There may be times when we need a messaging app even when there’s no internet (Wi-Fi). Although we live in the internet age, we can sometimes find ourselves without a connection. In such cases, offline messaging apps can come to our rescue. Below, you’ll find a list of the best messaging apps that work without internet.
What Is Offline Messaging, and How Does It Work?
Offline messaging is a type of communication used by those who want to connect securely. Offline messaging apps do not rely on infrastructure like cell towers or the internet to send messages between phones. Instead, they use Bluetooth or direct Wi-Fi connections.
Technologies Used for Offline Messaging:
Bluetooth: Two devices can use Bluetooth to establish a secure peer-to-peer connection. This is the same technology used when transferring music or photos between devices. The maximum range between devices is approximately 100 meters.
Direct Wi-Fi: Unlike Wi-Fi signals routed through a traditional network, direct Wi-Fi (sometimes called ad-hoc Wi-Fi) creates a limited connection between two phones. Since the wireless link exists only between the two devices, it’s also known as single-hop communication. Standard wireless networks typically use multi-hop communication. The range of a direct Wi-Fi connection is roughly 60 meters.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Messaging: Bluetooth or direct Wi-Fi doesn’t provide a wide range when trying to send messages between two phones. You need to be in close proximity to communicate.
Some offline messaging apps include a P2P mode. When enabled, the signal can hop from one phone to another until it reaches its destination. Essentially, multiple phones form a communication path—the more phones in the chain, the farther a message can travel.
Important: Even though other people’s phones may be used to relay messages, only the sender and receiver can see the message content. The other phones simply act as signal boosters. In addition to P2P mode, devices like GoTenna Mesh can also be used to extend the signal range.
Best Offline Messaging Apps
Bridgefy
Bridgefy is an offline messaging app that uses your phone’s Bluetooth radio to connect with other smartphones that have the same app installed. The app allows users within a 90-meter radius to communicate with each other. However, the recipient must be saved in your contact list.
With Bridgefy, you can send end-to-end encrypted messages directly to a single person or create a group to chat with multiple people at once. You can also use the app to transfer images without needing an internet connection. While you can use the app without a user account, verifying your phone number provides a smoother experience.
The app also features a Broadcast Mode, which lets you send messages to all nearby users simultaneously—even those not in your contact list.
Two Way: Walkie Talkie
This offline messaging app turns your phone into a live walkie-talkie and is very easy to set up, mainly because Two Way does not require an email account or phone number from its users.
To use the app, simply open a random channel and share it with your friends. Then, press and hold the talk button until it turns green and speak. The other person must do the same to respond.
Don’t expect encryption or privacy with Two Way. Since the communication works like a radio transmission, anyone who enters the same channel number by chance can listen to your conversations.
Briar
Like Bridgefy, Briar is another offline messaging app that can be used without phone number verification. You only need to enter your name and set a password, after which you can start sending messages without an internet connection.
To add new contacts in Briar, you can scan the QR code from another user’s device, eliminating the possibility of strangers connecting with you. It also allows you to generate a shareable link to add people who aren’t nearby. Beyond messaging, Briar lets you create forums to ask questions, making it much more than just a simple messaging app.
Bluetooth Chat
Bluetooth Chat is an easy-to-use, zero-cost app that enables offline messaging. It creates a Bluetooth network that allows connected devices to exchange text and images. The transmission range is approximately 100 meters by default.
Unlike other offline messaging apps, Bluetooth Chat operates completely independently of cellular networks. No internet connection, email address, phone number, or personal information is required for registration.
When you first launch the app, you must configure settings such as your name and profile color. Then, if prompted, grant the app access to your phone’s storage and location. On the next screen, tap Scan for Devices to search for nearby devices using Bluetooth Chat. The app scans for nearby devices for 30 seconds without timing out.
If you can’t find a user, their device may not be discoverable. Tapping the Make Discoverable button on the scan page will make your device visible to nearby Bluetooth Chat users for 60 seconds.
Once paired with another user, a persistent notification will appear in the notification center. Tap Stop to end the conversation and disconnect both devices.
To resume chatting, tap the plus (+) icon on the chat page, scan for the user, and select their device under Paired Devices.
Compared to most offline messaging apps, Bluetooth Chat has a relatively high rating (4.2).
ChatAround
ChatAround is a practical app that allows users to message without an internet connection. It establishes a local connection via Bluetooth or WiFi, enabling offline communication. No account registration is needed, making it ready for instant use. These features make it an ideal solution for situations with limited internet access or for those who want quick messaging.
Berkanan Messenger
Berkanan Messenger is a popular offline messaging app among iOS devices. Leveraging Bluetooth, it allows users within a 70-meter radius to communicate with each other.
With Berkanan Messenger, you can engage in group chats or send end-to-end encrypted private messages. Since it runs in the background, you don’t need to keep the app open constantly.
No account creation is required—only your phone number. While the app is free, a premium (paid) version is available with features like ad removal and profile customization.
Signal Offline Messenger
Currently one of the best offline messaging apps on the market, Signal does not use a Bluetooth mesh network or WiFi-Direct. Instead, it differs from apps like Bridgefy, which rely on Bluetooth mesh networks. You can send messages one-on-one or in bulk, with a range of up to 100 meters.
Your communication on Signal remains completely private. Besides text and voice messages, you can also send photos and even video messages. Signal is useful in areas with limited internet access, such as during cruises, nature safaris, music festivals, or when traveling abroad with an expired data plan.
Meshenger
Meshenger is a P2P (peer-to-peer) messaging app that doesn’t require an internet connection. The app allows you to send and receive messages, make and receive calls, and share files with others who also use Meshenger.
Meshenger is exclusively developed for Android. To use it, you first need to create an account and then add contacts. Once contacts are added, you can start sending messages and making calls.
Meshenger is one of the effective ways to stay in touch with friends and family without the internet.
Some key features of Meshenger include:
- Sending and receiving messages
- Making and receiving calls
- File sharing
- Encrypted communication
- No internet connection required
- Free and open-source