Jack Dorsey Launches New Bluetooth Messaging App That Doesn’t Need Internet

What is BitChat? The Decentralized Messaging App That Works Without Internet

BitChat is an innovative, decentralized, peer-to-peer messaging application designed to enable people to communicate securely—even without internet or cellular access. Instead of relying on traditional mobile networks or data, BitChat uses Bluetooth mesh networking to relay messages between nearby devices. This allows users to send messages over distances of up to 300 meters or more, depending on the number of devices in the area.

Purpose: Privacy-First, Censorship-Resistant Communication

The core mission behind BitChat is to empower individuals with private, censorship-resistant communication tools, particularly in environments where internet access is restricted, surveilled, or intentionally blocked.

Whether during natural disasters, protests, remote travel, or in authoritarian regions with strict communication controls, BitChat offers a lifeline for people to stay connected without fear of surveillance or censorship.

Key Features of BitChat

• Bluetooth Mesh Networking: BitChat uses Bluetooth and mesh relay technology, allowing devices to pass messages along a chain of nearby users, extending the effective communication range.
• No Internet or SIM Required: The app functions entirely offline, with no need for Wi-Fi, cellular service, or a SIM card.
• No Personal Information Needed: Users do not need an email address, phone number, or account to use BitChat—eliminating potential privacy risks and ensuring total anonymity.
• Decentralized and Serverless: BitChat has no centralized servers, meaning no single entity can monitor, store, or censor communications.
• Lightweight and Simple: Designed for accessibility, BitChat is minimalistic and optimized for peer-to-peer use in real-time environments.

Current Status: In Beta Testing via Apple TestFlight

As of mid-2025, BitChat is in its beta phase and currently available for testing on Apple’s TestFlight platform. This allows early adopters and developers to experiment with the app, provide feedback, and help the creators fine-tune its functionality before a wider public release.

Why BitChat Matters Today

In today’s digital world, where centralized platforms often dominate and data privacy is a growing concern, BitChat offers a powerful alternative. It puts control back into the hands of users and helps reduce reliance on infrastructure that can be compromised, surveilled, or shut down.

The app is particularly relevant for:

• Activists and journalists in authoritarian regimes
• Emergency response teams in disaster-struck areas
• Remote communities with poor or no connectivity
• Privacy-conscious users seeking secure alternatives to traditional messaging platforms

Who’s Behind BitChat?

Although details about the core development team are limited, BitChat is reportedly backed and inspired by figures such as Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and Block, Inc. Dorsey has been a vocal proponent of decentralized communication tools and open-source technology. While BitChat isn't directly a Block product, its development aligns with the broader movement toward Web3, privacy-first applications.

Looking Ahead

As the beta continues, developers are expected to add support for Android devices, improve battery efficiency during relay operations, and expand on encryption layers to ensure end-to-end security.

If successful, BitChat could become a game-changing tool for communication in a world increasingly aware of privacy, surveillance, and digital freedom.