I'm not going to get into the discussion about the reasons that lead you to seek an offline chat — but they're great alternatives when an internet network isn't available. They allow you to send messages using other connections such as Bluetooth or an internal and closed LAN or Wi-Fi network. If that's what you're looking for, here are some options you can download.
It is worth noting that since these are more restricted alternatives, some still under construction, not all the features you know of messengers like WhatsApp will be available in these offline chat applications. It is worth testing the options that you liked the most or were interested to be adapted to them according to your need.
1. Softros LAN messenger (Windows, Android, Mac OS)
This application works in a local network only over cable or Wi-Fi connection. A user installs chat client to every Windows computer or Mac, Android device. The messenger automatically detects all other installed clients and creates a list of users in the main window of the Softros app. A dedicated server is not required for messaging in a local network. You can start group chats, personal messaging, file transfer without using the Internet connection. Even if you shut down your computer station, it will get a message when you turn on your PC.
2. Briar (Android)
Briar promises secure messaging, anywhere, with peer-to-peer encrypted chats and forums. Messages are also safely stored on your device, not in the cloud, and you can connect directly with close contacts using Bluetooth or the internal Wi-Fi network. It is designed for activists, journalists and anyone who needs it, in a safe, easy and robust way.
What changes? Unlike traditional messaging applications, Briar does not rely on a central server, messages exchanged in the app are synchronized directly between users' devices. If the Internet is down, Briar can synchronize, keeping information flowing, even in a critical situation.
And if the Internet is available, Briar can synchronize through the Tor network, protecting users. It is a free and open source software application. Without a doubt, the safest on the list, with a team working to make it a reference.
Bridgefy (iOS and Android)
Bridgefy is also an offline messaging application that allows you to communicate when you don't have Internet access, just turn on the Bluetooth. It can be ideal for music festivals, stadiums, rural communities, in natural disasters, travel abroad, demonstrations and other congested or offline network situations.
The application offers connection in three modes: 1) person to person, talk privately with friends within 100 meters of you; 2) mesh mode, talk to people within 100 meters of you connecting to other Bridgefy users as a bridge; 3) broadcast mode to send messages to all Bridgefy users around you at the same time, even those outside your contact list.
But it works online too, using your Internet connection to chat with friends anywhere in the world that also has an Internet connection.
FireChat (iOS and Android)
Also for both platforms, FireChat is a free peer-to-peer messaging application that works with or without Internet access and sends messages directly between mobile devices using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections (within the network table). Each device acts as a relay, creating a mesh network between nearby groups and application users with the promise of secure communication.
FireChat has been used in a variety of situations by community leaders, emergency teams and people to communicate when isolated from outside networks, including the famous pro-democracy protests in Taiwan and Hong Kong, natural disasters in Ecuador and Kashmir, and events like Burning Man.
FireChat also works by using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections from the smartphone to communicate directly with other devices up to "200 feet" away that have also downloaded the application. Multihop technology connects all devices within range, creating a mesh network that works even when access fails.
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