A new messaging app has arrived which works without internet! Twitter co-founder and Block CEO Jack Dorsey has launched his latest project Bitchat, and this is not an ordinary app. It uses Bluetooth mesh networks, so you can send messages even without Wi-Fi or cell network.
Launched on July 6, 2025, as a beta on Apple’s TestFlight, this app is a big step towards privacy and freedom. Are you curious? Let’s understand its features and working method!
What is Bitchat and why is it special?
Bitchat is a decentralized, peer-to-peer messaging app that runs on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks. What does it mean? You don’t need the internet, a phone number, email, or a central server.
This app is designed for short-range messaging, but it has a longer range than normal Bluetooth apps—up to 300 meters (984 feet), thanks to its message relay system.
How does it work?
Bitchat connects with nearby devices via Bluetooth, which form a mesh network. Each device acts as a node, and messages hop from one phone to another. If your friend is 100 meters away, the message can still reach him via relay. Its features are:
End-to-End Encryption
Messages are secured with X25519 key exchange and AES-256-GCM.
Store-and-Forward
If someone is offline, the message is saved on the device and delivered when he or she comes in range.
Group Chats (Rooms)
Hashtag-based chat rooms that can be password-protected, give IRC vibes.
This app is useful during festivals, protests, or remote areas where there is no internet. Similar apps like Bridgefy were used during Hong Kong’s 2019 protests, and Bitchat does the same concept even better.
Full Focus on Privacy
The biggest USP of Bitchat is its privacy-first approach. There’s no need to create an account, and no personal data is collected. Messages are simply stored on the device and disappear by default.
Plus, there’s a Panic Mode feature—triple-tap on logos, and all data is instantly deleted. This app is censorship-resistant, meaning it also works during government surveillance or internet shutdowns.
Bitchat Features That Make Usage Easier
- No Internet Needed: Works without Wi-Fi or mobile data, perfect for blackouts or weak network areas.
- 300-Meter Range: Normal Bluetooth apps work up to 100 meters, but with the help of a relay system, this one can go up to 300 meters.
- IRC-Style Commands: For old internet fans, this app gives commands like /join, /msg, /who.
- No Data Tracking: No personal information is collected, and messages are temporary.
In the future, Jack Dorsey is going to add Wi-Fi Direct support, which will increase speed and range. For now, this app is on TestFlight for iPhone users, but 10,000 beta slots are already full.
Who is this app for?
Bitchat isn’t for everyone, but it’s a game-changer in certain situations:
- Festivals or Crowded Events: To connect with friends when networks are down.
- Protests or Emergencies: For secure communication during Internet shutdowns.
- Remote Areas: Where there’s no Wi-Fi or cell service.
If you’re privacy-conscious or interested in decentralized tech, this app is worth a try. Jack Dorsey’s project matches his vision of Bluesky and Bitcoin—user control and freedom first.
Jack Dorsey Messaging App
Bitchat is currently in beta, and has already hit the 10,000 users cap on Apple TestFlight. Jack Dorsey said on X that the app is currently in review and will be fully released soon.
It’s also platform-agnostic for Android users, so an Android version could come in the future. The code and whitepaper are available on GitHub, which is a bonus for developers.
Would you like to try it?
Bitchat is a unique experiment that takes privacy and off-grid communication to the next level. If you get lost at music festivals or want to stay connected without the internet, this app could become your go-to one day.
Let us know in the comments, are you excited for this app or do you think it is only for niche users?
