Twitter Co-founder Jack Dorsey Enters the Decentralized Chat Race With BitChat Bluetooth Mesh App

TLDR:

• BitChat enables encrypted chats over Bluetooth with no SIM, servers, or internet.
• Messages are relayed through up to 7 nearby devices using a decentralized mesh network.
• The app supports iOS/macOS with AES-256 encryption and anonymous session keys.
• BitChat offers offline group chats, dummy messages, and emergency data wipes.

Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has unveiled BitChat, a peer-to-peer messaging app that functions without internet, servers, or SIM cards. 

Designed for encrypted communication, the tool allows users to chat through a decentralized Bluetooth mesh network. The release marks a push toward privacy-first, censorship-resistant messaging systems. With no registration or account needed, BitChat runs fully offline using device-to-device message relays. 

The project has already sparked interest among privacy advocates and open-source developers.

Bitchat, Bluetooth-Powered Messaging with No Internet Needed

BitChat operates on a store-and-forward model using Bluetooth LE, enabling messages to relay across multiple nearby devices. The app supports automatic peer discovery and can send messages over a maximum of seven hops. 

Dorsey described BitChat as a weekend experiment to explore mesh networking and encrypted protocols. His post highlighted the goal of building a fully offline, secure communications tool that mimics IRC-style chat rooms.

my weekend project to learn about bluetooth mesh networks, relays and store and forward models, message encryption models, and a few other things.

bitchat: bluetooth mesh chat…IRC vibes.

TestFlight: https://t.co/P5zRRX0TB3
GitHub: https://t.co/Yphb3Izm0P pic.twitter.com/yxZxiMfMH2

— jack (@jack) July 6, 2025

The GitHub release outlines native compatibility for iOS and macOS, with room-based group chats and private messaging. It includes advanced encryption such as X25519 key exchange, AES-256-GCM, and Ed25519 digital signatures. Messages can be retained temporarily or saved by room owners, while all data stays local to the device.

The app requires no phone numbers or user accounts. BitChat emphasizes privacy by using session-based keys and avoids persistent identifiers. Devices communicate anonymously, making the tool ideal for environments with limited or censored connectivity. 

Additional features include emergency data wipes, dummy message generation, and adaptive power modes based on battery levels.

Bluetooth traffic is further protected by obfuscation techniques to prevent network surveillance. Users can toggle features like message retention and room passwords while managing chats with simple commands. 

These include joining rooms, listing online peers, and transferring chat ownership.

Early Adoption and Community Buzz

The app’s release has generated buzz among tech communities focused on privacy and decentralized systems. 

A post by @AlvaApp called BitChat a serious move in peer-to-peer communications, noting its potential in crisis zones or offline scenarios. The IRC-style interface and no-internet design are already attracting veteran developers and encryption-focused users.

Though still in early stages, BitChat’s open-source model invites contributions, with Android compatibility expected via shared protocols. Developers can compile the app using Swift, and installation options support both manual and package-based builds. 

The project is publicly licensed and welcomes community engagement.

Dorsey’s BitChat presents a new approach to digital communication, emphasizing autonomy, privacy, and simplicity. As global interest in secure messaging grows, tools like this may offer alternatives where traditional apps fall short. 

By removing internet dependence, BitChat positions itself as a lightweight, resilient platform for encrypted peer messaging in real-world conditions.

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