Have you ever imagined staying connected with your family and friends without the internet? If yes, then Bitchat could be the perfect app for you. In July 2025, Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter (now X), launched this new messaging app that works without the need for internet.
In this article, you will learn in simple, clear language what Bitchat is, how it works, its features, limitations, and how it can be useful for you.
What is Bitchat?
This is a messaging app that works without an internet connection.
When you use apps like WhatsApp or Signal, an internet connection is required. Bitchat, however, uses your phone’s Bluetooth and mesh network, allowing you to send and receive messages without using the internet.
Bluetooth allows your phone to connect with other devices within a range of 200-300 meters. Mesh Network means if your friend is far away, your message will hop through nearby phones to reach your friend, even without the internet.
Key Features of Bitchat
- Works Without Internet: Stay connected even in villages, forests, or during internet shutdowns.
- Strong Privacy: Messages are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring no one can intercept your conversations.
- No Need for Phone Number or Email: You don’t need to share your phone number or email to use Bitchat, keeping your identity private.
- Group Chat Support: Create groups and chat without internet using hashtags like #FamilyChat or #FriendsGroup.
- Panic Mode: If you feel your chats are at risk of being viewed by others, you can tap the Bitchat logo three times to instantly delete all data.
- Offline Messaging: If your friend isn’t nearby, your message will automatically deliver when they come into range.
How Does it Work?
- Connects to nearby phones using Bluetooth.
- Uses a mesh network to hop your message from one phone to another until it reaches your recipient.
- Works best in gatherings or community spaces where multiple users are present, helping relay messages effectively.
Where Can You Use Bitchat?
- During Natural Disasters: Stay connected with loved ones during internet outages caused by floods or earthquakes.
- During Protests or Shutdowns: Governments often cut internet during protests; Bitchat helps you stay connected.
- In Remote Areas: Use it in villages, forests, or mountains where there is no network coverage.
- In Emergencies: Communicate with family and community even when no network is available.
Current Availability of Bitchat
- iPhone Users: Previously available via TestFlight, but the slots have already been filled.
- Android Users: Since July 9, 2025, the app’s code has been made available on GitHub, allowing Android users to test it.
- Upcoming updates will include Wi-Fi Direct support for faster message delivery and the ability to share photos and videos.
Limitations and Precautions
No Third-Party Security Audit Yet: Jack Dorsey has stated that the app hasn’t undergone external security testing, so users should be cautious while sharing sensitive information.
Technical Bugs: Users have reported occasional crashes on GitHub, indicating the app still needs refinements.
Limited Range: The app’s range is currently limited to 300 meters, which may affect message delivery if your friend is too far and no other phones are in between.
Therefore, if you are using Bitchat for private conversations, it’s advisable to proceed carefully while the app matures.
Bitchat vs WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal
| Feature | Bitchat | WhatsApp/Signal/Telegram |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Requirement | Not Needed | Required |
| Privacy | High, no servers | High, but uses servers |
| Group Chats | Possible offline | Requires internet |
| Data Storage | Local, auto-delete | Server and local |
| Security Audit | Not yet done | Completed |
Is Bitchat Right for You?
If you:
- Live in areas with frequent internet outages,
- Want complete privacy in your conversations,
- Live in rural or remote regions,
Then it can be a useful tool for you. However, since it is still in beta and lacks a complete security audit, using it with caution is recommended.
ALSO READ- China’s Mosquito Drone: The World’s Most Dangerous and Unique Spy Technology Explained
Conclusion
It is a unique and practical messaging app that helps you stay connected without the internet, maintaining your privacy. Jack Dorsey’s team is actively working on enhancing the app with new features like Wi-Fi Direct and multimedia sharing, making it more robust for real-world use.
If you want to test Bitchat:
- Visit its GitHub page to download and install it.
- Check updates on Jack Dorsey’s X account (@jack) for the latest developments.
Bitchat represents a new direction in privacy-centric, decentralized communication, making it a promising option for those looking to stay connected without internet dependency.
Is Bitchat free to use?
Yes, it is completely free and can be downloaded via its GitHub page.
Are messages on Bitchat secure?
It uses end-to-end encryption for message security, but the app has not yet undergone a third-party security audit.
What is the difference between Bitchat and WhatsApp?
WhatsApp requires internet and stores your data on servers, while it works without internet using Bluetooth and mesh networking, keeping your data off centralized servers.
