Help & Setup

Get up and running in minutes. Everything you need to know.

Install & Setup

Follow these steps in order after downloading. Takes about 2 minutes.

1
Download the APK
Tap the button below to download the Columba APK file. New versions are being released daily — make sure you have the newest version!
Download Columba APK
2
Allow Installation from Unknown Sources
When you open the downloaded file, Android may warn you about installing from outside the Play Store. Tap "Download anyways" if prompted, then go to Settings → Apps → Special App Access → Install Unknown Apps and enable "Allow from unknown sources/this source" for your browser or file manager. Then tap Install.
3
Set Your Name
When Columba opens, set your name in the onboarding screen: this lets people see who's nearby, use first name/nickname.
4
Enable Your Radios
In Columba's settings, turn on the following interfaces so you can connect with people nearby:
Enable: Local Wifi, Bluetooth, Internet (TCP)
5
Grant Notifications & Battery Access
Grant notification and unrestricted battery use - This lets you get notifications and keeps the app running in the background. Go to Settings → Apps → Columba → Battery → Unrestricted.
6
Announce & Start Messaging
Tap Contacts → Network → Announce (megaphone icon) to let others know you're here. Find people in the Network tab and start chatting!

About Columba

Open-source, privacy-first communication. No signup, no central servers, works offline over Bluetooth & WiFi.

Messaging & Voice Calls

Send encrypted messages and make voice calls over the mesh — no internet required. Compatible with Sideband and MeshChatX.

Contacts Tab

Add contacts by scanning their QR code, tapping the star in their profile, or entering their address. The Network sub-tab shows everyone reachable on the mesh.

Map & Location Sharing

See your location and share it with specific contacts for a chosen duration. Stop sharing anytime. Offline maps can be pre-downloaded.

Sharing Your Identity

Use the built-in QR code to share your identity so others can add you. No personal information is required or stored.

Troubleshooting

Can't see any peers?

Make sure Bluetooth and WiFi are both enabled. Go to Contacts → Network → tap the Announce (megaphone icon) to make yourself visible. Peers may take a moment to appear.

Trouble connecting?

Go to Contacts > Network > Announce (megaphone icon) to broadcast your presence. Make sure you've also added contacts on both phones — both people need to add each other.

Messages not delivering?

Download newest version — new versions being released daily. Both sender and receiver need to have sent announces. Messages relay through nearby devices — more nodes means better delivery.

Installation blocked?

Tap "Download anyways" when prompted, then go to Settings → Apps → Special App Access → Install Unknown Apps. Enable "Allow from unknown sources/this source" for your browser or file manager, then try again.

App stops in background?

Grant notification and unrestricted battery use for Columba: App Info → Battery → Unrestricted. Essential for relaying when the screen is off.

macOS: can't connect?

macOS restricts background networking. Keep MeshChat in the foreground and grant all permissions in System Settings → Privacy & Security.

Map not loading?

In Map Settings, enable the HTTP map source toggle. You can also pre-download offline maps while connected to WiFi.

Still stuck? Get help 👋

Contact Kailii (on site) for in-person help, or reach out to the App Developer to report bugs:

Contact app developer

Desktop Setup (MeshChat)

Desktop builds work as relay nodes to help messages travel further. Download for your OS and keep it running.

Linux

AppImage — no installation needed. Download, make it executable, and run. Best desktop relay option.

Download AppImage

macOS

Keep MeshChat in the foreground. Grant permissions in System Settings → Privacy & Security.

Download .dmg

Windows

Experimental support. Keep the app in the foreground for best relay performance.

Download .exe