Was Replika shut down? What happened

What happened to Replika?

On February 3, 2023, Italy’s Garante ordered a provisional restriction on Replika’s processing of Italian users’ personal data. The authority’s notice discussed transparency, age safeguards, and risks to minors and emotionally vulnerable people. It did not announce that Replika had permanently closed around the world.

In April 2025, the same authority published a later decision and announced a fine against the company managing Replika. That was a later privacy enforcement action, again distinct from a global service shutdown. Read the regulator’s dated documents for the exact scope and status of each proceeding.

How to check whether Replika is available now

Availability can differ by country and change over time. Check Replika’s official website, the App Store or Google Play listing for your region, and the latest company support notices. A past restriction in one jurisdiction does not tell you what is available everywhere today.

Replika’s current help center describes multiple subscription levels, including free and paid use. Its official page is the better source for the current plan names and feature differences than old posts or screenshots.

AI companion alternatives to compare

There is no single replacement that is best for everyone. Start with what you want the app to do, then check the current product pages:

• Duple: an iPhone app for creating and personalizing a fictional companion, text chat, generated selfies and images, custom outfits, and a personal image library. It is free to download, with optional Dokens and Duple Plus; the App Store shows a 16+ rating.
• Kindroid: its official documents describe customized companions, memory systems, group chat, selfies, and voice options. Its plans and trial terms are published in a living help page.
• Nomi: a companion-focused product that describes itself as an AI friend. Check its current store listing and terms for availability, billing, and data practices.
• Character.AI: a character and roleplay platform. Its own help center explains that characters imitate human conversation and are still AI characters.

These are examples, not a ranking or a hands-on test. For a fuller checklist, see how to choose an AI companion app.

Compare the things that matter to you

• Can you shape the character and conversation style?
• What does the app mean by memory, and can you manage saved information?
• Are images, voice, or calls included, limited, or paid separately?
• What is the subscription price in your region, and does a trial renew automatically?
• What age rating and privacy disclosures apply where you live?

Before switching, check what happens to your old chat history, subscription, and saved media. Do not assume that a new app can import or preserve them.