# bitchat-tui

> Terminal UI client for BitChat, a peer-to-peer chat protocol that runs over Bluetooth Low Energy without internet connection

Stars: 378 · Categories: Network

- Repository: https://github.com/vaibhav-mattoo/bitchat-tui
- Website: https://github.com/vaibhav-mattoo/bitchat-tui
- Page: https://www.trmn.sh/tools/bitchat-tui

## Install

- Universal Script: `curl -sSfL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/vaibhav-mattoo/bitchat-tui/main/install.sh | sh`
- Cargo: `cargo install bitchat-tui`
- Homebrew: `brew tap vaibhav-mattoo/bitchat-tui && brew install bitchat-tui`

## Overview

bitchat-tui is a terminal user interface client for the BitChat messaging protocol, which enables secure, anonymous peer-to-peer communication over Bluetooth Low Energy. The tool operates completely offline without requiring internet connectivity, servers, or user accounts. All messages are end-to-end encrypted using AES-256-GCM with X25519 key exchange and Ed25519 authentication.

The TUI provides a modern interface built with Ratatui, featuring a sidebar for navigation between public channels, private password-protected channels, and direct messages. Users can switch between conversations using Tab and arrow keys, with visual indicators for unread messages and connection status. The client automatically scans for nearby BitChat peers and connects to form a mesh network.

The tool supports comprehensive messaging features including message fragmentation for large texts, user blocking, channel ownership management, and nickname customization. All communication is ephemeral and tied only to session keys, providing anonymity without persistent identity tracking. The client runs cross-platform on Linux, macOS, and Windows with native Bluetooth support.

### Installation

```bash
# via Universal Script
curl -sSfL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/vaibhav-mattoo/bitchat-tui/main/install.sh | sh
```

```bash
# via Cargo
cargo install bitchat-tui
```

```bash
# via Homebrew
brew tap vaibhav-mattoo/bitchat-tui && brew install bitchat-tui
```

![bitchat-tui demonstration video](https://media.trmn.sh/cached/d87fc465e66403c2cbe7e010c3e5c68222f83638b39678923b24446aeb3e9def.mp4)

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Canonical: https://www.trmn.sh/tools/bitchat-tui