Use the AppImage version of Retoswap (Haveno) on Tails OS without needing to install Java. Step-by-step setup with persistent storage and Tor.
Why AppImage?
- ✅ No system-wide dependencies
- ✅ Doesn’t require Java
- ✅ Self-contained and portable
- ✅ Perfect for Tails’ ephemeral, privacy-focused design
What You’ll Need
- Tails OS installed on USB with Persistent Storage enabled and unlocked
- Internet access (Tor is default in Tails)
- At least 200MB of free Persistent Storage
Step 1: Create a Persistent Folder for Retoswap
mkdir -p /media/amnesia/Persistent/retoswap
cd /media/amnesia/Persistent/retoswap
Step 2: Download the Retoswap AppImage
Visit https://retoswap.com/#download to copy the latest download URL.
torsocks wget https://retoswap.com/download/retoswap-x86_64.AppImage -O retoswap.AppImage
chmod +x retoswap.AppImage
If wget fails due to redirection:
torsocks curl -L https://retoswap.com/download/retoswap-x86_64.AppImage -o retoswap.AppImage
chmod +x retoswap.AppImage
Step 3: Launch Retoswap
cd /media/amnesia/Persistent/retoswap
./retoswap.AppImage
The GUI should appear. If nothing happens, try running it again or check for missing permissions.
Step 4: Add a Startup Script (Optional)
nano /media/amnesia/Persistent/retoswap/start-retoswap.sh
Paste this:
#!/bin/bash
cd /media/amnesia/Persistent/retoswap
./retoswap.AppImage
Then make it executable:
chmod +x /media/amnesia/Persistent/retoswap/start-retoswap.sh
Launch anytime with:
/media/amnesia/Persistent/retoswap/start-retoswap.sh
Step 5: (Optional) Add a Desktop Shortcut
nano /home/amnesia/Desktop/retoswap.desktop
Paste this:
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Retoswap
Exec=/media/amnesia/Persistent/retoswap/retoswap.AppImage
Icon=utilities-terminal
Type=Application
Categories=Network;
chmod +x /home/amnesia/Desktop/retoswap.desktop
Note: This shortcut will be lost unless you use Tails Dotfiles persistence.
Step 6: Connect to a Monero Node
Retoswap requires a Monero node. Use a public one, or your own if available.
Example public node:
node.moneroworld.com:18089Enter this in Retoswap under Settings → Monero Daemon.
Step 7: (Optional) Verify the AppImage
If Retoswap publishes GPG signatures, download and verify like this:
torsocks wget https://retoswap.com/download/retoswap-x86_64.AppImage.sig
gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys [KEY_ID]
gpg --verify retoswap-x86_64.AppImage.sig retoswap.AppImage
Replace [KEY_ID] with the fingerprint listed on Retoswap’s GitHub.
Quick Reference
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create persistent folder |
| 2 | Download AppImage |
| 3 | Make executable and run |
| 4 | (Optional) Add launcher script |
| 5 | (Optional) Add desktop shortcut |
| 6 | Connect to Monero node |
| 7 | (Optional) GPG verify AppImage |
Advantages of Using the AppImage
- No need to install Java or other system packages
- Everything stays self-contained in Persistent Storage
- Perfect for the Tails live model
- Portable — can copy to another USB
Security Tips
- Only download from the official Retoswap website or GitHub
- Always use
torsocksfor command-line downloads on Tails - Verify signatures when possible
- Use a trusted Monero node or run your own via I2P/Tor if paranoid
Final Thoughts
Retoswap brings privacy-preserving Monero trading to your fingertips — and pairing it with Tails OS amplifies your security and anonymity. The AppImage method is the easiest and most resilient approach on Tails, requiring no root or package installs and working entirely from persistent storage.
If you’d like to automate Java-based builds, add I2P support, or integrate Retoswap into a custom Debian live system, stay tuned — or drop us a message.
