Jack Dorsey, who co-founded Twitter (now X) and is the CEO of Block, has released a revolutionary messaging app called Bitchat that works without an internet connection. Bitchat was first released as a beta on Apple’s TestFlight platform. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networking to let people talk to each other securely and directly. This makes it a decentralized, privacy-focused alternative to popular apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. Dorsey called Bitchat a “weekend project” to look into Bluetooth mesh networks, encryption models, and store-and-forward systems. It’s getting a lot of attention for its unique way of sending messages when you’re not connected to the internet.
How to Use Bitchat
Bitchat is different from other messaging apps because it doesn’t need Wi-Fi or cellular data. Instead, it uses Bluetooth mesh networking to let devices that are close to each other talk to each other directly. This technology lets devices within about 30 meters form local clusters that send encrypted messages from one device to the next, extending the network’s range up to 300 meters (984 feet). Bitchat gets around the usual 100-meter Bluetooth range limit by sending messages through other users’ devices. This makes it perfect for places like music festivals, protests, or places where internet access is unreliable or blocked.
The app doesn’t need central servers, phone numbers, or email addresses to work, which keeps users’ identities safe and stops data collection. Messages are encrypted from start to finish using advanced protocols like Curve25519 and AES-GCM. By default, they disappear and are only stored temporarily on the user’s device. Dorsey has always been in favor of communication that is resistant to censorship and prioritizes privacy. This design fits with that.
Important Parts of Bitchat
Bitchat has a lot of new features that make it different from other messaging apps:
Offline Communication: Works without Wi-Fi or cellular service by using Bluetooth mesh networking to send messages between devices.
From Start to Finish Encryption: Strong encryption keeps messages safe and private.
Extended Range: The mesh network can send messages up to 300 meters by passing them through nearby devices.
Ephemeral Messaging: Messages are only there for a short time and disappear by default to protect privacy.
Users can make rooms for group chats based on a topic. These rooms are password-protected and use AES encryption.
Store-and-Forward: Messages for users who are not online are saved and sent when they come back online.
No accounts or data collection, and a “Panic Mode” that clears all data with three taps on the app’s logo.
Adaptive Power Modes: Ultra-low power and performance mode are two options that help you get the most out of your battery.
A Privacy and Resilience Tool
Bitchat is decentralized, which means it can still work even if the network goes down or is censored. This is similar to how apps like Bridgefy and FireChat were used during the 2019 Hong Kong protests to avoid being watched. Dorsey’s whitepaper, which can be found on GitHub, talks about Bitchat’s goal of providing secure, private messaging without a centralized infrastructure. This makes it a useful tool for activists, journalists, or anyone who cares about their digital privacy. The app’s ability to work in emergencies, like during natural disasters or war, is another sign of how useful it could be for important communication.
Beta Launch and Plans for the Future
On July 7, 2025, Bitchat’s beta version was announced on X. It quickly hit its 10,000-user limit on Apple’s TestFlight, showing that there was a lot of initial interest. Dorsey also said on July 9, 2025, that the app is now available on Android. This shows how quickly its open-source development is moving forward. The beta phase is all about making the battery last longer and making sure that messages get through more reliably. In future updates, Wi-Fi Direct support will be added to speed things up and let people share more content, like photos and videos, while still keeping things decentralized.
Why Bitchat is Important
Bitchat is a new way to send messages in a time when privacy issues and internet shutdowns are becoming more common. Its model, which doesn’t require servers or accounts, goes against the data-driven models of apps like WhatsApp and Messenger. Its ability to work offline makes it a useful tool for places where internet access is hard to come by. Dorsey’s history of supporting decentralized technologies makes it likely that Bitchat could change the way people send messages, especially if it adds more platforms and planned improvements.
In conclusion
Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat is more than just a weekend project; it’s a big step toward changing how we talk to each other safely and privately. The app offers a censorship-free, internet-free option for users all over the world by using Bluetooth mesh networks. Bitchat could find a place in the messaging world as it moves out of beta testing. It could be a lifeline for people who need a safe, reliable way to talk to each other. You can find more information in the whitepaper on GitHub or by following X.
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