Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has unveiled a new messaging app called Bitchat, aiming to revolutionize private communication. Unlike traditional platforms, Bitchat runs entirely over Bluetooth, requiring no internet, phone number, or central servers.
Currently in beta on TestFlight, Bitchat is a decentralized, peer-to-peer messaging platform that allows users to communicate directly via Bluetooth mesh networks. This means messages can hop from device to device, even beyond standard Bluetooth range, without ever touching the internet.
“A personal experiment in mesh networks, encryption, and store-and-forward messaging,” Dorsey shared on July 6.
Key Features of Bitchat:
- Works without Internet or SIM
- No phone number or centralized servers required
- Encrypted, ephemeral messages
- Bluetooth mesh network for device-to-device messaging
- Bridge devices extend communication range
- Store-and-forward for offline delivery
- Password-protected group chats (“rooms”)
- Upcoming support for Wi-Fi Direct
Bitchat’s design emphasizes privacy, decentralization, and censorship resistance. Inspired by tools used during the 2019 Hong Kong protests, the app is ideal for staying connected during internet shutdowns or in areas with poor connectivity.
This launch aligns with Dorsey’s broader push for decentralized technology, following his backing of platforms like Damus and Bluesky. Bitchat offers a clear alternative to corporate-controlled messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger, giving users more control over their communication.
As the digital world grows more centralized, Bitchat offers a bold new path forward — a messaging app built for freedom, privacy, and resilience.
