I am wondering if there is a chat program that works locally when the internet is out but still be connected to from the internet. I know this will be something that is self hosted.
Bonus points if I can set it up on the raspberry pi that is running Home Assistant.
Briar works completely offline as well as online and has Android apps. I believe iOS apps are coming soon, although unsure of the timeline. https://briarproject.org
The pros are that there’s zero setup or “self-hosting” required. Just install the app and it works. From their site:
Connect directly with nearby contacts - no Internet access requiredSadly I need an ios app, as well as android. Someone else mentioned Berty which seems to be similar but with android and ios apps.
Plus briar will work with no internet, and just mesh Bluetooth for message passing instead.