# Text nearBy — Bluetooth chat app > Bluetooth-based chat app for local, private, and ephemeral messaging. (iPhone/iPad app by Paul Hangas.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/text-nearby/id1088624178 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Paul Hangas](https://appshunter.io/developer/433121902) - Category: Social Networking - Price: Free - Rating: 3.70/5 from 9 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 11.0 · 8 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2016-05-26 - Data updated: 2026-08-26 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/text-nearby/id1088624178/reviews.md ## What is Text nearBy? Text nearBy is different than most chat apps because it works over Bluetooth. Chat with everyone in your home, chat with all your friends in the same room at school or work, chat with your family and friends on a plane or a bus, and even chat with friends outside. Details • No Cell or WiFi networks needed. • Notifications for new messages. • No phone number, email address, or account needed. • Allow your kids to safely chat with your family. • May only chat with friends that are near you (about 33 feet). • Messages are not sent through any server, they are sent directly to your friends over Bluetooth. • Messages are automatically deleted an hour after they are viewed. ## Key features - Bluetooth-only communication - No internet or WiFi needed - Private, direct messaging - Automatic message deletion - No account or phone number required - Notifications for new messages ## Recent user reviews (3 of 3) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/text-nearby/id1088624178/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Hello, this is Masen from Wag Mobile. *2021-08-09* Please provide a contact email. ### 4/5 — Is there a way to block people *2019-06-08* When I text people some people come up I don’t know when they start texting me this never happened yet but my dad asked about this to me and I had no idea so whoever is the developer is please write me back a response ### 5/5 — Works great! *2016-06-17* I can see which friends that are near me, and quickly text them. I tried it on a plane and it was awesome to be able to text each other! I use it at work too, it is a great way to text with co-workers without exchanging phone numbers. ## Frequently asked questions about Text nearBy ### Does Text nearBy have ads? No, Text nearBy does not contain advertisements. The app is completely free to use without any ad interruptions. ### What is the range of Text nearBy? Text nearBy allows you to chat with friends who are near you, with a typical range of about 33 feet. ### How are messages handled in Text nearBy? Messages are sent directly between users over Bluetooth and are not stored on any server. They are automatically deleted one hour after being viewed. ### What devices support Text nearBy? Text nearBy is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. ### Is Text nearBy suitable for children? Yes, Text nearBy allows children to safely chat with family members in close proximity without needing personal information or internet access. ### Does Text nearBy require an account or personal information? No, Text nearBy does not require a phone number, email address, or any account creation to use its messaging features. ### How often is Text nearBy updated? The latest version of Text nearBy is 1.6.2, which was last updated on November 5, 2019. The app was initially released on May 26, 2016. ### What is the user rating for Text nearBy? Text nearBy has a rating of 3.8 stars from 8 ratings. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.6.2 — 2019-11-05 Stability improvements. ### 1.6.1 — 2019-10-31 Messages can now be received in the background on iPhones paired with an Apple Watch. Updates for iOS 12 and 13. ### 1.6 — 2019-10-30 Messages can now be received in the background, even on iPhones paired with an Apple Watch. Updates for iOS 12 and 13. ### 1.5 — 2018-01-10 Updates for iOS 11. ### 1.2.1 — 2017-06-19 Bug fixes ## Apps similar to Text nearBy | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Igreja Vinde Amados Meus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/igreja-vinde-amados-meus/id6450225540) | — | Free | Social Networking | | [Igreja Rei dos Reis](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/igreja-rei-dos-reis/id6446414640) | — | Free | Social Networking | | [Batista RioMar](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/batista-riomar/id6444840780) | — | Free | Social Networking | | [Etoile Saint Honoré](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/etoile-saint-honore/id6444261320) | — | Free | Social Networking | | [Just Kulture](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/just-kulture/id6446207060) | — | Free | Social Networking | | [元友](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id6444813360) | 2.3 (9) | Free | Social Networking | ## More apps by Paul Hangas - [TapTapBlocks](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/taptapblocks/id433121899) - [Think 3D Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/think-3d-pro/id446608416) - [Think 3D](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/think-3d/id463364378) - [Unfold](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/unfold/id557099803) - [Prime Factors](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/prime-factors/id741746948) - [Bottles - Wine Cellar Manager](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bottles-wine-cellar-manager/id953817122) All apps by Paul Hangas: https://appshunter.io/developer/433121902 ## Related topics [nearby bluetooth chat](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/nearby-bluetooth-chat) --- *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 2026-08-26.*