Jack Dorsey Launches Bluetooth Messaging App 'Bitchat' that works without the Internet

Former Twitter CEO and Block co-founder Jack Dorsey has launched Bitchat, a groundbreaking messaging app that operates entirely without the internet. Announced via X on July 6, 2025, as a "weekend project" to explore Bluetooth mesh networks, Bitchat leverages peer-to-peer Bluetooth technology to enable text communication even in connectivity dead zones making it a potential game changer for emergencies, remote areas, and privacy conscious users.

Bitchat is a messaging app that doesn’t need the internet to work. Instead, it uses Bluetooth mesh networks. This means your phone can connect directly to other phones nearby, and messages can hop from one device to another until they reach their destination. It’s like a game of telephone, but with texts and without the miscommunication (hopefully).

One of the biggest perks of Bitchat is privacy. Since there’s no central server, your messages aren’t being stored or monitored by some big corporation. It’s just you, your friends, and your devices. Plus, it’s perfect for those times when the internet decides to take a nap – like during a music festival or in a remote cabin in the woods.

How Bitchat Works

Bitchat creates localized networks by connecting devices within Bluetooth range (up to 300 meters). Its genius lies in mesh networking: if your contact is out of range, your message hops between nearby Bitchat enabled phones like a digital relay race until it reaches the recipient. All messages use end-to-end encryption, ensuring only the sender and receiver can read them. No servers, phone numbers, or accounts are required—just Bluetooth and proximity.

How Does Bitchat Work without the Internet

Bitchat operates without the internet by utilizing Bluetooth mesh networks, a technology that allows devices to connect directly to one another rather than relying on a central server or internet connection. Here’s how it works and why it’s both innovative and practical in certain scenarios.

In a Bluetooth mesh network, each device (like your phone) can communicate directly with other nearby devices that also have the Bitchat app installed. When you send a message, it doesn’t go through the internet; instead, it’s passed from one device to another in a chain until it reaches the intended recipient. Think of it like passing a note in a crowded room: you hand the note to the person next to you, who passes it to the next person, and so on, until it reaches your friend across the room. Each device acts as a relay, helping the message travel further than it could on its own.

Benefits of Bitchat’s Approach

• Privacy: Since there’s no central server, your messages aren’t stored or monitored by a third party. It’s just you, your device, and the devices of the people you’re communicating with.
• No Internet Required: Bitchat works even when you’re offline, making it ideal for situations like concerts, remote areas, or times when the internet is down.
• Decentralized Communication: The app creates a temporary, local network among users, which can be especially useful in crowded or isolated environments.

Limitations of Bitchat

Of course, Bitchat isn’t without its limitations. Since it relies on Bluetooth, the range is somewhat limited. Messages can only travel as far as the network of connected devices allows. So, if you’re in a sparsely populated area, your message might not get very far. But hey, it’s still a pretty nifty solution for staying connected when the internet lets you down.

Since messages are relayed through multiple devices, delivery might be slower or less reliable than internet-based messaging, especially if the network is sparse.

Imagine you’re at a concert, the music is blasting, and you need to find your friend in the crowd. Instead of shouting over the noise or trying to send a text that might never go through, you can just send a quick message on Bitchat. As long as there are enough people with the app, your message will find its way to your friend. It’s like having a secret communication network right in your pocket.

Key Features of Bitchat

• Offline Operation: Communicate without Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Extended Range: Messages relay through users, reaching 984 feet.
• Zero Tracking: No data collection or central servers.
• End-to-End Encryption: Ensures message privacy.
• Mesh Networking: Extends message range through nearby devices.
• Mentions & Groups: Use @nickname alerts and topic-based rooms.

Is Bitchat available for download?

Bitchat is still in its early stages, currently available only through Apple’s TestFlight for beta testing. But don’t get too excited just yet – the beta version has already hit its 10,000-user cap. Talk about high demand! It seems like people are eager to try out this internet-free messaging marvel.

With Bitchat, Jack Dorsey is once again pushing the boundaries of how we connect with each other. In a world where internet access isn’t always guaranteed, having a reliable way to communicate without it could be a game-changer. Whether it’s for privacy, convenience, or just the cool factor, Bitchat is definitely worth keeping an eye on.