In July 2025, Twitter’s ex-CEO, Jack Dorsey, introduced the BitChat messaging app, which operates without internet connectivity. The application used Bluetooth mesh networks for offline communication. In this article, we will share the top offline alternatives to BitChat for text communication without an internet or mobile data connection.
Alternatives to the BitChat messaging app that are free and can be used offline
Briar
This is a free and open-source app. It works via Bluetooth, local WiFi or Tor onions, requiring no central servers or phone numbers. Android users can download the app from the Google Play Store, F-Droid or download the APK straight from the official Briar website.
How to use the app?
- Open the app and pick a nickname and password to create an account.
- Add contacts by scanning a QR code face-to-face, or add remote contacts by sharing a special Briar link online.
- You can now send messages over the app.
Bridgefy
This is a free standard peer-to-peer messaging app. It uses Bluetooth mesh networking to let you message people up to 330 feet away directly, or further by hopping messages through intermediate user phones. However, the initial setup requires an internet connection to log in. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
How to use the app?
- Open the app with internet to log in
- Then turn on your Bluetooth
- Send direct or broadcast messages to other users who are within 330 feet of you
- With Mesh mode, your message can hop through intermediate users’ phones to reach them
Jami
A completely peer-to-peer system that allows messaging and local file transfer. When connected to the same local WiFi network, users can discover and talk to each other privately. You can download the app from the official website or your device’s app store.
How to use the app?
- Open the app and choose a display name and a unique username to create an account
- Set an optional password to encrypt your account data locally on your device
- Share your Jami username or let contacts scan your in-app QR code to connect directly
- Make direct audio or video calls, send text messages or share files
