"Are you dead?" Why are Chinese citizens downloading this app?

This new app ensures the well-being of a person by asking for daily engagement with the application to check if they are alive. If a person does not engage with it for a few days, it sends a notification to an already saved emergency contact. People who live alone are downloading the app for safety.

Are you dead, the next big thing?

A Chinese app is going viral on social media for its unique purpose, and it is called "Are you dead", it Chinese it is Sileme (死了吗) in Chinese, which translates to are you dead. Many expressed their surprise over the name of the app, thinking it was an illegal app, but it was not.

The idea behind the creation of this app was thoughtful and unique. It is designed for those who live alone and want to ensure they are safe by contacting or informing their loved ones.

An app with one button and the name «Are you dead yet?» made hundreds of thousands of dollars

The app 死了么 went super viral in China.

One function:
- daily check-in with a single button
- if the user doesn’t check in for 2 days, a selected contact gets notified

Built by a… pic.twitter.com/LdFcjRY2Gu

— Viktor Seraleev (@seraleev) January 12, 2026

How does "Are you dead" work?

On downloading, it asks users to confirm if they are alive by just tapping a button on a regular basis. If a person misses it for a couple of days, it sends a notification to a saved emergency contact.

It is a great help for solo travellers and those who live alone. For those who are isolated, "Are you dead?" can bring peace of mind to themselves and their loved ones.

A Chinese app called "Are You Dead," or "死了么" in Chinese, has attracted widespread attention online after topping the paid chart on the App Store in China. Designed for people living alone, the app automatically sends an email to notify users' emergency contacts if they fail… pic.twitter.com/9hzYfdh0bX

— Yicai 第一财经 (@yicaichina) January 12, 2026

Is "Are you dead" available in other countries?

Yes, the developers have rebranded the name of the app to "Demumu" for international users. It is a Paid app and instantly became one of the most downloaded apps. It is easily available on the App Store. In India, it is prices aorund ₹99.