Radar Chat launches: Encrypted messaging meets Bitcoin

Radar Chat merges encrypted messaging and self-custodial Bitcoin Lightning payments. Users send Bitcoin within chats, keeping control of funds and enjoying seamless, privacy-focused communication.

Radar Chat, created by the Cake Wallet team, is a new free, open-source app for iOS and Android. It combines end-to-end encrypted messaging with self-custodial Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network. The app leverages Signal’s open-source protocol for secure messaging, though it was developed independently from Signal itself. Users can send Bitcoin (sats) directly within private chats, removing the need to switch between separate wallet and messaging apps. Payments are near-instant, and users maintain full control of their funds and private keys—Radar Chat never accesses user funds. The app is compatible with Signal, enabling communication with both Signal and Radar users without new accounts. Radar Chat is positioned as a privacy-first, seamless solution for self-custody and permissionless payments, with no ads, trackers, or hidden fees.