Bitchat, the Bluetooth-based offline messaging app supported by Jack Dorsey, has surged in popularity across India. In just five days, the app was downloaded more than 91,000 times as many users sought alternatives to traditional internet communication amid widespread protests and ongoing mobile network disruptions.
India accounted for approximately 85% of the app’s recent downloads, according to Sensor Tower data shared with TechCrunch. This sharp increase highlights how people adapt to connectivity challenges by turning toward apps that facilitate offline communication.
As mobile networks faced restrictions, especially in several northern states, users needed reliable apps that could operate without internet access. Bitchat leverages Bluetooth technology to create peer-to-peer connections, allowing messages to be exchanged without cellular or Wi-Fi networks.
This uptick in downloads mirrors a broader trend where decentralized and offline communication tools gain traction in regions experiencing digital shutdowns or censorship.
