BitChat : A Decentralized Messaging App for Off-Grid Communication
Tired of messaging apps that rely on big servers and the internet? BitChat is a decentralized, peer-to-peer messaging application that works over Bluetooth mesh networks, no internet, servers, or phone numbers required.
Why BitChat is Different
Traditional messaging platforms are built on centralized infrastructure, making them vulnerable to monitoring, censorship, and outages. BitChat breaks free from this model by creating ad-hoc communication networks using only the devices in a user’s physical proximity.
Each device in the network acts as both a client and a server, automatically discovering other nearby devices and relaying messages across multiple hops to expand the network’s reach. This unique approach provides:
- Censorship and surveillance resistance: Your messages are not funneled through a central server that can be monitored or controlled.
- Infrastructure independence: The network remains fully functional during internet outages, natural disasters, protests, or in remote areas with limited connectivity.
Get the App
BitChat is open-source and available on multiple platforms.
iOS/macOS Version:
- App Store: BitChat Mesh
- Source Code: https://github.com/permissionlesstech/bitchat
- Supports iOS 16.0+ and macOS 13.0+.
Android Version:
- Source Code: https://github.com/permissionlesstech/bitchat-android
- APK Releases: https://github.com/permissionlesstech/bitchat-android/releases
- Supports Android 8.0+ (API 26) and is fully compatible with the iOS version.
Important Security Notice
⚠️ Security Alert: Private messaging features have not yet undergone a third-party security review and may contain vulnerabilities. Do not use this for sensitive communication. The public local chat feature, however, has no known security concerns.
For more technical details, you can read the whitepaper. The software is released into the public domain.
