We may need a messaging application when the internet is unavailable. Although we live in the internet age, we can still be left without connection in some situations. In such cases, offline messaging applications can truly be a lifesaver. Below you will find a list of the best messaging applications that can be used without the internet.
What is Offline Messaging, How Does It Work?
Offline messaging is a type of messaging turned to by those who want to communicate securely. Offline messaging applications do not need infrastructure like cell phone towers or the internet to send a message from one phone to another. Instead, Bluetooth or Direct Wi-Fi connections are used.
Technologies used for offline messaging:
- Bluetooth: Two devices can use Bluetooth to establish a secure peer-to-peer connection. This is the same technology you use when transferring music or photos from one device to another. The maximum range between devices is approximately 100 meters.
- Direct Wi-Fi: Unlike the Wi-Fi signal you connect to via a router, Direct Wi-Fi (sometimes called ad-hoc Wi-Fi) is a limited connection established between two phones. Since the wireless connection exists only between two devices, this is also called single-hop communication. Normal wireless networks usually use multi-hop communication. The range of a Direct Wi-Fi connection is roughly 60 meters.
Peer-to-Peer Messaging (P2P):
Bluetooth or Direct Wi-Fi does not provide a wide range when trying to send messages between two phones. You need to be in close proximity to communicate.
Some offline messaging applications feature P2P mode. When this mode is on, the signal can hop from one cell phone to another until it reaches its destination. Basically, multiple phones create a communication path. The more phones you have, the further a message can travel.
Important: Although other people’s phones are used to relay the message, only the sender and the receiver can see the content of the message. Other phones only act as signal boosters. Besides P2P mode, you can also use devices like GoTenna Mesh to extend the signal range.
Best Offline Messaging Apps
Bridgefy
Bridgefy is an offline messaging application that uses the phone’s Bluetooth radio to connect with other smartphones that have the same app installed. The application allows users within a 90-meter radius to message each other. For this, the person receiving the message 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 talk to multiple people at the same time. You can also use this application to transfer images without needing the internet. You can use the app without a user account, but verifying your phone number provides a faster user experience.
The application has a Broadcast Mode that allows you to send messages to all users near you simultaneously. You can also use this feature for users who are not in your contact list.
Two Way: Walkie Talkie
Turning your phone into a live radio, the setup of this offline messaging app is quite easy. This is because Two Way does not ask users for an e-mail account or phone number.
To use the application, it is sufficient to open a random channel and share it with your friends. After that, press and hold the talk button and speak when it turns green. You should ask the other person to do the same.
Do not expect encryption and privacy in Two Way. Since radio communication is open, anyone who accidentally enters the same channel number on their device can listen to your conversations.
Apart from this, the application is a useful solution for people stranded in natural disasters or hiking in the mountains.
Briar
Like Bridgefy, Briar is an offline messaging app that you can use without phone number verification. You just need to enter your name and set a password. Then you can start sending your messages without an internet connection.
To add new contacts with Briar, you can scan the QR code on another person’s device, eliminating the possibility of an unknown person connecting with you. It also allows you to create a shareable link to add people who are not in your vicinity. In addition to messaging with Briar, you can create forums to ask questions to users. In short, we can easily say that it offers much more than a simple messaging application.
Bluetooth Chat
Bluetooth Chat is easy to use and allows you to message offline at zero cost. The application creates a Bluetooth network that allows connected devices to exchange text and images. The transmission distance of this application is standardly about 100 meters radius.
Unlike other offline messaging apps, Bluetooth Chat works completely independently of the network. You do not need an internet connection or give personal/contact information such as an e-mail address or phone number for registration.
When you launch the application for the first time, you must set settings such as name and profile color. Then, if requested, allow the app to access your phone’s storage and location. On the next page, tap Scan for Devices to check for nearby devices using the Bluetooth Chat app. The app scans for nearby devices for 30 seconds before timing out.
If you cannot find a user, it may be because their device is not discoverable. Tapping the Make Discoverable button on the Scan page will make your device visible to nearby Bluetooth Chat users for 60 seconds.
When you pair the app with another user, a persistent banner will appear in the notification center. Tap Stop to end the conversation and disconnect both devices.
To continue the chat, tap the plus (+) icon on the chat page. Scan the user and select the device in the Paired devices section.
Compared to the scores of most offline messaging apps, Bluetooth Chat’s score is quite high (4.2).
ChatAround
ChatAround is a practical application that allows users to message without an internet connection. By establishing a local connection via Bluetooth or WiFi, it enables users to communicate offline. It does not require account registration, making it ready to use instantly. With these features, it offers an ideal solution especially in situations where internet access is limited or for those who want to message quickly.
Berkanan Messenger
Berkanan Messenger is a very popular offline messaging application among iOS devices. Typically utilizing your device’s Bluetooth feature, the application allows users within a 70-meter radius to communicate with each other.
With Berkanan Messenger, which allows you to message in groups, you can also message in a one-on-one encrypted manner. Since it works in the background, you do not have to keep the application open constantly.
You do not need to create an account to use Berkanan. It only needs your phone number. Although the application is free, there is also a premium (paid) version with features such as ad removal and profile customization.
Signal Private Messenger
Signal, currently one of the best offline messaging apps on the market, uses WiFi-Direct instead of a Bluetooth mesh network. In contrast, Bridgefy uses a Bluetooth mesh network. You can send messages one-on-one or in bulk. Through the application, you can send a message to another person within a 100-meter range.
With Signal, your communication will be completely private. Apart from text and voice messages, you can even send photos and video messages. Signal can be used in places where internet access is limited. For example, you can use the app during cruise trips, nature safaris, music festivals, or on trips abroad when your data plan expires.
Meshenger
Meshenger is a P2P (peer-to-peer) messaging application that does not require an internet connection. The application allows you to perform operations such as sending and receiving messages, making and receiving calls, and sharing files with other people using Meshenger.
Meshenger is an application developed exclusively for Android. To use Meshenger, you must first create an account and then add contacts. After adding contacts, you can start sending messages and making calls.
Meshenger is one of the successful methods for communicating with friends and family without the internet.
Some features:
- Sending and receiving messages
- Making and receiving calls
- File sharing
- Encrypted communication
- Does not require internet connection
- Free and open source