Support

Frequently asked questions

What is Wesh for?

Keeping in touch with people nearby when the mobile network or the Internet is cut off: natural disaster, cyberattack, outage, shutdown. Phones pass messages to each other over Bluetooth.

Do I need an account?

No. Pick a nickname, that's all. Your keys are generated on your phone and never leave it. Your nickname is visible to people in range and does not prove who you are.

Why does Wesh ask for Bluetooth and the camera?

Without Bluetooth, Wesh cannot reach nearby phones. The camera scans QR codes; no image is kept. On Android, allow notifications to be told about new messages.

What is the range?

It varies: a few dozen metres, more through relays, because every phone relays the others' messages. The status indicator shows how many phones are in range. Range does not guarantee any geographic limit.

Who reads the local room?

Everyone in range who uses Wesh or BitChat. Everything there is public: participants can read, keep and relay your messages. Only write what you would say out loud.

How do I write privately to someone?

Meet the person and open Exchange. Scan their QR code while they scan yours. Once verified, your private messages are end-to-end encrypted. Do it ahead of time, before you need it.

What is "Requests"?

Private messages from people you have not verified arrive there, with no notification. Do not trust a nickname: only in-person QR verification counts.

What is Internet mode for?

It is off by default. Turned on in Settings, it lets you write to verified contacts out of Bluetooth range. Messages travel encrypted over the Tor network, then through public relays, which cannot read them but can see that a message is addressed to a given key, and when. The local room stays Bluetooth only.

How do I block or report someone?

Tap a message or a nickname, then Block: you will receive nothing more from that person. Report hides the content on your phone and lets you send it to us. Wesh has no server: we cannot delete a message on other phones.

How do I erase everything in an emergency?

In Settings, Erase all data deletes, after confirmation, your keys, contacts, conversations and drafts. You get a new identity; your contacts will need to verify you again. Messages already received by other phones are not recalled.

Why don't my messages arrive?

You need at least one phone in range, or Internet mode for a verified contact. Keep Bluetooth on and the app open: phones limit background activity.