Jack Dorsey, co‑founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, has launched Bitchat, a groundbreaking messaging app designed to work without internet or cellular networks. Announced in early July 2025 and now available in beta via TestFlight, Bitchat introduces a new era of off‑grid, private communication.
From Early Career to Tech Pioneer
Dorsey rose to fame as one of the co‑founders and early CEOs of Twitter (now X), where he helped shape social media’s mainstream. After stepping down, he focused on decentralized systems through Block (formerly Square), exploring blockchain and peer‑to‑peer technologies. Bitchat continues this trajectory – his latest personal experiment in decentralized communication .
Bitchat’s Beta Launch: Go‑Live Date
- Announcement: Early July 2025
- Beta debut: July 6–7, 2025 via Apple TestFlight
- Beta cap: 10,000 testers already reached
Public roll-out: Pending wider availability following beta testing and security vetting.
How Bitchat Works Without Internet
Bitchat leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networking:
- Peer-to-peer links: Phones form local Bluetooth clusters (~30 m range).
- Message relaying: Messages hop through devices in the mesh, extending reach to ~300 m.
- Offline forwarding: “Store-and-forward” lets messages wait until the recipient rejoins the mesh.
- Privacy-first design:
- End-to-end encryption (Curve25519 + AES‑GCM)
- No servers, no accounts, no phone numbers.
- Ephemeral messages and options like password-protected group “rooms”.
- Future enhancements: Plans include Wi‑Fi Direct for increased range and even offline Bitcoin transactions via mesh.
Security & Limitations
- Security audit pending: Dorsey himself warns the app hasn’t undergone external security review, and vulnerabilities like impersonation have been flagged.
- Mesh dependence: Performance depends heavily on device densityli – mited users nearby could degrade reliability.
Why It Matters
- Censorship-resistant: Ideal for protests, emergencies, remote areas, and power outages.
- Decentralized vision: Embodies Dorsey’s push for user autonomy and infrastructure-less networking.
- Real-world precedent: Building on tools used during Hong Kong protests and offering a modern, privacy-first version.
Bitchat – A Blueprint for Resilient, Private Messaging
Bitchat isn’t merely a novelty – it represents a significant leap toward resilient, privacy-first communication. By harnessing Bluetooth Low Energy mesh networks and end-to-end encryption, Jack Dorsey has created a platform that functions without phones, internet, or central servers, addressing critical needs such as emergency connectivity, censorship resistance, and decentralized control.
While still in beta, Bitchat already demonstrates real-world potential. Its IRC-style rooms, password-protected group chats, store-and-forward messaging, and a built-in “panic mode” make it a uniquely robust tool when traditional communication fails. The app isn’t positioned to replace mainstream platforms like WhatsApp or Signal, but rather to serve as a vital offline backup or opt-in alternative in scenarios where infrastructure cannot be relied upon.
Looking ahead, challenges remain – most notably scalability in device-sparse areas, platform interoperability, and formal security audits. However, if ongoing development continues – and future updates like Wi‑Fi Direct expansion materialize – Bitchat could profoundly reshape how we stay connected in disaster zones, protests, remote locations, or any situation where traditional networks fail.
Ultimately, Bitchat is more than an app – it’s a statement. In a world rife with centralized surveillance, increasing censorship, and the constant threat of network outages, Dorsey’s offline messenger boldly asserts that secure, autonomous, infrastructure-free communication is both possible and essential.