Private Messaging and Contact Connections
Briar centers communication on a contact list rather than a public phone directory. After creating an account, users can add someone by exchanging a briar:// link remotely or scanning each other’s QR codes in person. Once the connection is established, private conversations support end-to-end encrypted messages, and a message can wait for delivery when a contact is offline.
The introduction flow helps contacts connect without handing messages to a central server. Users can also make an introduction between two existing contacts, then let both people accept before they appear in each other’s lists. This makes Briar useful for small trusted circles, field teams, and personal communication where contact identity and local control matter.
Direct Sync over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Tor
Connectivity is part of Briar’s main workflow. Messages synchronize directly between devices through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi when an internet connection is unavailable, giving nearby contacts a way to stay in touch during outages or travel. When the internet is available, Briar can use the Tor network instead of relying on a central messaging server.
Settings let users choose whether Briar connects automatically based on location, uses Tor with or without bridges, or avoids internet connections altogether. Separate controls can limit mobile data or allow Tor connections only while the device is charging. This flexible routing suits people who need to balance reachability, privacy, and battery use.
Private Groups, Forums, and Threaded Conversations
Briar supports two distinct group styles for conversations that grow beyond one-to-one chats. Private Groups are created with selected contacts and organize messages into threads, so members can reply to a topic or start a new one. The group creator manages invitations, while members can leave when they choose.
Forums are broader shared spaces: any member can invite contacts, and discussions also use threads for easier follow-up. Users can create a group or forum from the main menu, name it, select participants, and add an invitation message. These tools work well for project teams, community coordination, and ongoing discussions that need structure without a public social feed.
Blogs, RSS Reading, and Local App Controls
Each Briar account includes a personal blog for posting updates to contacts. Users can write a post, publish it to the blog feed, and reblog another post with an optional comment. The app also supports RSS feeds, downloading articles through Tor and keeping imported items in the blog area so users can read news alongside contact updates.
Settings add practical control over daily use, including light, dark, automatic, or system color schemes, mobile-data access, internet connections, and screen locking with the device PIN, pattern, or password. Briar is a good fit for readers and small communities that want private publishing, selective sharing, and a locally stored communication workspace.
