Offline Messaging Gains Momentum as Internet Shuts Down Worldwide

What happens when the internet disappears? In countries facing extreme shutdowns or mass surveillance, people are turning to mesh network-based messaging apps that work entirely offline. Apps like Briar, Bitchat, and Bridgefy are making it possible to send messages via Bluetooth or WiFi, keeping communication alive even when traditional networks fail.

With millions of users globally, these apps are no longer niche tools for tech enthusiasts—they’re becoming essential for safety, activism, and everyday connectivity.

Bitchat: Twitter Co-Founder’s Vision for Offline Communication

Bitchat, a peer-to-peer encrypted messaging app developed by Jack Dorsey, has recently crossed the milestone of one million Google Play Store users. Its appeal lies in creating a Bluetooth mesh network that connects people locally—whether under the same roof or across a neighborhood—without requiring accounts or phone numbers.

Currently holding a 4.4-star rating, Bitchat is rapidly approaching 2 million users. Beyond tech enthusiasts and campers in remote areas, the app has gained attention in places like Uganda, where it provided crucial connectivity during internet shutdowns for elections. While Bitchat’s reach is growing, achieving the critical mass needed for long-range messaging remains a challenge.

Briar: A Lifeline During Total Internet Blackouts

Another leading app, Briar, has steadily grown to 2.6 million downloads on Android. It goes a step further by combining Bluetooth, WiFi, and even memory card sharing to ensure messages keep flowing when traditional networks fail.

Briar became particularly vital during Iran’s extreme internet shutdowns, which left 92 million people cut off from all online services, including calls and SMS. The app’s decentralized design allows users to communicate in emergencies, protests, or remote areas without relying on servers.

Bridgefy: Powering Mass Connectivity During Protests

Bridgefy, with 12.5 million users worldwide, is another prominent mesh network messenger. Its impact was notably seen during the 2020 Hong Kong protests, where internet restrictions threatened real-time communication. By creating an ad hoc network over Bluetooth, Bridgefy kept activists connected even when the authorities blocked internet access.

The app demonstrates the potential of mesh-based messaging to maintain civil and social organization when traditional channels are compromised.

Why Mesh Messaging Apps Are Becoming Essential

The rise of offline messaging apps reflects a growing need for digital independence and privacy. With governments increasingly resorting to internet shutdowns or surveillance, users now demand tools that do not rely on central servers.

Whether for activists, travelers, or residents of areas prone to network disruptions, these apps offer a secure and reliable alternative. They are transforming how people think about communication, proving that staying connected no longer has to mean being online.

The Future of Communication Is Offline

Experts predict that mesh network messaging will continue growing as more people seek alternatives to internet-dependent apps. Developers are innovating to expand reach, improve security, and enhance usability, creating tools that could one day rival conventional messaging platforms.

As internet reliability becomes less certain in many regions, apps like Briar, Bitchat, and Bridgefy may not just be conveniences—they could be lifelines, connecting communities when the world goes dark.