Bitchat User Guide: How to Install, Download, and Use It

Bitchat offers a different approach to messaging. Developed by Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter and CEO of Block, Bitchat is designed for people who want secure, private communication that does not rely on traditional internet or cellular networks. Learn how to install Bitchat here!

This guide will help you understand what Bitchat is, how it works, how to download and install it, and how to use it effectively. 

Whether you are curious about secure offline messaging or simply looking for a new way to stay connected without sacrificing your privacy, this Bitchat guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

About Bitchat

Bitchat is an open-source messaging application that operates entirely without internet servers or phone numbers. Instead, it uses Bluetooth Low Energy to create a mesh network among nearby devices. 

Every device running Bitchat becomes part of this network, both sending and relaying messages. This means you can communicate privately with other users nearby even if there is no Wi-Fi or mobile data available. 

Bitchat is designed to work on iOS and macOS devices, with plans for Android support in the near future.

Unlike many messaging apps that require registration with email addresses or phone numbers, Bitchat requires none of these. Messages are encrypted, ephemeral, and stored only on user devices, ensuring no central database or server holds your private communications.

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How Does Bitchat Work?

Bitchat works by creating a local Bluetooth mesh network that connects nearby devices directly. Each device functions as both a client and a relay node. 

This design allows messages to travel through multiple devices, extending the effective communication range far beyond the typical 30 to 100 meters of Bluetooth.

If a message needs to reach someone out of direct range, it will hop through other users' devices. The app also supports store and forward technology, meaning that if a device is temporarily offline, messages are cached and delivered when the user reconnects.

Security is at the core of Bitchat’s design. Private and group messages are protected with modern cryptography, including X25519 key exchanges and AES-256-GCM encryption. The app also supports cover traffic and dummy messages to frustrate traffic analysis.

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How to Download and Install Bitchat

If you want to try Bitchat, there are several ways to install it, depending on your device and level of technical experience.

Option 1: TestFlight for iPhone (Beta Release)

• Join the Bitchat TestFlight program if slots are available.

• Install the app directly to your iPhone through the TestFlight interface.

Option 2: Using XcodeGen (Recommended for Developers)

• Install Homebrew if you have not already.

• Run: brew install xcodegen git

• Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/jackjackbits/bitchat.git

• Navigate to the project folder: cd bitchat

• Generate the Xcode project: xcodegen generate

• Open the project: open bitchat.xcodeproj

• Select your target device and build the app.

Option 3: Using Swift Package Manager (SPM)

• Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/jackjackbits/bitchat.git

• Open the package: cd bitchat && open Package.swift

• Build and run the app directly in Xcode.

Option 4: Manual Setup in Xcode

• Create a new iOS or macOS project in Xcode.

• Copy all Swift files from the Bitchat repository into your project.

• Add Bluetooth permissions to your Info.plist.

• Set the deployment target to iOS 16.0 or macOS 13.0 or later.

• Build and run on your device.

These options give you flexibility depending on your experience level and needs. If you are not a developer, TestFlight is the simplest way to try the app.

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Bitchat Usage

Once installed, Bitchat is easy to use and does not require any sign-up process. You simply open the app, set a nickname (or use the one generated automatically), and start connecting to nearby users. 

Messages relay through the mesh network, allowing you to chat even if you are in an area without internet or cellular coverage.

Bitchat uses an interface inspired by IRC-style commands, making it familiar to those who have used classic chat rooms. You can join channels, send private messages, and manage conversations with simple commands.

Common Commands:

• /j #channel to join or create a channel.

• /m @name message to send a private message.

• /who to list online users.

• /block @name to block a user.

• /unblock @name to unblock a user.

• /clear to clear chat history.

• /pass [password] to set or change a channel password.

• /transfer @name to transfer channel ownership.

• Triple-tap the logo to wipe all local data instantly.

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Bitchat Key Features

Bitchat is built with privacy and resilience in mind. Here are its key features:

Decentralized Mesh Network

• Works without internet or servers by using Bluetooth mesh networking.

• Supports automatic discovery of nearby peers and multi-hop message relaying.

End-to-End Encryption

• Private chats secured with X25519 key exchanges and AES-256-GCM encryption.

• Channel messages are protected with Argon2id-based password derivation and AES-256-GCM.

Store and Forward

• Messages are cached for offline peers until they reconnect.

Cover Traffic

• Dummy messages and timing obfuscation to resist traffic analysis.

Emergency Wipe

• Triple-tap to clear all local data instantly.

Adaptive Power Modes

• Battery-friendly scanning and communication cycles.

Privacy-First Design

• No accounts, email addresses, or phone numbers required.

• Messages live only on users’ devices without centralized storage.

Familiar IRC-Style Interface

• Easy-to-use commands for joining channels, messaging, and managing users.

Performance Optimizations

• LZ4 compression reduces bandwidth usage on longer messages.

• Bloom filters improve duplicate detection and message efficiency.

Universal Support

• Available as native iOS and macOS apps.

• Designed for easy adaptation to Android in the future.

Read also: Bitchat Launched by Jack Dorsey, a Decentralized Chat App

Conclusion

Bitchat represents a new approach to messaging that prioritizes user privacy and independence from centralized servers. By using a decentralized Bluetooth mesh network, it enables secure, encrypted communication even in environments without internet access. 

Its open-source, public domain status invites anyone to review, adapt, or extend the project freely. For those concerned about privacy or needing reliable communication in challenging conditions, Bitchat offers an innovative, effective solution. 

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FAQ

What is Bitchat?

Bitchat is a decentralized messaging app that uses Bluetooth mesh networking to enable secure, offline communication without internet, servers, or phone numbers.

How does Bitchat work?

It creates a mesh network among nearby devices using Bluetooth. Messages are relayed through multiple devices and encrypted end-to-end for security.

How can I download Bitchat?

You can download Bitchat via Apple’s TestFlight for iPhone or build it yourself from the open-source repository using XcodeGen, Swift Package Manager, or manual Xcode setup.

How do I install Bitchat?

Follow one of the installation methods based on your device and technical experience. TestFlight is the easiest, while developers can use Xcode.

How do I use Bitchat?

Set your nickname, connect to nearby peers automatically, and use IRC-style commands to join channels, send messages, or manage users.

Why choose Bitchat?

It offers secure, private communication without reliance on centralized servers or internet access. It is ideal for areas with poor connectivity or strong privacy needs.