Support

Frequently asked questions

How does PlaneChat work?

Phones connect directly to each other over Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth. No internet, cellular data or servers are needed. Range is usually a few tens of meters.

Can I use it on a plane?

Yes. After turning on Airplane Mode, switch Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth back on. Always follow your airline's rules.

Why can't I see the other person?

Both phones need PlaneChat open, Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth on, and "Be visible" enabled in the Nearby tab. Make sure you tapped "Allow" for local network access on first launch; if not, turn it on in Settings > PlaneChat.

What if I send a message when they're not nearby?

The message shows a clock and "Queued". It's sent automatically when they come back in range and connect.

Do I get messages while the app is in the background?

iOS disconnects background apps after a short while. For the best experience, keep PlaneChat open while chatting. Anything you missed arrives on the next connection.

How many people can be in a group?

There's no limit on group members, but because of how Apple's technology works you can be directly connected to at most 7 people at the same time.

What happens to my chats when I get a new phone?

Use Settings > Export Chats to create a backup file and save it to Files. On the new phone, open it with Settings > Restore from Backup.

Where are my messages stored?

Only on your device. Connections are encrypted and messages are never sent to a server.