Name: BitChat App
Author: Jack Dorsey

Has the encryption been audited?

Not yet. The README warns this is experimental software not recommended for sensitive communications until proper security audits are completed.

How far can messages travel?

About 30–300 m per hop depending on device and environment. Messages can relay through multiple nodes to extend range across mesh networks.

How do I wipe my data?

Triple-tap the logo or long-press app → Clear Data. All messages and keys are permanently deleted with no recovery possible.

What Makes BitChat Special

BitChat is Jack Dorsey's latest vision for decentralized communication, launched in July 2025. Built on Bluetooth Low-Energy mesh networking, it creates resilient peer-to-peer networks that work without internet infrastructure. Messages hop from device to device, forming organic networks that can't be controlled or censored by centralized authorities.

"Offline resilience, absolute privacy, and open-source freedom combine to make BitChat a lifeline wherever connectivity or free speech is at risk."

How BitChat Works

BitChat leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networking to create resilient, decentralized communication networks. Unlike traditional messaging apps that require internet connectivity, BitChat operates entirely through device-to-device communication, creating a multi-hop mesh network where messages can travel across multiple devices to reach their destination.

Multi-Hop Message Routing

When you send a message, it doesn't need a direct connection to the recipient. Instead, BitChat uses store-and-forward technology to relay messages through intermediate devices. Each device in the network acts as a routing node, automatically forwarding encrypted messages toward their destination.

This creates a resilient mesh topology where messages can find alternative paths if some devices become unavailable, making the network highly fault-tolerant.

Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh

BitChat utilizes BLE's extended range and low power consumption to maintain persistent connections with nearby devices. The mesh network automatically discovers and connects to other BitChat nodes within a 30-300 meter range, depending on environmental conditions.

Smart duty cycling adapts power consumption based on network activity, ensuring optimal battery life while maintaining reliable communication channels.

End-to-End Encryption Flow

Key Generation: Each device generates ephemeral X25519 key pairs on startup
Discovery: Devices broadcast encrypted discovery beacons to find nearby nodes
Handshake: Establish secure channels using ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption
Message Routing: Encrypted messages are routed through the mesh network
Delivery: Recipients decrypt messages using their private keys

Key Features

✓ Communicate without internet or cellular networks

✓ Generate new identity keys on every launch

✓ Relay messages through Bluetooth mesh networks

✓ Encrypt all messages with end-to-end encryption

✓ Cover Traffic patterns to obfuscate real messages

✓ Emergency Wipe data with triple-tap gesture

✓ Adaptive Power Modes for battery optimization

✓ Compress messages with LZ4 algorithm

✓ Support Universal iOS/macOS deployment

✓ Plan Android support in future releases

Trusted by the Community

—

GitHub Stars

—

Forks

—

Active Issues

Featured in

🏆 Hacker News #1 📰 TechCrunch 🔧 Product Hunt 📱 AndroidPolice

How to Start

Quick Setup (5 Steps)

Download the app from TestFlight (iOS) or direct APK (Android)
Enable Bluetooth and location permissions when prompted
Launch the app - new encryption keys generate automatically
Start typing to discover nearby BitChat users
Messages relay through mesh network to reach recipients

📱 iOS TestFlight

Beta Slots

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Android user? Download APK

🤖 Android APK

Direct download available.
Remember to enable Unknown Sources.

Download APK

iOS user? Check TestFlight

Setup for Developers

# Install XcodeGen via Homebrew
brew install xcodegen

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/jackjackbits/bitchat.git
cd bitchat

# Generate Xcode project
xcodegen generate

# Open in Xcode
open BitChat.xcodeproj

// Package.swift
// swift-tools-version: 5.9
import PackageDescription

let package = Package(
    name: "BitChat",
    platforms: [.iOS(.v15), .macOS(.v12)],
    dependencies: [
        .package(url: "https://github.com/jackjackbits/bitchat.git", from: "1.0.0")
    ],
    targets: [
        .target(name: "BitChat", dependencies: ["BitChatCore"])
    ]
)

# Manual Xcode Setup
git clone https://github.com/jackjackbits/bitchat.git
cd bitchat

# Open Xcode
open BitChat.xcodeproj

# Set deployment target to iOS 15+
# Add Core Bluetooth framework
# Configure signing & capabilities
# Add location usage description to Info.plist

# Production Build Configuration

# 1. Configure App Store Connect
# - Create app identifier: com.bitchat.app
# - Enable capabilities: Background App Refresh, Core Bluetooth

# 2. Code Signing
xcodebuild -archivePath "BitChat.xcarchive" -scheme "BitChat" archive
xcodebuild -exportArchive -archivePath "BitChat.xcarchive" \
  -exportOptionsPlist "ExportOptions.plist" \
  -exportPath "build"

# 3. Upload to App Store
xcrun altool --upload-app --type ios \
  --file "build/BitChat.ipa" \
  --username "your-apple-id" \
  --password "app-specific-password"

# 4. TestFlight Beta Distribution
# - Upload build via Xcode Organizer
# - Add beta testers groups
# - Submit for external testing review

CLI / In-App Commands

Commands

Command	Action
/help	Show available commands
/peers	List nearby devices
/clear	Clear chat history
/wipe	Emergency data wipe
/status	Network status info

Group & Channel Features

• Create ephemeral group chats
• Broadcast to all nearby devices
• Join public channels by proximity
• Relay messages across mesh hops
• Auto-discover mesh topology

Technical Highlights & Security

Encryption

BitChat uses military-grade encryption with ephemeral key pairs generated on each launch. Messages are encrypted end-to-end with no persistent identity storage.

Key Features

• X25519 key exchange
• ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption
• Perfect forward secrecy
• No key persistence

Security Properties

• Ephemeral identity keys
• Message authentication
• Replay protection
• Traffic analysis resistance

Compression & Efficiency

Advanced compression and power management optimize battery life while maintaining reliable communication.

LZ4 Compression

• 60-80% size reduction
• Ultra-fast decompression
• Low CPU overhead
• Preserves message integrity

Power Management

• Adaptive duty cycling
• Background mode optimization
• Smart scanning intervals
• Battery level awareness

Adaptive Duty Cycling

Intelligent power management adapts to usage patterns and battery levels for optimal performance.

High Activity

100ms scan intervals
Full mesh participation
Instant message relay

Normal Mode

500ms scan intervals
Balanced performance
Standard power usage

Power Saving

2000ms scan intervals
Reduced mesh participation
Extended battery life

Use Cases & Comparison

🎵

Music Festivals

Coordinate with friends when cell towers are overloaded. Share location and meet-up plans without internet.

✈️

Subways & Flights

Stay connected in dead zones. Chat with fellow passengers during long flights or underground commutes.

🚨

Disaster Relief

Emergency communication when infrastructure fails. Coordinate rescue efforts and share critical information.

Comparison of mesh messaging apps
Feature	BitChat	Briar	Bridgefy	FireChat (EOL)
Bluetooth Mesh	✓	✓	✓	✗
No Registration	✓	✗	✗	✓
End-to-End Encryption	✓	✓	Partial	✗
Open Source	✓	✓	✗	✗
iOS Support	✓	✗	✓	✓

Learn more about BitChat's technical architecture and security model

Read Whitepaper View on GitHub

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Each launch creates a new public key pair, with no persistent identity or account system. Messages are encrypted end-to-end with ephemeral keys that are never stored permanently.

BitChat App Bluetooth Mesh Chat Without Internet

What Makes BitChat Special

How BitChat Works

Multi-Hop Message Routing

Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh

End-to-End Encryption Flow

Key Features

Trusted by the Community

How to Start

Quick Setup (5 Steps)

📱 iOS TestFlight

🤖 Android APK

Setup for Developers

CLI / In-App Commands

Commands

Group & Channel Features

Technical Highlights & Security

Encryption

Key Features

Security Properties

Compression & Efficiency

LZ4 Compression

Power Management

Adaptive Duty Cycling

High Activity

Normal Mode

Power Saving

Use Cases & Comparison

Music Festivals

Subways & Flights

Disaster Relief

Frequently Asked Questions