Is Bitchat Safe to Use? A Complete Security Review

On July 28, Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, introduced Bitchat Mesh, or simply Bitchat, a free and open-source messaging app now available on Apple’s App Store.

Dorsey described it as his “weekend project,” but the launch has quickly sparked curiosity. Unlike traditional messaging platforms, Bitchat does not rely on phone numbers, Wi-Fi, or cellular data.

Instead, it uses a Bluetooth mesh network that connects nearby devices to send messages. At first glance, the app feels experimental, with a stripped-down design and minimal features.

While its open-source nature suggests transparency, Bitchat has not yet undergone a professional security audit. This leaves users wondering: Is Bitchat safe, or should you wait before making it part of your daily communication?

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Key Takeaways

1. Unique design: Bitchat uses Bluetooth mesh instead of internet or phone numbers for messaging.

2. Security concerns: It is open-source but has no independent security audit yet.

3. Best use cases: Useful for local group settings like concerts or festivals, not long-distance chatting.

What Is Bitchat and How Does It Work?

Bitchat works differently from the messaging apps most of us use every day. Instead of connecting via contacts or phone numbers, it creates a mesh network using Bluetooth.

Every device running the app acts as both a client and a server, connecting to others within range.

These connections extend across multiple devices, meaning the more people nearby who use Bitchat, the wider the network becomes. This design makes it ideal for environments where internet or cellular access is limited.

For example, at a music festival or a crowded party, users can send messages within the network without relying on data service. However, you cannot message people on another continent or outside the mesh.

Connecting with others is simple but unconventional. The app displays how many people are currently within your network.

You can message the entire group in a main chat or start a private chat with someone listed. When new users enter your network, Bitchat notifies you, letting you know more people are available for communication.

While the approach is innovative, it is also limited. Bitchat’s reach and usefulness depend entirely on how many people nearby are running the app.

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

Features of the Bitchat App

At this stage, the Bitchat app is quite basic. Its design focuses more on functionality than advanced features, but there are a few noteworthy tools available.

Core Features

• Main chat and private chat: You can message everyone in your network or start one-on-one conversations.

• Blocking and interactions: Options include blocking a user or sending playful signals such as a “hug” or “slap.”

• Transparency with screenshots: If someone takes a screenshot, the app alerts all participants.

These features provide a minimal but transparent communication experience. Unlike polished platforms like WhatsApp or Signal, Bitchat feels experimental.

The playful options like sending a “slap with a trout” show that the app is not just about serious communication but also about testing lightweight social interactions.

Despite this, the app’s usefulness remains tied to its limited ecosystem. Without a large base of users, features such as group messaging or wide-range communication remain constrained.

For now, Bitchat seems best suited for temporary use in specific gatherings rather than long-term daily communication.

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

Security and Privacy Concerns

The most pressing question is whether Bitchat is safe to use. Since it is open-source, anyone can inspect the app’s code for vulnerabilities. This provides some transparency and has already led to improvements.

For example, after a researcher pointed out flaws in authentication, Dorsey implemented the Noise Protocol Framework, which supports end-to-end encryption. However, security warnings remain. On GitHub, Dorsey himself advised that the app has not undergone an external audit.

He warned users not to rely on it for secure communication until it receives third-party reviews. This is a critical point, as encrypted communication apps are only as trustworthy as their audits and track records.

Without an independent audit, it is difficult to assess how well Bitchat protects user data. Screenshots are flagged, which adds transparency, but this alone cannot guarantee strong privacy protections.

Messaging apps demand a high level of trust, and until Bitchat passes professional reviews, it should be approached with caution.

Read Also: Bitchat vs Telegram: Testing the Level of Privacy of Both

Conclusion

Bitchat offers an interesting experiment in peer-to-peer messaging, relying on Bluetooth mesh networks instead of traditional connections.

It shows potential for use in places where internet access is limited, such as concerts, festivals, or crowded gatherings. However, its limitations and lack of verified security raise concerns about long-term adoption.

While open-source design is a promising step toward transparency, the absence of a third-party security audit means users should not rely on Bitchat for sensitive communication.

For now, it is better seen as a fun tool for local interactions rather than a full-fledged replacement for trusted messaging platforms. For users interested in exploring communication technologies safely, platforms like Bitrue can provide reliable and secure access to crypto tools and services.

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FAQ

Is Bitchat safe to use?

Not fully. While it uses encryption, it has not been independently audited, so security is not guaranteed.

How does Bitchat connect users?

It uses a Bluetooth mesh network, linking nearby devices without internet or phone numbers.

Can I message friends far away with Bitchat?

No. You can only chat with people in your local mesh network, not across continents.

Does Bitchat support private messaging?

Yes. You can send private messages, block users, or interact with fun features like hugs or slaps.

Should I replace my main messaging app with Bitchat?

Not yet. Without a security audit, Bitchat is better for casual, local use rather than sensitive communication.

Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.