# bitchat mesh — the sidegroupchat

> Decentralized, encrypted Bluetooth mesh messaging for local group chats. (iPhone/iPad app by permissionless tech, llc.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitchat-mesh/id6748219622 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [permissionless tech, llc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1824145893)
- Category: Social Networking
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 510 App Store ratings · 289 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 13 MB
- Languages: American English, Arabic, Bangla, Dutch, Filipino, French (France), German (Germany), Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian and 19 more
- Released: 2025-07-28
- Data updated: 2026-08-27
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitchat-mesh/id6748219622/reviews.md

## What is bitchat mesh?

chat with people around you.
don't need their phone # or email.
the sidegroupchat for any function.

uses bluetooth mesh, no internet needed.
relays messages to go the distance!
encrypted private messages.

## Key features

- Local Bluetooth mesh chat
- No internet required
- Encrypted private messages
- Relays messages for range
- Sidegroupchat functionality

## Chart rankings

- #140 in Top Free · Social Networking (US App Store)

## What do users think of bitchat mesh?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Modern, efficient offline communication
- 🔒 Secure and private messaging
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 👍 Useful for areas with poor internet connectivity
- 👍 Innovative use of Bluetooth for decentralized network

**Cons**

- 🐛 Unreliable message delivery and sync issues
- 🐛 Compatibility problems on certain devices
- 🔒 Concerns about long-term privacy and security

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Typing input field issues on Mac
- Notifications not working consistently on iOS

**Most requested features**

- Drawing/sketching feature like Pictochat
- Customizable themes and UI options
- Ability to filter messages by favorites or verified users
- Support for file sharing and image transfer
- Integration with cryptocurrency/Bitcoin payments

## Recent user reviews (10 of 289)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitchat-mesh/id6748219622/reviews.md

### 5/5 — It’s an issue or not?

*2026-08-17, version 1.7.1*

The app works well for text messages, but I found an issue with media transfer between Android and iPhone. Text messages are delivered normally, but when I send photos or voice messages from Android to iPhone, nothing appears on the iPhone side. I tested on the latest version of the app, and even though the media appears to be sent, it never shows up on the receiving device. Photos and voice messages from iPhone to Android seem to work, but Android to iPhone does not. Please investigate cross-platform media transfer compatibility. Thank you ❤️

### 1/5 — Keep getting notifications about bit chatters nearby, no option to disable it

*2026-07-27, version 1.7.0*

Why would I care that there is a bit chatter nearby? Why can’t I disable it, but still get notifications for actual chats? This app is made by children…

### 5/5 — Best chat app ever

*2026-07-26, version 1.7.0*

I can use this app with friends at off grid campsites. The signal bounces around the Bluetooth of devices and gets to my friends!

### 4/5 — Bug

*2026-07-25*

There’s this one bug on ios which makes it almost impossible to make a new geohash the keyboard dissapears when i try to type

### 5/5 — Great tool for community

*2026-07-25, version 1.7.0*

This app delivers a great solution for communities to organize securely

### 1/5 — Bluetooth required👎

*2026-07-10, version 1.7.0*

App NOW required Bluetooth? Today Hackers are using Bluetooth an I live fairly lived area (suburb) an the use of Bluetooth is no used unless it’s a emergency.

### 1/5 — Don’t bother

*2026-07-10, version 1.7.0*

Update 7/9/26:   Some friends got the app to “work” but are not getting notifications of messages.  Notifications of people on the app in the vicinity appear on the lock screen, but never any notifications when a message appears. This makes the app utterly USELESS.

Good idea, but it rarely works.  Will not recognize others even just a few feet away.  Update 9/14 - has stopped recognizing any other devices, no matter what is tried.  Deleting.  Got a developer response.  Thank you for responding.  It read as follows: “would love to understand your setup. i have not seen this behavior. "  The only problem is, I still have no way to contact them. They did not leave an email or phone number, and there is none I can find on the developer link.  I would love to help, but there is no way to do so.  Update:  1/14/26 - they keep adding functionality, but the app still does not work - at all.  Nice idea, but very poorly executed. Deleting.
PS - Would even pay for it if it actually worked, it is such a great idea.  Sadly, it simply does not work.

### 5/5 — App géniale pour chatter sans co

*2026-07-09*

Top pour chatter sans co. En avion, en Montagne…

### 5/5 — Great app!

*2026-07-08, version 1.6.0*

Been using this app frequently and noticed 2 things, first when I use the app switcher and then bring the app to foreground it freezes. Also there aren’t any notifications when I receive a message - this could be implemented for favourited contacts

### 5/5 — Аналог Мештастика(устройства)

*2026-07-07*

Это полный аналог мештастика(радио устройство для обмена сообщениями) ТОЛЬКО по блутуз! ЧЕМ БОЛЬШЕ НАРОДУ- ТЕМ КРЕПЧЕ СВЯЗЬ! Можно даже без СИМ КАРТЫ

## Frequently asked questions about bitchat mesh

### What does bitchat mesh do?

bitchat mesh allows you to chat with people around you using Bluetooth mesh technology. It creates a decentralized network where messages can be relayed to extend the communication range, all without needing an internet connection or personal contact details like phone numbers or emails.

### How does the messaging work without internet?

The app utilizes Bluetooth mesh networking. This means devices can connect directly to each other and relay messages, forming a network that doesn't rely on traditional internet infrastructure. This enables communication even in areas with no Wi-Fi or cellular service.

### Are the messages private?

Yes, all messages sent through bitchat mesh are encrypted and private. This ensures that your conversations remain secure and confidential between the participants in the chat.

### What are the use cases for this app?

This app is perfect for local group chats at events, festivals, or in situations where internet access is unreliable or unavailable. It's also useful for creating temporary, private communication channels among people in close proximity without the need to exchange personal information.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.7.1 — 2026-07-31

bitchat 1.7.1 is a security and reliability release.
- private photos and voice notes are now encrypted before they travel over bluetooth
- stronger identity verification during encrypted handshakes stops impersonation
- identity keys are now bound to this device and never sync or transfer — a seized backup or cloned storage no longer yields your keys. your identity stays with the device: switching phones or reinstalling starts fresh
- panic wipe is faster, more thorough, and behaves the same every time
- a locked phone gives away less
- direct messages reliably survive reconnects, bluetooth toggles, and app restarts
- persian localization (فارسی) and an in-app language picker
- verified badge next to names you've verified; blocked people no longer appear in @-mention suggestions

### 1.7.0 — 2026-07-09

bitchat now act like a walkie-talkie! 

• push-to-talk voice — hold the mic to talk live, in private chats and in the public mesh channel. voice streams while you speak; if the other side misses it, it lands as a voice note. 

• mesh bridging — separate mesh pockets in the same area now find each other. when anyone nearby has internet, flipping the single "mesh bridge" switch lets their phone carry chat between islands — plus sealed private messages for people who are offline right now. every bridged message is signed by its sender, so nothing leaves the radio without consent, and a per-message toggle keeps anything you want nearby-only.

• a livelier quiet mesh — see hints of recent conversations nearby, wave to say hi, leave a note for whoever passes by later with /drop, and watch the radar sweep for activity around you.

• messages that never give up — writing to someone who just walked out of range? the message now waits, rides along with people passing by, or slips across the bridge — and shows a little parcel while it travels — instead of failing.

• settings, tidied — info and settings now live together: appearance, voice, connectivity, and location access in one panel.

• faster location channels — nearby notes and channels load quicker, with honest connecting states instead of endless spinners.

also fixed: received photos stuck as a grey box, the mic dying on press-and-hold in private chats, ghost duplicates when a nearby device renews its identity, and clearer offline icons in chat headers.

### 1.6.0 — 2026-07-07

bitchat 1.6.0 is our biggest update yet: smarter background presence, group chat, and messages that find their way.

always ready to mesh
• bitchat now reconnects to nearby bitchatters automatically, even locked in your pocket. walk back into range and the mesh heals itself, with zero extra battery drain.
• everything keeps working while your phone is locked.

private groups
• create invite-only, end-to-end encrypted group chats that run entirely over the mesh.

messages that find their way
• couriers: any bitchatter can carry sealed messages toward offline friends, without being able to read them.
• message someone before they're even online: forward-secret first contact means it's waiting when they arrive.
• public chat now backfills the last 6 hours, so late arrivals catch up automatically.

location channels
• bulletin board: pin signed notices to a place, meetups, alerts, lost & found, all in one notices sheet.
• gateway mode (opt-in): bridge your local mesh to the internet so distant bitchatters can join your location channel.
• proof-of-work spam resistance for busy areas.

and more
• send and redeem cashu ecash right in chat with /pay.
• mesh diagnostics: /ping, /trace, and a live topology map.
• vouching: friends you've verified can vouch for people they trust.
• now fully localized in 29 languages.
• dozens of reliability fixes: fewer duplicate messages, smarter syncing, paced relay traffic, and dependable delivery receipts.

### 1.5.4 — 2026-07-06

- bug and performance fixes
- mutual friend store and forward

### 1.5.3 — 2026-06-12

- liquid glass theme
- performance and bug fixes
- crash fix

## Apps similar to bitchat mesh

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Two Way : Walkie Talkie](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/two-way-walkie-talkie/id595560554) | 4.5 (256) | Free | Social Networking |
| [Bridgefy - Offline Messages](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bridgefy-offline-messages/id975776347) | 2.6 (61) | Free | Social Networking |
| [XChat](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xchat/id6760873038) | 3.9 (1,992) | Free | Social Networking |
| [Berty Messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/berty-messenger/id1535500412) | 3.0 (22) | Free | Social Networking |
| [SimpleX Chat: secure messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-chat-secure-messenger/id1605771084) | 4.3 (263) | Free | Social Networking |
| [Publer: Social Media Tools](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/publer-social-media-tools/id1571680865) | 4.8 (24,286) | Free | Social Networking |

## More apps by permissionless tech, llc

- [Sun Day Tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sun-day-tracker/id6748545544)

All apps by permissionless tech, llc: https://appshunter.io/developer/1824145893

## Related topics

[bichat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bichat) · [bichat mesh](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bichat-mesh) · [bit bitchat mesh](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bit-bitchat-mesh) · [bluetooth messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bluetooth-messenger) · [bit bitchat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bit-bitchat) · [bitchatmesh](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bitchatmesh) · [bit chat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bit-chat) · [bluetooth chat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bluetooth-chat) · [berty messenger](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/berty-messenger) · [nearby bluetooth chat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/nearby-bluetooth-chat) · [mesh chat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/mesh-chat) · [bluetooth mesh](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bluetooth-mesh) · [bit](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bit) · [mesh network](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/mesh-network) · [offlineharmony bluetooth chat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/offlineharmony-bluetooth-chat) · [ayyekago](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ayyekago) · [neomambimeshchat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/neomambimeshchat) · [wibchat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/wibchat)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-27.*