Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
Bitchat gains users in France with messaging that works without internet
Jack Dorsey launched Bitchat in July 2025 as a messaging app that can work without internet, Wi-Fi or mobile service.
It sends messages between nearby phones over Bluetooth, passing them from one device to another until they reach the recipient.
Bitchat saw a surge in downloads in France on October 23, the day before a planned mobilization in support of high school students and against the rising cost of living.
The app has also drawn interest during protests in Nepal and Madagascar, where communications were disrupted.
Users can chat without creating an account or sharing a phone number, and the app says private messages are encrypted from end to end.
Messages can travel only as far as nearby users can relay them, so the app may not work well if few people have it installed and Bluetooth switched on.
Bitchat is gaining users in France with messaging that works without an internet connection or phone network.
The app uses Bluetooth to pass messages between nearby phones, which can relay them onward through a mesh network.
Downloads in France peaked on Friday, October 23, the day before a planned mobilisation in support of high school students and against the cost of living.
Launched in July 2025 by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, Bitchat has also attracted interest during protests in Nepal and Madagascar.
Messages can travel only as far as nearby users’ phones can relay them, so the app needs enough users with Bluetooth enabled.
- Who
- Bitchat users in France, including people at protests and festivals. The app was launched by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey.
- What
- The messaging app works without internet, Wi-Fi or a phone network by relaying messages over Bluetooth.
- When
- Launched in July 2025. Downloads in France peaked on Friday, October 23; the year is not stated.
- Where
- France, including at demonstrations and festivals.
- Why
- It can let people communicate when networks are unavailable, congested or cut off.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Jack Dorsey launched Bitchat.
Downloads of Bitchat peaked in France, the day before a planned mobilisation in support of high school students and against the cost of living.
- Founder
- Jack Dorsey, Twitter co-founder
- Launch
- July 2025
- Technology
- Bluetooth mesh network
- France download peak
- Friday, October 23
- Account requirement
- No account or phone number needed to start chatting