https://github.com/torlando-tech/columba
Native Android messaging app using Bluetooth LE, TCP, or RNode (LoRa) over LXMF and Reticulum
https://github.com/torlando-tech/columba
ble lora lxmf mesh-networks off-grid privacy reticulum rns
Last synced: about 1 month ago
JSON representation
Native Android messaging app using Bluetooth LE, TCP, or RNode (LoRa) over LXMF and Reticulum
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/torlando-tech/columba
- Owner: torlando-tech
- License: mit
- Created: 2025-10-22T22:49:38.000Z (7 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2026-03-26T04:43:07.000Z (2 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-03-26T05:55:11.547Z (2 months ago)
- Topics: ble, lora, lxmf, mesh-networks, off-grid, privacy, reticulum, rns
- Language: Kotlin
- Homepage: https://columba.network/
- Size: 18.8 MB
- Stars: 686
- Watchers: 10
- Forks: 60
- Open Issues: 59
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- Funding: FUNDING.yml
- License: LICENSE
- Audit: audit-dispatchers-full.sh
- Security: SECURITY.md
Awesome Lists containing this project
- awesome-reticulum - torlando-tech / columba - A simple messaging app for the Reticulum network on Android using Bluetooth LE over Reticulum. (Messangers and Browsers)
README
# Columba
Columba is a simple messaging and voice app for the [Reticulum](https://github.com/markqvist/Reticulum) network on Android. Send [LXMF](https://github.com/markqvist/LXMF) messages and make [LXST](https://github.com/markqvist/LXST/tree/master/LXST) voice calls without relying on the internet, cell towers, or any central servers.
Built with a native Android interface and Material Design 3, Columba brings mesh networking to your pocket in a familiar, easy-to-use package.
## What You Can Do
- **Message without infrastructure** - Send messages even when the internet is down or unavailable
- **Connect multiple ways** - Use Bluetooth LE to connect to those around you anywhere, Wifi for those at home, LoRa radio via [RNode](https://github.com/markqvist/RNode_Firmware) for those at a distance, or use TCP to connect to any Reticulum server around the world
- **Stay private** - End-to-end encryption with no accounts, no tracking, and no central servers
- **Share location** - Share your location securely with others, viewable from a dedicated map
- **Download maps for offline use** - Download or import map files. Supports vector and raster, in MBTiles format
- **Browse NomadNetwork** - Access nomadnet pages over Reticulum networks
- **Build your network** - Help relay traffic for others and expand the mesh
- **Keep your identity** - Generate your messaging identity right on your device
- **Manage multiple identities** - Easily swap between multiple identities
- **Export and import identities** - Keep an external backup of your keys, or migrate to a new device. Import from other Reticulum clients like [Sideband](https://github.com/markqvist/Sideband)
- **Share your identity via QR Code** - Built in QR code scanner and generator for sharing your identity with others
- **Custom Color Themes** - Don't like the default colors? Rice to your heart's content!
## Getting Started
Download the latest release from [Releases](https://github.com/torlando-tech/columba/releases) and install on your Android device. See [SECURITY.md](./SECURITY.md) for APK verification instructions.
Alternatively, you can download the apk via [NomadNet](https://github.com/markqvist/NomadNet) at `8d1788fdb4e9f85303cfdf7481e721c7:/page/index.mu`
## About Reticulum
[Reticulum](https://github.com/markqvist/Reticulum) is a networking stack that lets devices communicate directly with each other, forming resilient mesh networks. It is optimized for low bandwidth, high latency connections, and can communicate over nearly any medium. Columba uses [LXMF](https://github.com/markqvist/LXMF) (Lightweight Extensible Message Format) to send messages across the Reticulum network, and uses a native Android implementation of [ble-reticulum](https://github.com/torlando-tech/ble-reticulum) to enable messaging over BLE with other Android and Linux devices.
Want to learn more? Visit [Reticulum's documentation](https://reticulum.network/).
## Why "Columba"
Columba, latin for "dove," is a [constellation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columba_(constellation)) in the southern sky depicting a dove. Doves are commonly a symbol of peace and hope, and have been used as messengers throughout history.
## Stats
  
[](https://star-history.com/#torlando-tech/columba&Date)