Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter (now known as X), has quietly launched a decentralized messaging app called Bitchat, designed to function without the need for internet or mobile networks. First surfaced on GitHub and community forums in July 2025, Bitchat is flying under the radar, but its potential is noteworthy.
Decentralized peer-to-peer messaging via Bluetooth mesh
According to the whitepaper on GitHub, Bitchat relies on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks to facilitate encrypted peer-to-peer messaging. Phones act as nodes that pass messages along the network, creating a fully decentralized system that doesn’t depend on any central servers or connectivity.
Bitchat beta now available on iOS and Android
There is no official app release yet. iOS users can access Bitchat through Apple’s TestFlight program, while Android users must follow manual installation steps listed on GitHub.The developers behind Bitchat acknowledge that security is a work in progress. According to the GitHub repository, no external security audit has been conducted so far.
Offline messaging for emergencies and remote areas
Bitchat’s offline capabilities make it especially useful during protests, natural disasters, or in remote areas where traditional networks may be unavailable or blocked. This opens new possibilities and upgrades for safety and communication.
More decentralized than FireChat and Bridgefy
Apps like FireChat and Bridgefy previously offered Bluetooth-based communication for crisis scenarios, but Bitchat appears to go further in its decentralization by removing any server reliance altogether. Still in its early stages, Bitchat might not be mainstream yet, but it’s already sparking interest among privacy advocates and technologists alike. If the internet is ever taken away, this might be what messaging looks like next.
