FAQ

FAQ

Does it need internet? No. Chat, voice, photos and positions travel phone to phone. INTERNET is used only to download map files on request.

How far does it reach? Bluetooth LE range between phones is typically tens of metres, much less indoors or through bodies. The mesh extends it: a message can cross several phones (default TTL 5).

How many people can be in a group? Up to 8.

Can I send photos or voice to a group? Voice and photos are for one-to-one chats. Groups carry text.

Is it end-to-end encrypted? Yes, with forward secrecy, between the two endpoints; relays cannot read or alter messages. But it is not audited, and metadata (IDs, names, timing) is visible to anyone nearby. See Security.

How do I know the person is who they say they are? Scan their contact QR code in person. Until then, the first contact is trusted blindly.

Why do I need location on Android 10/11? Android returns no Bluetooth scan results unless location services are on. NodeWave does not use your location for that.

Why does the app keep a notification? The radio runs in a foreground service so it keeps working with the screen off. Stop it with STOP RADIO.

It does not work with the screen off. Your phone maker is freezing the app. See Troubleshooting.

Does it use LoRa? Not yet. Link classes and LoRa board settings are prepared for USB boards planned for later.

Is there a signed release or an F-Droid listing? The project is F-Droid ready, but release builds are currently debug-signed. Build it yourself or check the releases.

Can I fork it? Yes under the AGPL-3.0-or-later, but change the name and icon. See License and Trademark.

Where do I report bugs? GitHub issues.