BlockchainMessenger is a free, open source messenger for Windows, aimed at people who are interested in blockchain and Web3 tools and want to try a chat app built around those ideas. It belongs to the Messengers and Web3 Browsers category, so it is best seen as a niche tool rather than a mainstream chat service.
The most important fact to know before installing is that the project has had no code updates since January 30, 2018. It is effectively unmaintained, which means bugs and compatibility issues may never be fixed. This guide explains how to get the program from official sources, what to check before running it, how it compares with newer alternatives, and when it makes sense to skip it.
What Is a Web3 Messenger?
A Web3 messenger is a chat application that uses blockchain technology or decentralized networks to handle some part of communication. Instead of relying on one company's central servers, such tools aim to spread that role across many participants. In theory, this reduces single points of failure and gives users more control over their accounts.
In practice, decentralization changes the trade-offs. Setup can be less convenient, the number of people you can reach may be smaller, and the software is often younger than mainstream chat apps. Decentralization is a design goal, not a guarantee of privacy or security, so you still need to judge each program on its own record.
Who Is BlockchainMessenger For?
BlockchainMessenger suits a narrow group of users. Developers and students who want to study how a blockchain-related chat app is structured will find the open source code useful. Crypto enthusiasts who like to experiment with new tools on a spare computer may also find it interesting.
It is less suitable for people who need dependable everyday messaging, support for business conversations, or a program that receives regular security patches. Since the project has not changed since 2018, those needs are better served by actively maintained software.
Practical Use Cases and Their Limits
A realistic first use is a test run on a secondary Windows PC or a virtual machine. This lets you see how the interface works without putting your main system or accounts at risk. Another use is reviewing the GitHub repository as a learning exercise, especially if you want to understand how decentralized messaging is put together.
The limits are equally clear. Newer Windows versions may behave differently, and there is no ongoing maintenance to fix issues you find. Treat the program as an experiment, keep sensitive conversations elsewhere, and avoid connecting it to any account that holds valuable assets.
Key features
Free and open source
Windows build or installer
Web3-focused messaging
How to install BlockchainMessenger on Windows
- 1
Get the file from an official source
Start at the project's GitHub repository and open the Releases section to find the Windows build or installer. Download only from the official website or GitHub, and avoid mirror sites that offer cracked or 'updated' copies. Official sources are the only reliable way to know the file has not been altered.
- 2
Verify the checksum
If the release lists a SHA-256 checksum, compare it with the file you downloaded. In Windows, open PowerShell in the download folder and run Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 followed by the file name. If the value does not match exactly, delete the file and do not run it.
-
Install and launch
Run the installer, or extract the Windows build into a folder you control. Avoid running the program with administrator rights unless the installer clearly requires them. Open it once to confirm it starts, then review its settings before connecting to other users.
How to use BlockchainMessenger
Using BlockchainMessenger is straightforward once it is installed, but a careful approach matters because the project is no longer maintained. Work through the basics on a test machine before relying on it for anything you care about.
- Open the program and read any welcome or setup screens before entering personal details.
- If the program asks you to create a profile or identity, choose a name that does not reveal more than you intend to share.
- Review the available settings, especially those related to connections, notifications and data storage.
- Add a contact or join a conversation only with people you know, and confirm their identity through another channel.
- Send a short test message to check that the connection and display work as expected.
- Close the program when you finish, and keep it updated only by checking the official sources manually.
- Never enter a seed phrase, private key or password from a wallet into this program or into any website it links to.
Pros & cons
- Free to use with no price tag
- Source code is publicly available on GitHub
- Windows build or installer available, so no compiling is required
- Useful for studying how Web3 messaging tools are built
- No code updates since January 30, 2018
- Compatibility with current Windows versions is not guaranteed
- Smaller reach than mainstream messengers
- Requires extra caution with verification and settings
Is BlockchainMessenger safe?
BlockchainMessenger is unmaintained: the project has had no code updates since 2018, so unpatched bugs and security weaknesses are possible. Use it only with that risk in mind. Download only from the official website or GitHub, and verify the SHA-256 checksum or signature before running any file. Never enter a seed phrase, private key or wallet password on third-party websites, and treat any prompt asking for them as a red flag. Before installing, check the latest status on the project's official page, since the situation may have changed.
- Official source only. Download from github.com/benjaminsky/BlockchainMessenger. Ignore ads and lookalike domains.
- Check the SHA-256. Compare the installer hash with the value the developer publishes before running it.
- Never share your seed phrase. No developer, support agent or website — including CryptApps — will ever ask for it.
Alternatives
BlockchainMessenger differs from several similar programs in its development status and focus. Iris Chat is a decentralized end-to-end encrypted messenger that uses the double-ratchet protocol and does not require email or phone registration, which makes it a more specific privacy-oriented choice. Session Desktop is a private messenger on the Oxen network. Loquaz is a desktop app written in Rust for direct encrypted chat, and Quorum Desktop focuses on group messaging powered by Quilibrium and libp2p. TON Browser is a browser for the TON network rather than a chat app, so it serves a different purpose. Matterbridge is a bridging tool, not a messenger, and is not a direct replacement. If you want a chat app, compare these options before settling on BlockchainMessenger.
Specifications
- Price
- Free
- Type
- Open source
- License
- —
- Latest version
- —
- Last update
- 30 Jan 2018
- Windows support
- Yes (Windows build or installer)
- Source code
- github.com/benjaminsky/BlockchainMessenger
Frequently asked questions
Yes, BlockchainMessenger is free and open source. You can download the Windows build or installer at no cost, and the source code is publicly available on GitHub. Being free does not make it a safe default, so check the project status and verify your download before running it.
No, the project has had no code updates since January 30, 2018. That means security issues and compatibility problems may not be fixed. Use it for testing or learning rather than for important conversations, and compare it with actively maintained alternatives.
It can be used with caution, but it is not a low-risk choice. The program has not been updated since 2018, so known issues may remain. Download only from the official website or GitHub, verify the SHA-256 checksum, and never enter a seed phrase on third-party websites.
Go to the project's GitHub repository and open the Releases section to find the Windows build or installer. Download the file, check its SHA-256 checksum if one is listed, and then run the installer. Avoid mirror sites that offer altered copies.
The project offers a Windows build, but because it has not been updated since 2018, compatibility with current Windows versions is not guaranteed. Test it on a non-essential machine first and watch for crashes or display problems before relying on it.
Iris Chat, Session Desktop and Loquaz are comparable options for encrypted chat. Iris Chat avoids email and phone registration, while Loquaz is a Rust desktop app for direct encrypted messaging. Choose based on whether you need one-to-one chat, group features or a decentralized network.
Use a separate account or identity for experiments, and avoid linking the messenger to wallets or funds. Never share seed phrases, private keys or passwords in chats. Keep your Windows system updated and use a strong, unique password for any other accounts.
Verdict
BlockchainMessenger is best for curious users, students and developers who want to explore an open source Web3 messaging project on a test machine. It is a reasonable tool for learning how these programs are built and for trying out decentralized chat concepts. It is not a good choice for daily communication, business use or any conversation where security must be dependable, because the project has not received updates since 2018. If you want something you can rely on, choose an actively maintained alternative.