# goTenna

> Decentralized, off-grid communication app for messaging and location sharing. (iPhone/iPad app by goTenna Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gotenna/id994940286 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [goTenna Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/994940285)
- Category: Lifestyle, Utilities
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.33/5 from 939 App Store ratings · 55 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 135 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2015-08-18
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gotenna/id994940286/reviews.md

## What is goTenna?

goTenna powers robust, secure, decentralized communication networks compatible with your phone.  

The goTenna app works with our devices to enable 100% off-grid messaging, GPS, and other fantastic features like ‘push for help’. 

Download the app, pair to your phone via Bluetooth, and start communicating with other users without cell service or wifi. Plus, download free offline maps, share your location, ‘hop’ messages via other users to extend range, and keep your group connected on any adventure! 	
									
Major app features:									
									
goTenna (free to download and use):	
- Send & receive messages	
- Share locations on free offline maps	
- Instant transmission within range	
- Encrypted 1-to-1 & group messaging	
- Delivery confirmation & message retry (1-to-1 chats only)	
- “Shout” broadcasts to all goTenna user’s within range
- Emergency broadcast ‘push for help’ mode with programmable emergency message
- Upgradable via firmware & software updates

goTenna Plus (in-app subscription; optional upgrade for just $9.99/year):	
- Rich offline topographic maps	
- Location tethering (automatically share locations with trusted contacts)	
- SMS network relay 	
- Trip statistics	
- Group message delivery confirmation (goTenna v1 only)		

For all goTenna Plus subscriptions:
- Payment will be charged through your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. 
- Subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the end of the subscription period. 
- Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period for $9.99.
- Subscriptions can be managed and auto-renewal can be turned off by going to Account Settings after purchase.
- Any unused portion of the free trial period will be forfeited upon purchase of a subscription.
			

Terms of use
http://www.gotenna.com/pages/terms-of-use-apps

## Key features

- Off-grid messaging
- Location sharing
- Offline maps
- Encrypted group messaging
- Emergency broadcast
- Push for help

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| goTenna Plus | $9.99 | per year |


## What do users think of goTenna?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- 🚀 Widely adopted off-grid device
- 👍 Basic features work well
- 💡 Potential life-saving device

**Cons**

- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 📉 Abandoned product
- 🔒 Closed-source with lack of community support
- 🔒 Subscription issues

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Bluetooth detection issues
- Firmware update problems
- Crashing 'Send Feedback' button
- Inability to delete app cache

**Most requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Satellite map support
- Ability to save pins and locations
- Multi-device support (v1 and Mesh)
- Desktop/tablet app
- Improved group chat functionality
- Audio/image sharing

## Recent user reviews (10 of 55)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gotenna/id994940286/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Abandoned product

*2023-12-21*

goTenna just announced that they're abandoning this product completely and removing all apps from mobile device stores as of January 3rd (as well as shutting down the community forum). Great way to support all your customers that spent hundreds of dollars on your products. Instead they're focusing entirely on the defense/government contract market.

### 3/5 — Does it still work?

*2023-12-20*

I have gotenna that I am trying to pair but unable to do it now.

### 1/5 — Abandonware

*2023-11-01*

I had a good few years with the app and the gotenna mesh. Sadly, the product is abandonware. 

I had a very hard time switching from North America to Europe. Four of us had to delete the app (contacts and downloaded maps), and reinstall it. This was a serious pain since we were paying high data rates. 

SMS verification and email verification no longer work. I FOUND THAT I WAS CHARGED A SUBSCRIPTION FEE SINCE 2019. Nothing in return since 2020. 

Team: great way to turn a four star app and product into a one star waste of money.

I strongly advise avoiding companies that dropkick their clients.

### 5/5 — Most widely adopted off grid coms

*2023-10-07*

GoTenna hasn’t really done much in a while for the consumer market  but they are the most widely adopted off grid device of the several I have seen and purchased. GoTenna needs to mix it up and update the app. That being said it’s easy to use and lightweight. The app is simple enough and robust enough.

### 2/5 — App crashes frequently

*2023-04-02*

App crashes. Unable to download maps or update profile

### 4/5 — Range

*2023-02-10, version 5.5.3*

What is the range of this?

### 4/5 — Good

*2022-11-04, version 5.5.3*

Basic features. When it works it’s great!

### 1/5 — Returning

*2022-10-05, version 5.5.3*

Hardware leaves a lot to be desired, but could be serviceable if the app wasn’t so buggy. No need for this now that satellite capabilities are appearing on phones.

### 1/5 — Cannot detect phone’s Bluetooth settings

*2022-09-29, version 5.5.3*

The app will not allow me to proceed past the menu where I set up an account. There is a hurricane, and this is not good timing. I am not impressed (tried connecting gotenna to the app before deleting and reinstalling). Always force restart the app and need to create a new account every time.

### 1/5 — Need to fix spam problem

*2022-05-26, version 5.5.3*

I’ve used this the past two EDCs and the spam problem in the emergency channel is ridiculous. It is very complicated to block the user generating the spam as you have to add them as a contact. Disappointed that gotenna hasn’t made any effort to solve this problem in the app. At minimum we should be able to disable the emergency channel.

## Frequently asked questions about goTenna

### What does the goTenna app do?

The goTenna app works with goTenna devices to enable 100% off-grid messaging, GPS sharing, and emergency broadcasts. It allows users to communicate with each other without needing cell service or Wi-Fi, making it ideal for remote areas or emergencies.

### What are the key features of the goTenna app?

Key features include sending and receiving messages, sharing locations on free offline maps, instant transmission within range, encrypted 1-to-1 and group messaging, and an emergency broadcast 'push for help' mode. Optional upgrades offer advanced features like topographic maps and location tethering.

### How much does the goTenna app cost?

The goTenna app is free to download and use. There is an optional in-app subscription called goTenna Plus, which costs $9.99 per year and unlocks additional features like rich offline topographic maps and SMS network relay.

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

This app is perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, or skiing where cell service is unreliable. It's also valuable for emergency preparedness, allowing groups to stay connected during natural disasters or in remote work situations where traditional communication methods fail.

### Is the goTenna app compatible with my phone?

The app pairs to your phone via Bluetooth. While the description doesn't specify exact OS requirements, it's designed to work with smartphones that support Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration with goTenna devices.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 5.5.3 — 2021-08-25

Free trial extended

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## More apps by goTenna Inc.

- [goTenna Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gotenna-pro/id1482286139)

All apps by goTenna Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/994940285

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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 2026-06-10.*