Twitter Co-Founder Jack Dorsey Unveils 'Bitchat' Bluetooth-Based Messaging App

Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter (now X), has launched a new decentralized messaging app called Bitchat, which allows users to communicate via Bluetooth without requiring internet or cellular networks.

The app leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and mesh networking technology to create device-to-device encrypted communication, enabling messages to hop between nearby users even in the absence of central infrastructure.

“Bitchat addresses the need for private, resilient communication that doesn’t depend on centralized systems,” Dorsey wrote in a post on GitHub, where the open-source foundation of the project is being hosted.

Unlike traditional messaging apps, Bitchat requires no user accounts, no phone numbers, and no cloud servers. It is designed for offline peer-to-peer messaging within a 300-meter range, significantly more than similar apps like Bridgefy, which typically max out at around 100 meters.

Using mesh networking, Bitchat allows messages to be relayed through multiple devices, extending communication far beyond the typical Bluetooth range. It also offers advanced privacy features, including:

The app is currently available in beta testing via Apple’s TestFlight platform, but the testing limit of 10,000 users has already been reached. Dorsey noted that the app is undergoing review in preparation for a broader public release.

The launch comes amid increasing global interest in decentralized communication tools, especially in regions facing internet shutdowns, surveillance, or censorship. Similar tools like Bridgefy and Briar have gained popularity among protest movements and users seeking secure, anonymous messaging.

Bitchat builds on these concepts but aims to provide greater range, improved reliability, and no compromise on privacy. Future updates may include support for Wi-Fi Direct, allowing for even faster and longer-range communication without central infrastructure.

Dorsey has long advocated for open protocols and decentralization. His new app aligns with that philosophy, offering users a way to communicate completely outside the control of governments, corporations, or internet providers.

“This is not just about messaging. It’s about digital sovereignty,” Dorsey said in his GitHub post.