Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey is stepping back into the tech spotlight with a new experiment that cuts the cord completely. His latest project, a messaging app called Bitchat, is designed to work without internet access, mobile data, or Wi-Fi, relying instead on Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networks.
The app recently launched in beta for iPhone users through Apple’s TestFlight and quickly reached its 10,000-user testing cap. Alongside the rollout, Dorsey publicly shared the project’s whitepaper and beta invite, drawing attention from developers and privacy-focused users curious about where off-grid communication could be headed.
Bitchat separates itself from mainstream messaging platforms by removing the usual sign-up barriers. Users do not need a phone number, email address, or centralized account. Messages are passed from device to device in nearby mesh clusters, extending far beyond Bluetooth’s typical range as phones act as relays for one another. Every message is end-to-end encrypted, stored only on the device, and automatically deleted after a short period.
The app’s structure is built with disruption in mind. Because it operates without servers or fixed infrastructure, it can remain functional during internet outages, natural disasters, or shutdowns imposed by authorities. Each connected device strengthens the network, allowing communication to continue as long as users are within proximity.
Developers are currently refining battery efficiency and improving relay reliability. Future updates are expected to add Wi-Fi mesh capabilities, which would boost performance and allow image and video sharing.
With features like cryptographic identity isolation, channel-level permissions, and optional network bridging, Bitchat is positioning itself as a serious tool for privacy-conscious communication in situations where staying connected matters most.
About the Author
