6 Apps To Chat And Texting With No Internet Connection Via Mesh Network

 These apps are known as ‘Off-the-grid’ chat messenger app that works even without internet connection or 2G, 3G, or 4G network coverage, somewhat like the 'Walkie-Talkie app for iOS and Android'. These apps allow you to communicate with each other within a range of up to 100 – 200 meters, it works by broadcasting your encrypted data via the WiFi or bluetooth.

If there is no direct connection between A and C, the app will bounce the message from A to B to C. In short, it is a P2P (peer to peer) software without a central server like WhatsApp, Line, WeChat and Facebook Message. Three good reasons for using ‘Off the grid’ aka Mesh Network chat. These chat apps can also be used as a walkie talkie. Works great on Android 8.0 Oreo / Android 9.0 [ Popsicle, Pancakes or Pie ] smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy, Huawei Mate, Oppo, Vivo, XiaoMi, Nokia, and also Apple’s iOS iPhone.

 

Note: Mesh Network works when 2 or more smartphones are within range of each other. The distance or coverage depends on the smartphone’s signal strength, it varies from one model to another. Approximate distance is 100 feet between 2 smartphones.

Ideal Situation For Mesh Network Chat App

• Group camping or jungle trekking in a remote area where there is no reception.
• During a disaster, flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake and etc.
• Mass protest where there is a possibility the government will cut off the internet.
• When your monthly mobile data plan expired.
• During a natural disaster such as earthquake, flood, thunderstorm and etc when all networks and electricity are down.
• In an airplane when you and your friend are not seated together.
• End of the world, during a Zombie apocalypse or in a war zone.

↓ 01 – The Serval Mesh | Google Android

This software allows you to easily make private phone calls, send secure text messages and share files in caves, in subways, in the Outback, in Australia or Africa, in Europe or the United States — even when cellular networks fail or are unavailable. You can also keep using your existing phone number on the mesh, which is really important in a disaster when people are trying to get back in contact with each other.

↓ 02 – Signal Offline Messenger | Google Android

Signal is a Wifi Direct based offline messaging app. Signal allows you to communicate without internet or local network in a range of upto 100 meters. Messaging could be one-on-one or in a group. Messages sent via signal app are delivered in a secure way. In short, signal allows you to send audio,text,photo and video messages to users around you over wifi directly.

Chat with your friends and colleagues without wasting your data plan. One can use signal messenger in any instance where the internet is not accessible, such as Cruise ship, wildlife safari, foreign trip with family or when you run out of your data pack.

• Instantly send messages, audio and photos to anyone around you over wifi direct
• Send messages one-on-one or to entire group.
• Works without any form of internet or local network all it needs is another signal.
• Share files such as images & video as is. [As taken by camera and no re sizing or re scaling is applied]
• Old chats are stored in database and are accessible anytime.
• Full material design support. Signal comes in different colors.
• Signal is walkie talkie that works without internet.
• Communication via signal is secure.

03 – Vojer | Apple iOS

Vojer keeps you connected to your mates nearby without 3G/4G or Wi-Fi coverage. Vojer delivers messages from your phone directly to another person’s phone. No intermediate servers, websites or bottlenecks en route. Vojer doesn’t access your address book or request extra permissions except those required to operate – WiFi, Bluetooth, Microphone and Photos (if you choose to share photos).

• Share Photos and Text
• Send and Receive High Quality Voice
• All Vojer messages sent and received are encrypted.

↓ 04 – Bridgefy | Google Android and Apple iOS

Bridgefy is an offline messaging app that lets you communicate with friends and family when you don’t have access to the Internet, by simply turning on your Bluetooth antenna. Ideal for music festivals, sports stadiums, rural communities, natural disasters, traveling abroad, and much more. The 3 ways Bridgefy works:

• Person to Person Mode – Turn on your Bluetooth antenna and chat privately with friends that are within 330 feet (100 meters) of you.
• Mesh Mode – Chat with people more than 330 feet from you by connecting through other Bridgefy users found in the middle. Example: person 1 can talk to person 3 if person 2 is in the middle, making the possible distance 660 feet (200 meters). The same goes for an unlimited number of people in the chain. Don’t worry! Your messages are safe and can’t be read by those people in the middle.
• Broadcast Mode – Go into the Broadcast section and send messages to every Bridgefy user around you at the same time, even if you don’t have them on your contacts list!

 

↓ 05 – Briar | Google Android

Briar is a messaging app designed for activists, journalists, and anyone else who needs a safe, easy and robust way to communicate. Unlike traditional messaging tools such as email, Twitter or Telegram, Briar doesn’t rely on a central server – messages are synchronized directly between the users’ devices. If the Internet’s down, Briar can sync via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, keeping the information flowing in a crisis. If the Internet’s up, Briar can sync via the Tor network, protecting users and their relationships from surveillance. Secure messaging, anywhere

• Peer-to-peer encrypted messaging and forums
• Messages are stored securely on your device, not in the cloud
• Connect directly with nearby contacts – no Internet access required
• Free and open source software

↓ 06 – White Mouse Private Messenger | Google Android

White Mouse Chat is a reimagined private instant messenger; fortified with unmatched encryption & privacy-respecting features, and apt to work with no internet connection amongst devices nearby (100-meter radius). The application supports; message, photo, file, video & voice clip sharing and, voice and video calls. There is no storage, monitoring, tracking of any personal information or activity, except that required to operate the application.

• Set your messages to auto-delete after 1h, 8 hr or 24 hr.
• Delete messages/conversations on all devices, anytime.
• Works without internet access amongst devices nearby.
• Messages. No forwarding, no screenshots, no screen record.
• Messages only stored in the user’s device. No cloud or server storage.
• Watermark wallpaper in chat to prevent third parties screen photo.
• White Mouse PIN – Connect without a phone number.
• End-to-end encryption both at application & network level.
• Listen to audio messages at x2 speed, for those in a hurry.

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4 Walkie Talkie Apps For Smartphones Via 3G, Wireless Wi-Fi Or Bluetooth

Here are some alternative apps that are up to date and work over 3G and Wifi. The Benefits of Walkie Talkie Apps​ is great when you are organizing an event and want to talk to a group of people at once.

The point is, you can’t be everywhere at the same time and if you have an app you can simply communicate with the group and give clear instructions without having to call them all up one by one. This alone makes this sort of app valuable but bear with me; I have several other great uses.

Typically, the phone’s Wi-Fi signal has a range of about 100 feet, however, the range of Wi-Fi signal depends on a hotspot and connected devices. Usually the range is not more than 50 meters (150 feet) indoors and up to 150 meters (450 feet) outdoors.

 

Having said that, the best solution is to connect via Wifi using a Parabolic Antenna. This provides a much better coverage, less network congestion as the router will handle the signals. You’ll probably need Anker PowerHouse – the world’s smallest 400wh portable power supply with a capacity of 120,000mAh.

↓ 01 – Zello Walkie-Talkie | 3G, 4G, Radio or WiFi | Android | iOS | Windows

Zello is a free push-to-talk application for smartphones, tablets, and PCs. It’s lightweight, easy to use and extremely fast. Better yet, it’s free and will remain free for personal use. Zello is the only place for live open group communication – old school CB Radio style. Create a live Zello channel for your forum or customers, or enjoy conversations from across the globe.

• Fast – Zello conversations are almost as fast as face-to-face conversations and faster than online communications.
• Easy to use – Just push the button to talk. You most likely won’t have to configure anything to start using Zello.
• One-to-many – Zello supports channels where you can talk to one person on up to 1,000 people from all over the world at the same time.
• Lightweight – We don’t like bloated software. Zello setup is lightweight and the program uses very little system resources and memory.
• Loud – You don’t have to use a headset with Zello. Use what works for you: phone’s speakerphone, a plugged in or built-in microphone and connected speakers, for example.
• Mobile – Turn your phone or tablet into a two-way radio with Zello for Android, iPhone, Windows Phone or BlackBerry!
• Compatibility – Zello works great over Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, and even GPRS and EDGE.

02 – Voxer | 3G, 4G, or WiFi | Android | iOS | Windows

Voxer delivers the best of messaging (live and recorded voice, text, and photos) all in one smartphone app. Voxer makes it simple for friends, family and colleagues to talk from anywhere in the world, whenever it’s convenient. Communicate in the fastest, and most efficient manner there is – instant voice.

• Talk, send text and photos — send live or recorded voice, text messages and photos instantly—to one person or an entire group.
• Listen live or listen later — Listen ‘live’ while someone is speaking and respond immediately or listen later and reply when it’s convenient.
• Use any network, globally — Voxer works on any cellular or Wifi network around the world.

03 – Wi-Fi Talkie FREE | 3G or WiFi | Android

With Wi-Fi Talkie you can organize communication between devices at distances of Wi-Fi signal without using an Internet connection or a cellular network.

• Working without Internet or a cellular network
• Voice calls
• Transferring files and folders at Wi-Fi speed
• Group chat
• Private messages

↓ 04 – Walkie-Talkie | 3G, WiFi or Bluetooth | iOS

Walkie Talkie is an offline voice & chat app for iPhone and iPad that does not require an internet connection to work. Send voice and text messages to each other offline, everyone connected receives them! Connects nearby iPhones & iPads and uses any existing WiFi or Bluetooth connection for extended range. If no WiFi is available devices create their own WiFi or Bluetooth network.

Use even while airplane mode is activated by re-enabling WiFi or Bluetooth radio’s (airline permitting). The multipeer connectivity features in iOS allows peer to peer connections to establish between nearby devices using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Range varies 100-200ft.