Bitchat: Jack Dorsey’s New Bluetooth Messaging App That Works Without Internet
Stuck without Wi-Fi or mobile data, but still need to message someone nearby? That’s where Bitchat comes in—a brand new messaging app from Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, designed to work completely offline using only Bluetooth.
Unlike WhatsApp or Signal, which depend on internet access, Bitchat takes a different approach. It’s part of Dorsey’s push toward decentralisation, similar to his social media alternative Bluesky, and aims to give people a way to communicate without relying on central servers or phone networks.
So, What Is Bitchat, Really?
At its core, Bitchat is a messaging app—but it doesn’t work like the ones we’re used to. Instead of relying on the internet or cloud servers, it uses Bluetooth to send messages directly between phones.
Think of it like this: your message doesn’t travel across the web. It quietly hops from your phone to another nearby device, and if needed, keeps bouncing along until it reaches the person you’re trying to contact. It’s like a high-tech game of telephone, only encrypted and anonymous.
The whole system works by forming a mesh network of nearby users. So even if the person you’re texting isn’t within your Bluetooth range, other Bitchat users can help carry the message along—no data, no Wi-Fi, no signal bars needed.
It’s a clever mix of old-school peer-to-peer tech with a fresh, modern purpose.
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Messages are end-to-end encrypted.
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No sign-up or phone number needed.
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Messages vanish by default and don’t go through any server.
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Every device acts as both a sender and a relay node.
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You can create group chats (called “rooms”) using hashtags and passwords.
How Far Can It Reach?
Normally, Bluetooth has a range of about 100 meters, but Dorsey claims Bitchat can relay messages up to 300 meters using mesh networking. The more users in a given area, the better the coverage—kind of like how more people on a torrent swarm help download faster.
And since the app uses a store-and-forward system, it can hold onto your message until the recipient is back within range and deliver it then. Think of it as old-school texting with modern encryption and zero reliance on the internet.
Why Bitchat Actually Matters
At first glance, Bitchat might just seem like a cool tech experiment—but it’s solving a real problem. In situations where internet access is spotty or completely unavailable—think music festivals, crowded events, protests, or natural disasters—being able to message without relying on mobile networks can make a huge difference.
It’s a lot like what Bridgefy offered during the Hong Kong protests, where people used Bluetooth-based messaging to stay connected when authorities cut off internet access. With Bitchat, Jack Dorsey is tapping into that same idea—creating a communication tool that’s built for resilience and privacy.
And here’s the best part: there are no usernames, no phone numbers, no accounts. You just open the app and start messaging. That kind of built-in anonymity makes Bitchat not just useful—but also refreshingly private in a time when most apps ask for too much.
Is It Available Yet?
As of now, Bitchat is in testing and only available for iOS via TestFlight, which unfortunately already hit its 10,000-user limit. Dorsey said the app is under review and could hit the App Store soon.
For Android users, there’s no official app yet, but the project is open-source on GitHub. The underlying protocol is platform-agnostic, so anyone with the right tools can build a compatible version using the same Bluetooth LE tech.
The Bottom Line
Bitchat isn’t here to replace WhatsApp or iMessage. It’s something else entirely—a lightweight, no-internet-needed chat tool for times when connectivity fails or when privacy really matters.
Whether you’re trying to find friends at a crowded concert or stay in touch during an emergency, Bitchat offers a clever and practical solution. With decentralised tech gaining momentum, this might just be the start of a whole new wave of offline-first apps.
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