AirGrid

AirGrid is an offline-first nearby chat app for Android. It lets nearby devices

exchange messages directly using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct through Google

Nearby Connections, without internet, mobile data, routers, or a central

messaging server.

Use AirGrid when people are close by but normal connectivity is limited,

unavailable, or unnecessary. Nearby users can discover each other, join a local

mesh, and send public or private messages between connected Android devices.

Key features:

Offline nearby messaging

Chat with nearby Android devices without relying on internet access or mobile

data.

Local mesh communication

Messages can move between connected nearby devices using a local peer-to-peer

mesh.

Public nearby chat

Send messages to people around you who are connected to the same local AirGrid

mesh.

Private chat

Message selected nearby contacts directly when they are available in the mesh.

Encrypted private messaging

AirGrid supports opportunistic encryption for private messages after devices

exchange the required public keys.

Voice notes and media sharing

Send voice notes, photos, and files to nearby peers when the local mesh

connection supports the transfer.

Walkie-talkie audio

Send short public walkie clips to the local mesh or start an invited private

walkie session with a selected peer.

Rider Mode

Start a trusted one-to-one live audio session with mute controls and

voice-activated microphone support for close-range coordination.

Local message history

Messages are stored on your device and not on a central AirGrid server, so you

can view recent conversations locally.

Known and trusted contacts

AirGrid can remember nearby contacts discovered through the mesh. You can mark

trusted contacts for private walkie and Rider Mode features.

Optional location sharing

Share your location with connected peers only when you choose to use that

feature.

AirGrid is designed for local communication. It does not operate a central

messaging server for normal mesh messaging, and your messages are exchanged

directly with nearby devices.

Google Play Services is required. AirGrid also needs nearby device permissions

such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, notifications, microphone, and location-related

permissions because Android requires them for nearby discovery,

device-to-device connections, foreground mesh sessions, and optional audio or

location features.

Mesh performance may vary depending on device hardware, Android version,

distance, radio conditions, and the number of nearby peers.

AirGrid can be useful during events, travel, outdoor activities such as hiking

and camping, campuses, workplaces, community gatherings, dormitories, hostels,

hotels, and emergency preparedness situations where nearby people need to

communicate without relying on internet or mobile data.

Keep AirGrid ready on your device. You never know when nearby offline

communication will be useful.