to join a hub: an invite link from someone already on it, or finding it in the public directory.

With an invite link

The most common path. A member or the hub’s operator shares a link (or a QR code) that takes you straight to that hub. Open it, create an account with a username and password, and you’re in, pending approval if the hub requires it (see Join Approval below).

Through the hub directory

If a hub is publicly listed, you can find it by searching the Citinet hub directory by name or location, without needing an invite link first.

Hubs set to “Local Network Only” are never listed here: you’ll always need a direct link or to already be on that hub’s network to reach one of those.

Join approval

Some hubs require an operator or moderator to approve new members before they get full access, rather than granting access instantly. If a hub you’ve joined is in this state, you’ll see a pending-approval screen: there’s nothing else to do but wait for a moderator to review your request.

Your account and encryption keys

Your username and password are specific to each hub: a hub doesn’t share accounts with any other hub, including other hubs you might belong to.

Notes, messages, and files support end-to-end encryption, meaning the hub’s own server never sees your unencrypted content: only you (and whoever you explicitly share with) can read it. Your encryption keys are generated the first time you use an encrypted feature and are recoverable with your account password on any device you log in from, so switching devices doesn’t lock you out of your own content.

What you get once you’re in

Once you’re a member, see: