Analysis by LookedApp · Published · Updated
LINE is a communication application designed to connect individuals through various digital means. It provides features such as voice and video calls, messaging, and expressive elements like stickers and themes. The application is suitable for users seeking a versatile platform to communicate with friends and family across multiple devices.
What is LINE?
LINE is a comprehensive communication platform that aims to facilitate connections between individuals globally. It enables users to engage in voice and video calls, exchange messages, and express themselves using a wide array of stickers and emojis. The platform also allows for personalization through various themes.
The application is developed by LINE Corporation for users on the App Store and by LINE (LY Corporation) for those on Google Play. It was initially released on 2011-06-23 and has since expanded its offerings.
LINE is accessible across multiple devices, including mobile phones, desktop computers, and smartwatches. Specifically, it supports Wear OS for Android users and Apple Watch for iOS users, ensuring a broad reach for its communication services.
Is this the real LINE app?
- Verified publisher infoSame developer on Google Play and the App Store (LINE (LY Corporation)), and the developer website line.me matches the publisher.
- Established since 2011Listed since Jun 23, 2011, 1,000,000,000+ installs on Google Play.
| Developer on Google Play | LINE (LY Corporation) |
|---|---|
| Developer on the App Store | LINE Corporation |
| Same developer on both stores | Yes |
| Android package name | jp.naver.line.android |
| iOS bundle ID | jp.naver.line |
| On the stores since | Jun 23, 2011 |
| Installs on Google Play | 1,000,000,000+ |
| Developer website | line.me |
| Content rating | Google Play: Everyone / App Store: 12+ |
These details come from the public store listings. LookedApp doesn't host downloads: install from the Google Play or App Store buttons on this page.
Key features
- Users can enjoy voice and video calls with their LINE friends.
- The application facilitates the exchange of messages between contacts.
- A wide variety of stickers, emojis, and themes are available for personalization and expression.
- The Home section provides convenient access to friends lists, birthdays, the sticker shop, and other services.
- Keep Memo serves as a personal chatroom for temporarily storing messages, photos, and videos.
- Messages, call history, and location information are protected through Letter Sealing encryption.
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Privacy and permissions
On Google Play, LINE requests several permission groups, including Identity, Calendar, Contacts, Location, Phone, Photos/Media/Files, Storage, Camera, Microphone, Wi-Fi connection information, and Device ID & call information. These permissions are utilized for the application's functionality.
To enhance user privacy, LINE incorporates a feature called Letter Sealing. This mechanism encrypts messages, call history, and location information, aiming to provide a more private communication experience. The App Store listing does not detail specific permission groups requested by the application.
LINE Corporation publishes its privacy policy at terms.line.me.
LINE permissions in plain English
The Google Play listing shows 11 permission groups. Google Play also lists 18 other permissions, such as “view network connections”. That is more than most social & messaging apps LookedApp reviews (typical: 9).
- CalendarCan read or change your calendar
- CameraCan take photos and record video
- ContactsCan read your contacts
- Device ID & call informationCan read your device ID and call status
- IdentityCan find accounts on the device
- LocationCan use your precise location
- MicrophoneCan record audio
- PhoneCan read phone status or make calls
- Photos/Media/FilesCan read and change your photos, media and files
- StorageCan read and change files in shared storage
- Wi-Fi connection informationCan see Wi-Fi connection details
The App Store privacy label lists these data types:
- Used to track you: Identifiers
- Linked to you: Purchases, Location, Contact Info, Contacts, User Content, Search History, Browsing History, Identifiers, Usage Data, Diagnostics, Other Data
Permission names come from Google Play; the plain-English lines describe what each permission group allows, not how this app uses it.
LINE at a glance
| Developer | LINE Corporation |
|---|---|
| Category | Social Networking |
| Rating on App Store | 3.2 out of 5 (18K ratings) |
| Rating on Google Play | 3.1 out of 5 (14M ratings) |
| Price | Free |
| Age rating | 12+ |
Pricing
The LINE application is available at no cost for users on both Google Play and the App Store. The Google Play listing indicates a price of 0.
The Google Play listing for LINE states that in-app purchases are present within the application. The App Store listing, however, does not explicitly mention the presence of in-app purchases.
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How to get LINE safely
To ensure a safe installation of the LINE application, users should acquire it exclusively from recognized app platforms such as Google Play or the App Store. Verifying that the developer listed is 'LINE (LY Corporation)' on Google Play or 'LINE Corporation' on the App Store is a crucial step.
It is advisable to avoid downloading the application from third-party websites or unofficial distribution channels, as these may distribute altered or compromised versions. Before finalizing installation, users are encouraged to review the permissions requested by the application, particularly those outlined on the Google Play listing, such as access to Contacts, Camera, and Microphone.
How to install LINE
On Android (Google Play)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for LINE, or use the Google Play button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is LINE (LY Corporation).
- Tap Install (or the price, for a paid app) and wait for the download to finish, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
On iPhone and iPad (App Store)
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for LINE, or use the App Store button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is LINE Corporation.
- Make sure your device has iOS 18.0 or later and about 401 MB of free space, as the listing states.
- Tap Get (or the price), confirm the download, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
LINE version and app details
| Google Play | App Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Latest version | – | 26.16.0 |
| Last updated | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 13, 2026 |
| First released | Jun 23, 2011 | Jun 23, 2011 |
| Package name | jp.naver.line.android | – |
| Bundle ID | – | jp.naver.line |
| Requires | – | iOS 18.0 or later |
| Download size | – | 401 MB |
| Content rating | Everyone (Users Interact, Shares Location, Digital Purchases) | 12+ (Frequent/Intense Contests; Loot Boxes; Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence; Infrequent/Mild Sexual Content and Nudity; Infrequent/Mild Medical/Treatment Information; Infrequent/Mild Simulated Gambling; Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humor; Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References; Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes; Infrequent/Mild Realistic Violence; Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes) |
| In-app purchases | Yes ($0.29 - $394.99 per item) | Yes |
| Contains ads | Yes | – |
| Languages | – | 16 (including English) |
| Developer | LINE (LY Corporation) | LINE Corporation |
Who LINE is for
LINE is intended for individuals who wish to maintain communication with family, friends, and loved ones across various digital environments. It caters to users seeking a multifaceted communication tool that supports voice calls, video calls, and text messaging.
The application's availability on mobile devices, desktop computers, and smartwatches makes it suitable for users who value consistent connectivity and the ability to communicate from different devices. The content rating is 'Everyone' on Google Play and '12+' on the App Store, suggesting its appropriateness for a wide age range.
Pros
- Offers comprehensive communication features including voice calls, video calls, and messaging.
- Provides extensive options for self-expression through a variety of stickers, emojis, and themes.
- Enables seamless communication across mobile devices, desktop computers, and smartwatches.
- Includes a Keep Memo feature for temporary storage of personal messages, photos, and videos.
- Implements Letter Sealing encryption to protect messages, call history, and location information.
Cons
- The Google Play listing indicates numerous permission requests, including access to sensitive user data.
- The application has ratings of 3.4 on Google Play and 3.2 on the App Store, which are relatively modest.
- In-app purchases are present on the Google Play version of the application.
- Users are recommended to use Android OS versions 11.0 or above, and iOS 18.0 minimum, which may exclude older devices.
LINE: frequently asked questions
Is LINE free?
The LINE application is available at no cost on both Google Play and the App Store. However, the Google Play listing indicates the presence of in-app purchases.
On which devices is LINE available?
LINE can be utilized on mobile devices, desktop computers, and smartwatches, specifically Wear OS for Android users and Apple Watch for iOS users.
Who develops LINE?
LINE is developed by LINE (LY Corporation) for Google Play users and LINE Corporation for App Store users.
What are some of LINE's key communication features?
The application offers voice calls, video calls, and messaging. It also provides a variety of stickers, emojis, and themes for personal expression.
Does LINE protect user privacy?
The application features Letter Sealing, which encrypts messages, call history, and location information to help protect user privacy.
Are there in-app purchases in LINE?
The Google Play listing for LINE indicates that in-app purchases are present. The App Store listing does not explicitly state whether in-app purchases are included.
LINE
- Category
- Social Networking
- Version
- 26.16.0
Download
Looking for the LINE website or sign-in? Go to line.me →The developer's website, as given on the store listing.
LINE ratings breakdown
Google Play 3.1 average from 13,731,925 ratings
- 541%
- 48%
- 36%
- 26%
- 139%
App Store 3.2 average from 18,464 ratings
- 540%
- 411%
- 39%
- 28%
- 132%
Share of ratings for each star level, as shown on the listings, as of Oct 15, 2026.
