diff --git a/bitchat.xcodeproj/project.pbxproj b/bitchat.xcodeproj/project.pbxproj
index 7b48f1b4..d372e4a2 100644
--- a/bitchat.xcodeproj/project.pbxproj
+++ b/bitchat.xcodeproj/project.pbxproj
@@ -8,6 +8,10 @@
 
 /* Begin PBXBuildFile section */
 		0245710AEAA58AD0A1425234 /* OptimizedBloomFilter.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = CB043CA5EEB9AC8B07D61E97 /* OptimizedBloomFilter.swift */; };
+		04636BBA2E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryEncodingUtils.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 04636BB82E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryEncodingUtils.swift */; };
+		04636BBB2E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryMessageHandler.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 04636BB92E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryMessageHandler.swift */; };
+		04636BBC2E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryEncodingUtils.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 04636BB82E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryEncodingUtils.swift */; };
+		04636BBD2E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryMessageHandler.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 04636BB92E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryMessageHandler.swift */; };
 		04891CA92E22971E0064A111 /* LRUCache.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 04891CA82E22971E0064A111 /* LRUCache.swift */; };
 		04891CAA2E22971E0064A111 /* LRUCache.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 04891CA82E22971E0064A111 /* LRUCache.swift */; };
 		04AD0B4E2E25B9580002A40A /* IdentityModels.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 6E2446380E7A44E49A35B664 /* IdentityModels.swift */; };
@@ -149,6 +153,8 @@
 /* Begin PBXFileReference section */
 		036A1A705AAF9EC21F4354BE /* PasswordProtectedChannelTests.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = PasswordProtectedChannelTests.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
 		03C57F452B55FD0FD8F51421 /* bitchatTests_macOS.xctest */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; explicitFileType = wrapper.cfbundle; includeInIndex = 0; path = bitchatTests_macOS.xctest; sourceTree = BUILT_PRODUCTS_DIR; };
+		04636BB82E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryEncodingUtils.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = BinaryEncodingUtils.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
+		04636BB92E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryMessageHandler.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = BinaryMessageHandler.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
 		04891CA82E22971E0064A111 /* LRUCache.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = LRUCache.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
 		04AD0B502E2678220002A40A /* BinaryProtocolVersionTests.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = BinaryProtocolVersionTests.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
 		04AD0B512E2678220002A40A /* ProtocolVersionNegotiationTests.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = ProtocolVersionNegotiationTests.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
@@ -320,6 +326,8 @@
 		ADD53BCDA233C02E53458926 /* Protocols */ = {
 			isa = PBXGroup;
 			children = (
+				04636BB82E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryEncodingUtils.swift */,
+				04636BB92E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryMessageHandler.swift */,
 				A2136C3E22D02D4A8DBE7EAB /* BinaryProtocol.swift */,
 				229F17B68CFF7AB1BC91C847 /* BitchatProtocol.swift */,
 			);
@@ -566,6 +574,8 @@
 				04B6BA792E2166A50090FE39 /* NoiseTestingHelper.swift in Sources */,
 				04B6BA7A2E2166A50090FE39 /* SecurityLogger.swift in Sources */,
 				FB8819B4C84FAFEF5C36B216 /* KeychainManager.swift in Sources */,
+				04636BBA2E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryEncodingUtils.swift in Sources */,
+				04636BBB2E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryMessageHandler.swift in Sources */,
 				04AD0B4E2E25B9580002A40A /* IdentityModels.swift in Sources */,
 				04AD0B4F2E25B9580002A40A /* SecureIdentityStateManager.swift in Sources */,
 				31D147471B9F4E2815352DDA /* LinkPreviewView.swift in Sources */,
@@ -601,6 +611,8 @@
 				04B6BA7B2E2166A50090FE39 /* NoiseTestingHelper.swift in Sources */,
 				04B6BA7C2E2166A50090FE39 /* SecurityLogger.swift in Sources */,
 				8F737CE0435792CC2AD65FCB /* KeychainManager.swift in Sources */,
+				04636BBC2E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryEncodingUtils.swift in Sources */,
+				04636BBD2E2FAA1700FBCFA8 /* BinaryMessageHandler.swift in Sources */,
 				0FBC81FF78CF4711B78E092A /* IdentityModels.swift in Sources */,
 				1AF9F9036DEE42408D557A87 /* SecureIdentityStateManager.swift in Sources */,
 				7A5B1AB5642FEC168E917949 /* LinkPreviewView.swift in Sources */,
diff --git a/bitchat/Protocols/BinaryEncodingUtils.swift b/bitchat/Protocols/BinaryEncodingUtils.swift
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..5d7ef4ee
--- /dev/null
+++ b/bitchat/Protocols/BinaryEncodingUtils.swift
@@ -0,0 +1,244 @@
+//
+// BinaryEncodingUtils.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Binary encoding utilities for efficient protocol messages
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+// MARK: - Hex Encoding/Decoding
+
+extension Data {
+    func hexEncodedString() -> String {
+        if self.isEmpty {
+            return ""
+        }
+        return self.map { String(format: "%02x", $0) }.joined()
+    }
+    
+    init?(hexString: String) {
+        let len = hexString.count / 2
+        var data = Data(capacity: len)
+        var index = hexString.startIndex
+        
+        for _ in 0..<len {
+            let nextIndex = hexString.index(index, offsetBy: 2)
+            guard let byte = UInt8(String(hexString[index..<nextIndex]), radix: 16) else {
+                return nil
+            }
+            data.append(byte)
+            index = nextIndex
+        }
+        
+        self = data
+    }
+}
+
+// MARK: - Binary Encoding Utilities
+
+extension Data {
+    // MARK: Writing
+    
+    mutating func appendUInt8(_ value: UInt8) {
+        self.append(value)
+    }
+    
+    mutating func appendUInt16(_ value: UInt16) {
+        self.append(UInt8((value >> 8) & 0xFF))
+        self.append(UInt8(value & 0xFF))
+    }
+    
+    mutating func appendUInt32(_ value: UInt32) {
+        self.append(UInt8((value >> 24) & 0xFF))
+        self.append(UInt8((value >> 16) & 0xFF))
+        self.append(UInt8((value >> 8) & 0xFF))
+        self.append(UInt8(value & 0xFF))
+    }
+    
+    mutating func appendUInt64(_ value: UInt64) {
+        for i in (0..<8).reversed() {
+            self.append(UInt8((value >> (i * 8)) & 0xFF))
+        }
+    }
+    
+    mutating func appendString(_ string: String, maxLength: Int = 255) {
+        guard let data = string.data(using: .utf8) else { return }
+        let length = Swift.min(data.count, maxLength)
+        
+        if maxLength <= 255 {
+            self.append(UInt8(length))
+        } else {
+            self.appendUInt16(UInt16(length))
+        }
+        
+        self.append(data.prefix(length))
+    }
+    
+    mutating func appendData(_ data: Data, maxLength: Int = 65535) {
+        let length = Swift.min(data.count, maxLength)
+        
+        if maxLength <= 255 {
+            self.append(UInt8(length))
+        } else {
+            self.appendUInt16(UInt16(length))
+        }
+        
+        self.append(data.prefix(length))
+    }
+    
+    mutating func appendDate(_ date: Date) {
+        let timestamp = UInt64(date.timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000) // milliseconds
+        self.appendUInt64(timestamp)
+    }
+    
+    mutating func appendUUID(_ uuid: String) {
+        // Convert UUID string to 16 bytes
+        var uuidData = Data(count: 16)
+        
+        let cleanUUID = uuid.replacingOccurrences(of: "-", with: "")
+        var index = cleanUUID.startIndex
+        
+        for i in 0..<16 {
+            guard index < cleanUUID.endIndex else { break }
+            let nextIndex = cleanUUID.index(index, offsetBy: 2)
+            if let byte = UInt8(String(cleanUUID[index..<nextIndex]), radix: 16) {
+                uuidData[i] = byte
+            }
+            index = nextIndex
+        }
+        
+        self.append(uuidData)
+    }
+    
+    // MARK: Reading
+    
+    func readUInt8(at offset: inout Int) -> UInt8? {
+        guard offset >= 0 && offset < self.count else { return nil }
+        let value = self[offset]
+        offset += 1
+        return value
+    }
+    
+    func readUInt16(at offset: inout Int) -> UInt16? {
+        guard offset + 2 <= self.count else { return nil }
+        let value = UInt16(self[offset]) << 8 | UInt16(self[offset + 1])
+        offset += 2
+        return value
+    }
+    
+    func readUInt32(at offset: inout Int) -> UInt32? {
+        guard offset + 4 <= self.count else { return nil }
+        let value = UInt32(self[offset]) << 24 |
+                   UInt32(self[offset + 1]) << 16 |
+                   UInt32(self[offset + 2]) << 8 |
+                   UInt32(self[offset + 3])
+        offset += 4
+        return value
+    }
+    
+    func readUInt64(at offset: inout Int) -> UInt64? {
+        guard offset + 8 <= self.count else { return nil }
+        var value: UInt64 = 0
+        for i in 0..<8 {
+            value = (value << 8) | UInt64(self[offset + i])
+        }
+        offset += 8
+        return value
+    }
+    
+    func readString(at offset: inout Int, maxLength: Int = 255) -> String? {
+        let length: Int
+        
+        if maxLength <= 255 {
+            guard let len = readUInt8(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+            length = Int(len)
+        } else {
+            guard let len = readUInt16(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+            length = Int(len)
+        }
+        
+        guard offset + length <= self.count else { return nil }
+        
+        let stringData = self[offset..<offset + length]
+        offset += length
+        
+        return String(data: stringData, encoding: .utf8)
+    }
+    
+    func readData(at offset: inout Int, maxLength: Int = 65535) -> Data? {
+        let length: Int
+        
+        if maxLength <= 255 {
+            guard let len = readUInt8(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+            length = Int(len)
+        } else {
+            guard let len = readUInt16(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+            length = Int(len)
+        }
+        
+        guard offset + length <= self.count else { return nil }
+        
+        let data = self[offset..<offset + length]
+        offset += length
+        
+        return data
+    }
+    
+    func readDate(at offset: inout Int) -> Date? {
+        guard let timestamp = readUInt64(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        return Date(timeIntervalSince1970: Double(timestamp) / 1000.0)
+    }
+    
+    func readUUID(at offset: inout Int) -> String? {
+        guard offset + 16 <= self.count else { return nil }
+        
+        let uuidData = self[offset..<offset + 16]
+        offset += 16
+        
+        // Convert 16 bytes to UUID string format
+        let uuid = uuidData.map { String(format: "%02x", $0) }.joined()
+        
+        // Insert hyphens at proper positions: 8-4-4-4-12
+        var result = ""
+        for (index, char) in uuid.enumerated() {
+            if index == 8 || index == 12 || index == 16 || index == 20 {
+                result += "-"
+            }
+            result.append(char)
+        }
+        
+        return result.uppercased()
+    }
+    
+    func readFixedBytes(at offset: inout Int, count: Int) -> Data? {
+        guard offset + count <= self.count else { return nil }
+        
+        let data = self[offset..<offset + count]
+        offset += count
+        
+        return data
+    }
+}
+
+// MARK: - Binary Message Protocol
+
+protocol BinaryEncodable {
+    func toBinaryData() -> Data
+    static func fromBinaryData(_ data: Data) -> Self?
+}
+
+// MARK: - Message Type Registry
+
+enum BinaryMessageType: UInt8 {
+    case deliveryAck = 0x01
+    case readReceipt = 0x02
+    case channelKeyVerifyRequest = 0x03
+    case channelKeyVerifyResponse = 0x04
+    case channelPasswordUpdate = 0x05
+    case channelMetadata = 0x06
+    case versionHello = 0x07
+    case versionAck = 0x08
+    case noiseIdentityAnnouncement = 0x09
+    case noiseMessage = 0x0A
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/bitchat/Protocols/BinaryMessageHandler.swift b/bitchat/Protocols/BinaryMessageHandler.swift
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..8c5241fa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/bitchat/Protocols/BinaryMessageHandler.swift
@@ -0,0 +1,124 @@
+//
+// BinaryMessageHandler.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Unified binary message encoding/decoding handler
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+struct BinaryMessageHandler {
+    
+    // MARK: - Encoding
+    
+    static func encode(message: Any, type: MessageType) -> Data? {
+        switch type {
+        case .deliveryAck:
+            return (message as? DeliveryAck)?.toBinaryData()
+        case .readReceipt:
+            return (message as? ReadReceipt)?.toBinaryData()
+        case .channelKeyVerifyRequest:
+            return (message as? ChannelKeyVerifyRequest)?.toBinaryData()
+        case .channelKeyVerifyResponse:
+            return (message as? ChannelKeyVerifyResponse)?.toBinaryData()
+        case .channelPasswordUpdate:
+            return (message as? ChannelPasswordUpdate)?.toBinaryData()
+        case .channelMetadata:
+            return (message as? ChannelMetadata)?.toBinaryData()
+        case .versionHello:
+            return (message as? VersionHello)?.toBinaryData()
+        case .versionAck:
+            return (message as? VersionAck)?.toBinaryData()
+        case .noiseIdentityAnnounce:
+            return (message as? NoiseIdentityAnnouncement)?.toBinaryData()
+        case .noiseHandshakeInit, .noiseHandshakeResp:
+            // Noise handshake messages are already binary
+            return message as? Data
+        case .noiseEncrypted:
+            return (message as? NoiseMessage)?.toBinaryData()
+        default:
+            return nil
+        }
+    }
+    
+    // MARK: - Decoding
+    
+    static func decode(data: Data, type: MessageType) -> Any? {
+        switch type {
+        case .deliveryAck:
+            return DeliveryAck.fromBinaryData(data)
+        case .readReceipt:
+            return ReadReceipt.fromBinaryData(data)
+        case .channelKeyVerifyRequest:
+            return ChannelKeyVerifyRequest.fromBinaryData(data)
+        case .channelKeyVerifyResponse:
+            return ChannelKeyVerifyResponse.fromBinaryData(data)
+        case .channelPasswordUpdate:
+            return ChannelPasswordUpdate.fromBinaryData(data)
+        case .channelMetadata:
+            return ChannelMetadata.fromBinaryData(data)
+        case .versionHello:
+            return VersionHello.fromBinaryData(data)
+        case .versionAck:
+            return VersionAck.fromBinaryData(data)
+        case .noiseIdentityAnnounce:
+            return NoiseIdentityAnnouncement.fromBinaryData(data)
+        case .noiseHandshakeInit, .noiseHandshakeResp:
+            // Noise handshake messages are already binary
+            return data
+        case .noiseEncrypted:
+            return NoiseMessage.fromBinaryData(data)
+        default:
+            return nil
+        }
+    }
+    
+    // MARK: - Legacy JSON Support (for migration)
+    
+    static func decodeJSON(data: Data, type: MessageType) -> Any? {
+        switch type {
+        case .deliveryAck:
+            return DeliveryAck.decode(from: data)
+        case .readReceipt:
+            return ReadReceipt.decode(from: data)
+        case .channelKeyVerifyRequest:
+            return ChannelKeyVerifyRequest.decode(from: data)
+        case .channelKeyVerifyResponse:
+            return ChannelKeyVerifyResponse.decode(from: data)
+        case .channelPasswordUpdate:
+            return ChannelPasswordUpdate.decode(from: data)
+        case .channelMetadata:
+            return ChannelMetadata.decode(from: data)
+        case .versionHello:
+            return VersionHello.decode(from: data)
+        case .versionAck:
+            return VersionAck.decode(from: data)
+        case .noiseIdentityAnnounce:
+            return NoiseIdentityAnnouncement.decode(from: data)
+        case .noiseEncrypted:
+            return NoiseMessage.decode(from: data)
+        default:
+            return nil
+        }
+    }
+    
+    // MARK: - Format Detection
+    
+    static func isBinaryFormat(_ data: Data) -> Bool {
+        // Simple heuristic: JSON always starts with { or [
+        guard let firstByte = data.first else { return false }
+        return firstByte != 0x7B && firstByte != 0x5B // { and [
+    }
+    
+    // MARK: - Unified Decode (with fallback)
+    
+    static func decodeWithFallback(data: Data, type: MessageType) -> Any? {
+        // Try binary first
+        if let result = decode(data: data, type: type) {
+            return result
+        }
+        
+        // Fallback to JSON for backward compatibility
+        return decodeJSON(data: data, type: type)
+    }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/bitchat/Protocols/BitchatProtocol.swift b/bitchat/Protocols/BitchatProtocol.swift
index ec421a3b..8ba10368 100644
--- a/bitchat/Protocols/BitchatProtocol.swift
+++ b/bitchat/Protocols/BitchatProtocol.swift
@@ -206,6 +206,16 @@ struct DeliveryAck: Codable {
         self.hopCount = hopCount
     }
     
+    // For binary decoding
+    private init(originalMessageID: String, ackID: String, recipientID: String, recipientNickname: String, timestamp: Date, hopCount: UInt8) {
+        self.originalMessageID = originalMessageID
+        self.ackID = ackID
+        self.recipientID = recipientID
+        self.recipientNickname = recipientNickname
+        self.timestamp = timestamp
+        self.hopCount = hopCount
+    }
+    
     func encode() -> Data? {
         try? JSONEncoder().encode(self)
     }
@@ -213,6 +223,59 @@ struct DeliveryAck: Codable {
     static func decode(from data: Data) -> DeliveryAck? {
         try? JSONDecoder().decode(DeliveryAck.self, from: data)
     }
+    
+    // MARK: - Binary Encoding
+    
+    func toBinaryData() -> Data {
+        var data = Data()
+        data.appendUUID(originalMessageID)
+        data.appendUUID(ackID)
+        // RecipientID as 8-byte hex string
+        var recipientData = Data()
+        var tempID = recipientID
+        while tempID.count >= 2 && recipientData.count < 8 {
+            let hexByte = String(tempID.prefix(2))
+            if let byte = UInt8(hexByte, radix: 16) {
+                recipientData.append(byte)
+            }
+            tempID = String(tempID.dropFirst(2))
+        }
+        while recipientData.count < 8 {
+            recipientData.append(0)
+        }
+        data.append(recipientData)
+        data.appendUInt8(hopCount)
+        data.appendDate(timestamp)
+        data.appendString(recipientNickname)
+        return data
+    }
+    
+    static func fromBinaryData(_ data: Data) -> DeliveryAck? {
+        // Create defensive copy
+        let dataCopy = Data(data)
+        
+        // Minimum size: 2 UUIDs (32) + recipientID (8) + hopCount (1) + timestamp (8) + min nickname
+        guard dataCopy.count >= 50 else { return nil }
+        
+        var offset = 0
+        
+        guard let originalMessageID = dataCopy.readUUID(at: &offset),
+              let ackID = dataCopy.readUUID(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        guard let recipientIDData = dataCopy.readFixedBytes(at: &offset, count: 8) else { return nil }
+        let recipientID = recipientIDData.hexEncodedString()
+        
+        guard let hopCount = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset),
+              let timestamp = dataCopy.readDate(at: &offset),
+              let recipientNickname = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        return DeliveryAck(originalMessageID: originalMessageID,
+                           ackID: ackID,
+                           recipientID: recipientID,
+                           recipientNickname: recipientNickname,
+                           timestamp: timestamp,
+                           hopCount: hopCount)
+    }
 }
 
 // Read receipt structure
@@ -231,6 +294,15 @@ struct ReadReceipt: Codable {
         self.timestamp = Date()
     }
     
+    // For binary decoding
+    private init(originalMessageID: String, receiptID: String, readerID: String, readerNickname: String, timestamp: Date) {
+        self.originalMessageID = originalMessageID
+        self.receiptID = receiptID
+        self.readerID = readerID
+        self.readerNickname = readerNickname
+        self.timestamp = timestamp
+    }
+    
     func encode() -> Data? {
         try? JSONEncoder().encode(self)
     }
@@ -238,6 +310,56 @@ struct ReadReceipt: Codable {
     static func decode(from data: Data) -> ReadReceipt? {
         try? JSONDecoder().decode(ReadReceipt.self, from: data)
     }
+    
+    // MARK: - Binary Encoding
+    
+    func toBinaryData() -> Data {
+        var data = Data()
+        data.appendUUID(originalMessageID)
+        data.appendUUID(receiptID)
+        // ReaderID as 8-byte hex string
+        var readerData = Data()
+        var tempID = readerID
+        while tempID.count >= 2 && readerData.count < 8 {
+            let hexByte = String(tempID.prefix(2))
+            if let byte = UInt8(hexByte, radix: 16) {
+                readerData.append(byte)
+            }
+            tempID = String(tempID.dropFirst(2))
+        }
+        while readerData.count < 8 {
+            readerData.append(0)
+        }
+        data.append(readerData)
+        data.appendDate(timestamp)
+        data.appendString(readerNickname)
+        return data
+    }
+    
+    static func fromBinaryData(_ data: Data) -> ReadReceipt? {
+        // Create defensive copy
+        let dataCopy = Data(data)
+        
+        // Minimum size: 2 UUIDs (32) + readerID (8) + timestamp (8) + min nickname
+        guard dataCopy.count >= 49 else { return nil }
+        
+        var offset = 0
+        
+        guard let originalMessageID = dataCopy.readUUID(at: &offset),
+              let receiptID = dataCopy.readUUID(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        guard let readerIDData = dataCopy.readFixedBytes(at: &offset, count: 8) else { return nil }
+        let readerID = readerIDData.hexEncodedString()
+        
+        guard let timestamp = dataCopy.readDate(at: &offset),
+              let readerNickname = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        return ReadReceipt(originalMessageID: originalMessageID,
+                          receiptID: receiptID,
+                          readerID: readerID,
+                          readerNickname: readerNickname,
+                          timestamp: timestamp)
+    }
 }
 
 // Channel key verification request
@@ -254,6 +376,14 @@ struct ChannelKeyVerifyRequest: Codable {
         self.timestamp = Date()
     }
     
+    // For binary decoding
+    private init(channel: String, requesterID: String, keyCommitment: String, timestamp: Date) {
+        self.channel = channel
+        self.requesterID = requesterID
+        self.keyCommitment = keyCommitment
+        self.timestamp = timestamp
+    }
+    
     func encode() -> Data? {
         return try? JSONEncoder().encode(self)
     }
@@ -261,6 +391,50 @@ struct ChannelKeyVerifyRequest: Codable {
     static func decode(from data: Data) -> ChannelKeyVerifyRequest? {
         try? JSONDecoder().decode(ChannelKeyVerifyRequest.self, from: data)
     }
+    
+    // MARK: - Binary Encoding
+    
+    func toBinaryData() -> Data {
+        var data = Data()
+        data.appendString(channel)
+        // RequesterID as 8-byte hex string
+        var requesterData = Data()
+        var tempID = requesterID
+        while tempID.count >= 2 && requesterData.count < 8 {
+            let hexByte = String(tempID.prefix(2))
+            if let byte = UInt8(hexByte, radix: 16) {
+                requesterData.append(byte)
+            }
+            tempID = String(tempID.dropFirst(2))
+        }
+        while requesterData.count < 8 {
+            requesterData.append(0)
+        }
+        data.append(requesterData)
+        data.appendString(keyCommitment)
+        data.appendDate(timestamp)
+        return data
+    }
+    
+    static func fromBinaryData(_ data: Data) -> ChannelKeyVerifyRequest? {
+        // Create defensive copy
+        let dataCopy = Data(data)
+        
+        var offset = 0
+        
+        guard let channel = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        guard let requesterIDData = dataCopy.readFixedBytes(at: &offset, count: 8) else { return nil }
+        let requesterID = requesterIDData.hexEncodedString()
+        
+        guard let keyCommitment = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset),
+              let timestamp = dataCopy.readDate(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        return ChannelKeyVerifyRequest(channel: channel,
+                                       requesterID: requesterID,
+                                       keyCommitment: keyCommitment,
+                                       timestamp: timestamp)
+    }
 }
 
 // Channel key verification response
@@ -277,6 +451,14 @@ struct ChannelKeyVerifyResponse: Codable {
         self.timestamp = Date()
     }
     
+    // For binary decoding
+    private init(channel: String, responderID: String, verified: Bool, timestamp: Date) {
+        self.channel = channel
+        self.responderID = responderID
+        self.verified = verified
+        self.timestamp = timestamp
+    }
+    
     func encode() -> Data? {
         return try? JSONEncoder().encode(self)
     }
@@ -284,6 +466,52 @@ struct ChannelKeyVerifyResponse: Codable {
     static func decode(from data: Data) -> ChannelKeyVerifyResponse? {
         try? JSONDecoder().decode(ChannelKeyVerifyResponse.self, from: data)
     }
+    
+    // MARK: - Binary Encoding
+    
+    func toBinaryData() -> Data {
+        var data = Data()
+        data.appendString(channel)
+        // ResponderID as 8-byte hex string
+        var responderData = Data()
+        var tempID = responderID
+        while tempID.count >= 2 && responderData.count < 8 {
+            let hexByte = String(tempID.prefix(2))
+            if let byte = UInt8(hexByte, radix: 16) {
+                responderData.append(byte)
+            }
+            tempID = String(tempID.dropFirst(2))
+        }
+        while responderData.count < 8 {
+            responderData.append(0)
+        }
+        data.append(responderData)
+        data.appendUInt8(verified ? 1 : 0)
+        data.appendDate(timestamp)
+        return data
+    }
+    
+    static func fromBinaryData(_ data: Data) -> ChannelKeyVerifyResponse? {
+        // Create defensive copy
+        let dataCopy = Data(data)
+        
+        var offset = 0
+        
+        guard let channel = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        guard let responderIDData = dataCopy.readFixedBytes(at: &offset, count: 8) else { return nil }
+        let responderID = responderIDData.hexEncodedString()
+        
+        guard let verifiedByte = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset),
+              let timestamp = dataCopy.readDate(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        let verified = verifiedByte != 0
+        
+        return ChannelKeyVerifyResponse(channel: channel,
+                                        responderID: responderID,
+                                        verified: verified,
+                                        timestamp: timestamp)
+    }
 }
 
 // Channel password update (sent by owner to members)
@@ -304,6 +532,16 @@ struct ChannelPasswordUpdate: Codable {
         self.timestamp = Date()
     }
     
+    // For binary decoding
+    private init(channel: String, ownerID: String, ownerFingerprint: String, encryptedPassword: Data, newKeyCommitment: String, timestamp: Date) {
+        self.channel = channel
+        self.ownerID = ownerID
+        self.ownerFingerprint = ownerFingerprint
+        self.encryptedPassword = encryptedPassword
+        self.newKeyCommitment = newKeyCommitment
+        self.timestamp = timestamp
+    }
+    
     func encode() -> Data? {
         return try? JSONEncoder().encode(self)
     }
@@ -311,6 +549,56 @@ struct ChannelPasswordUpdate: Codable {
     static func decode(from data: Data) -> ChannelPasswordUpdate? {
         try? JSONDecoder().decode(ChannelPasswordUpdate.self, from: data)
     }
+    
+    // MARK: - Binary Encoding
+    
+    func toBinaryData() -> Data {
+        var data = Data()
+        data.appendString(channel)
+        // OwnerID as 8-byte hex string
+        var ownerData = Data()
+        var tempID = ownerID
+        while tempID.count >= 2 && ownerData.count < 8 {
+            let hexByte = String(tempID.prefix(2))
+            if let byte = UInt8(hexByte, radix: 16) {
+                ownerData.append(byte)
+            }
+            tempID = String(tempID.dropFirst(2))
+        }
+        while ownerData.count < 8 {
+            ownerData.append(0)
+        }
+        data.append(ownerData)
+        data.appendString(ownerFingerprint)
+        data.appendData(encryptedPassword)
+        data.appendString(newKeyCommitment)
+        data.appendDate(timestamp)
+        return data
+    }
+    
+    static func fromBinaryData(_ data: Data) -> ChannelPasswordUpdate? {
+        // Create defensive copy
+        let dataCopy = Data(data)
+        
+        var offset = 0
+        
+        guard let channel = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        guard let ownerIDData = dataCopy.readFixedBytes(at: &offset, count: 8) else { return nil }
+        let ownerID = ownerIDData.hexEncodedString()
+        
+        guard let ownerFingerprint = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset),
+              let encryptedPassword = dataCopy.readData(at: &offset),
+              let newKeyCommitment = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset),
+              let timestamp = dataCopy.readDate(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        return ChannelPasswordUpdate(channel: channel,
+                                     ownerID: ownerID,
+                                     ownerFingerprint: ownerFingerprint,
+                                     encryptedPassword: encryptedPassword,
+                                     newKeyCommitment: newKeyCommitment,
+                                     timestamp: timestamp)
+    }
 }
 
 // Channel metadata announcement
@@ -331,6 +619,16 @@ struct ChannelMetadata: Codable {
         self.keyCommitment = keyCommitment
     }
     
+    // For binary decoding
+    private init(channel: String, creatorID: String, creatorFingerprint: String, createdAt: Date, isPasswordProtected: Bool, keyCommitment: String?) {
+        self.channel = channel
+        self.creatorID = creatorID
+        self.creatorFingerprint = creatorFingerprint
+        self.createdAt = createdAt
+        self.isPasswordProtected = isPasswordProtected
+        self.keyCommitment = keyCommitment
+    }
+    
     func encode() -> Data? {
         return try? JSONEncoder().encode(self)
     }
@@ -338,6 +636,75 @@ struct ChannelMetadata: Codable {
     static func decode(from data: Data) -> ChannelMetadata? {
         try? JSONDecoder().decode(ChannelMetadata.self, from: data)
     }
+    
+    // MARK: - Binary Encoding
+    
+    func toBinaryData() -> Data {
+        var data = Data()
+        
+        // Flags byte: bit 0 = hasKeyCommitment
+        var flags: UInt8 = 0
+        if keyCommitment != nil { flags |= 0x01 }
+        data.appendUInt8(flags)
+        
+        data.appendString(channel)
+        // CreatorID as 8-byte hex string
+        var creatorData = Data()
+        var tempID = creatorID
+        while tempID.count >= 2 && creatorData.count < 8 {
+            let hexByte = String(tempID.prefix(2))
+            if let byte = UInt8(hexByte, radix: 16) {
+                creatorData.append(byte)
+            }
+            tempID = String(tempID.dropFirst(2))
+        }
+        while creatorData.count < 8 {
+            creatorData.append(0)
+        }
+        data.append(creatorData)
+        data.appendString(creatorFingerprint)
+        data.appendDate(createdAt)
+        data.appendUInt8(isPasswordProtected ? 1 : 0)
+        
+        if let keyCommitment = keyCommitment {
+            data.appendString(keyCommitment)
+        }
+        
+        return data
+    }
+    
+    static func fromBinaryData(_ data: Data) -> ChannelMetadata? {
+        // Create defensive copy
+        let dataCopy = Data(data)
+        
+        var offset = 0
+        
+        guard let flags = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        let hasKeyCommitment = (flags & 0x01) != 0
+        
+        guard let channel = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        guard let creatorIDData = dataCopy.readFixedBytes(at: &offset, count: 8) else { return nil }
+        let creatorID = creatorIDData.hexEncodedString()
+        
+        guard let creatorFingerprint = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset),
+              let createdAt = dataCopy.readDate(at: &offset),
+              let isPasswordProtectedByte = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        let isPasswordProtected = isPasswordProtectedByte != 0
+        
+        var keyCommitment: String? = nil
+        if hasKeyCommitment {
+            keyCommitment = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset)
+        }
+        
+        return ChannelMetadata(channel: channel,
+                              creatorID: creatorID,
+                              creatorFingerprint: creatorFingerprint,
+                              createdAt: createdAt,
+                              isPasswordProtected: isPasswordProtected,
+                              keyCommitment: keyCommitment)
+    }
 }
 
 // MARK: - Peer Identity Rotation
@@ -369,6 +736,97 @@ struct NoiseIdentityAnnouncement: Codable {
     static func decode(from data: Data) -> NoiseIdentityAnnouncement? {
         return try? JSONDecoder().decode(NoiseIdentityAnnouncement.self, from: data)
     }
+    
+    // MARK: - Binary Encoding
+    
+    func toBinaryData() -> Data {
+        var data = Data()
+        
+        // Flags byte: bit 0 = hasPreviousPeerID
+        var flags: UInt8 = 0
+        if previousPeerID != nil { flags |= 0x01 }
+        data.appendUInt8(flags)
+        
+        // PeerID as 8-byte hex string
+        var peerData = Data()
+        var tempID = peerID
+        while tempID.count >= 2 && peerData.count < 8 {
+            let hexByte = String(tempID.prefix(2))
+            if let byte = UInt8(hexByte, radix: 16) {
+                peerData.append(byte)
+            }
+            tempID = String(tempID.dropFirst(2))
+        }
+        while peerData.count < 8 {
+            peerData.append(0)
+        }
+        data.append(peerData)
+        
+        data.appendData(publicKey)
+        data.appendData(signingPublicKey)
+        data.appendString(nickname)
+        data.appendDate(timestamp)
+        
+        if let previousPeerID = previousPeerID {
+            // Previous PeerID as 8-byte hex string
+            var prevData = Data()
+            var tempPrevID = previousPeerID
+            while tempPrevID.count >= 2 && prevData.count < 8 {
+                let hexByte = String(tempPrevID.prefix(2))
+                if let byte = UInt8(hexByte, radix: 16) {
+                    prevData.append(byte)
+                }
+                tempPrevID = String(tempPrevID.dropFirst(2))
+            }
+            while prevData.count < 8 {
+                prevData.append(0)
+            }
+            data.append(prevData)
+        }
+        
+        data.appendData(signature)
+        
+        return data
+    }
+    
+    static func fromBinaryData(_ data: Data) -> NoiseIdentityAnnouncement? {
+        // Create defensive copy
+        let dataCopy = Data(data)
+        
+        // Minimum size check: flags(1) + peerID(8) + min data lengths
+        guard dataCopy.count >= 20 else { return nil }
+        
+        var offset = 0
+        
+        guard let flags = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        let hasPreviousPeerID = (flags & 0x01) != 0
+        
+        // Read peerID using safe method
+        guard let peerIDBytes = dataCopy.readFixedBytes(at: &offset, count: 8) else { return nil }
+        let peerID = peerIDBytes.hexEncodedString()
+        
+        guard let publicKey = dataCopy.readData(at: &offset),
+              let signingPublicKey = dataCopy.readData(at: &offset),
+              let nickname = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset),
+              let timestamp = dataCopy.readDate(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        var previousPeerID: String? = nil
+        if hasPreviousPeerID {
+            // Read previousPeerID using safe method
+            guard let prevIDBytes = dataCopy.readFixedBytes(at: &offset, count: 8) else { return nil }
+            previousPeerID = prevIDBytes.hexEncodedString()
+        }
+        
+        guard let signature = dataCopy.readData(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        return NoiseIdentityAnnouncement(peerID: peerID,
+                                        publicKey: publicKey,
+                                        signingPublicKey: signingPublicKey,
+                                        nickname: nickname,
+                                        timestamp: timestamp,
+                                        previousPeerID: previousPeerID,
+                                        signature: signature)
+    }
 }
 
 // Binding between ephemeral peer ID and cryptographic identity
@@ -447,6 +905,76 @@ struct VersionHello: Codable {
     static func decode(from data: Data) -> VersionHello? {
         try? JSONDecoder().decode(VersionHello.self, from: data)
     }
+    
+    // MARK: - Binary Encoding
+    
+    func toBinaryData() -> Data {
+        var data = Data()
+        
+        // Flags byte: bit 0 = hasCapabilities
+        var flags: UInt8 = 0
+        if capabilities != nil { flags |= 0x01 }
+        data.appendUInt8(flags)
+        
+        // Supported versions array
+        data.appendUInt8(UInt8(supportedVersions.count))
+        for version in supportedVersions {
+            data.appendUInt8(version)
+        }
+        
+        data.appendUInt8(preferredVersion)
+        data.appendString(clientVersion)
+        data.appendString(platform)
+        
+        if let capabilities = capabilities {
+            data.appendUInt8(UInt8(capabilities.count))
+            for capability in capabilities {
+                data.appendString(capability)
+            }
+        }
+        
+        return data
+    }
+    
+    static func fromBinaryData(_ data: Data) -> VersionHello? {
+        // Create defensive copy
+        let dataCopy = Data(data)
+        
+        // Minimum size check: flags(1) + versionCount(1) + at least one version(1) + preferredVersion(1) + min strings
+        guard dataCopy.count >= 4 else { return nil }
+        
+        var offset = 0
+        
+        guard let flags = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        let hasCapabilities = (flags & 0x01) != 0
+        
+        guard let versionCount = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        var supportedVersions: [UInt8] = []
+        for _ in 0..<versionCount {
+            guard let version = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+            supportedVersions.append(version)
+        }
+        
+        guard let preferredVersion = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset),
+              let clientVersion = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset),
+              let platform = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        var capabilities: [String]? = nil
+        if hasCapabilities {
+            guard let capCount = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+            capabilities = []
+            for _ in 0..<capCount {
+                guard let capability = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+                capabilities?.append(capability)
+            }
+        }
+        
+        return VersionHello(supportedVersions: supportedVersions,
+                           preferredVersion: preferredVersion,
+                           clientVersion: clientVersion,
+                           platform: platform,
+                           capabilities: capabilities)
+    }
 }
 
 // Version negotiation acknowledgment
@@ -479,6 +1007,79 @@ struct VersionAck: Codable {
     static func decode(from data: Data) -> VersionAck? {
         try? JSONDecoder().decode(VersionAck.self, from: data)
     }
+    
+    // MARK: - Binary Encoding
+    
+    func toBinaryData() -> Data {
+        var data = Data()
+        
+        // Flags byte: bit 0 = hasCapabilities, bit 1 = hasReason
+        var flags: UInt8 = 0
+        if capabilities != nil { flags |= 0x01 }
+        if reason != nil { flags |= 0x02 }
+        data.appendUInt8(flags)
+        
+        data.appendUInt8(agreedVersion)
+        data.appendString(serverVersion)
+        data.appendString(platform)
+        data.appendUInt8(rejected ? 1 : 0)
+        
+        if let capabilities = capabilities {
+            data.appendUInt8(UInt8(capabilities.count))
+            for capability in capabilities {
+                data.appendString(capability)
+            }
+        }
+        
+        if let reason = reason {
+            data.appendString(reason)
+        }
+        
+        return data
+    }
+    
+    static func fromBinaryData(_ data: Data) -> VersionAck? {
+        // Create defensive copy
+        let dataCopy = Data(data)
+        
+        // Minimum size: flags(1) + version(1) + rejected(1) + min strings
+        guard dataCopy.count >= 5 else { return nil }
+        
+        var offset = 0
+        
+        guard let flags = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        let hasCapabilities = (flags & 0x01) != 0
+        let hasReason = (flags & 0x02) != 0
+        
+        guard let agreedVersion = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset),
+              let serverVersion = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset),
+              let platform = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset),
+              let rejectedByte = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        let rejected = rejectedByte != 0
+        
+        var capabilities: [String]? = nil
+        if hasCapabilities {
+            guard let capCount = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+            capabilities = []
+            for _ in 0..<capCount {
+                guard let capability = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+                capabilities?.append(capability)
+            }
+        }
+        
+        var reason: String? = nil
+        if hasReason {
+            reason = dataCopy.readString(at: &offset)
+        }
+        
+        return VersionAck(agreedVersion: agreedVersion,
+                         serverVersion: serverVersion,
+                         platform: platform,
+                         capabilities: capabilities,
+                         rejected: rejected,
+                         reason: reason)
+    }
 }
 
 // Delivery status for messages
diff --git a/bitchat/Services/BluetoothMeshService.swift b/bitchat/Services/BluetoothMeshService.swift
index 426fc9bb..f26072c2 100644
--- a/bitchat/Services/BluetoothMeshService.swift
+++ b/bitchat/Services/BluetoothMeshService.swift
@@ -18,32 +18,7 @@ import IOKit.ps
 import UIKit
 #endif
 
-// Extension for hex encoding/decoding
-extension Data {
-    func hexEncodedString() -> String {
-        if self.isEmpty {
-            return ""
-        }
-        return self.map { String(format: "%02x", $0) }.joined()
-    }
-    
-    init?(hexString: String) {
-        let len = hexString.count / 2
-        var data = Data(capacity: len)
-        var index = hexString.startIndex
-        
-        for _ in 0..<len {
-            let nextIndex = hexString.index(index, offsetBy: 2)
-            guard let byte = UInt8(String(hexString[index..<nextIndex]), radix: 16) else {
-                return nil
-            }
-            data.append(byte)
-            index = nextIndex
-        }
-        
-        self = data
-    }
-}
+// Hex encoding/decoding is now in BinaryEncodingUtils.swift
 
 // Extension for TimeInterval to Data conversion
 extension TimeInterval {
@@ -928,9 +903,8 @@ class BluetoothMeshService: NSObject {
             guard let self = self else { return }
             
             // Encode the ACK
-            guard let ackData = ack.encode() else {
-                return
-            }
+            let ackData = ack.toBinaryData()
+            print("📤 Sending delivery ACK for message \(ack.originalMessageID) to \(recipientID) - binary size: \(ackData.count)")
             
             // Check if we have a Noise session with this peer
             // Use noiseService directly
@@ -995,9 +969,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService: NSObject {
             guard let self = self else { return }
             
             // Encode the receipt
-            guard let receiptData = receipt.encode() else {
-                return
-            }
+            let receiptData = receipt.toBinaryData()
             
             // Check if we have a Noise session with this peer
             // Use noiseService directly
@@ -1090,7 +1062,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService: NSObject {
         messageQueue.async { [weak self] in
             guard let self = self else { return }
             
-            guard let metadataData = metadata.encode() else { return }
+            let metadataData = metadata.toBinaryData()
             
             let packet = BitchatPacket(
                 type: MessageType.channelMetadata.rawValue,
@@ -1808,6 +1780,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService: NSObject {
                                 myNickname: myNickname,
                                 hopCount: UInt8(self.maxTTL - packet.ttl)
                             ) {
+                                print("🔔 Generating delivery ACK for channel mention message \(messageWithPeerID.id)")
                                 self.sendDeliveryAck(ack, to: senderID)
                             }
                         }
@@ -1902,6 +1875,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService: NSObject {
                             myNickname: myNickname,
                             hopCount: UInt8(self.maxTTL - packet.ttl)
                         ) {
+                            print("💬 Generating delivery ACK for private message \(messageWithPeerID.id) from \(senderID)")
                             self.sendDeliveryAck(ack, to: senderID)
                         }
                     } else {
@@ -2222,11 +2196,19 @@ class BluetoothMeshService: NSObject {
                 // This ACK is for us
                 let senderID = packet.senderID.hexEncodedString()
                 // Check if payload is already decrypted (came through Noise)
-                    if let ack = DeliveryAck.decode(from: packet.payload) {
+                    if let ack = DeliveryAck.fromBinaryData(packet.payload) {
                         // Already decrypted - process directly
                         DeliveryTracker.shared.processDeliveryAck(ack)
                         
                         
+                        // Notify delegate
+                        DispatchQueue.main.async {
+                            self.delegate?.didReceiveDeliveryAck(ack)
+                        }
+                    } else if let ack = DeliveryAck.decode(from: packet.payload) {
+                        // Fallback to JSON for backward compatibility
+                        DeliveryTracker.shared.processDeliveryAck(ack)
+                        
                         // Notify delegate
                         DispatchQueue.main.async {
                             self.delegate?.didReceiveDeliveryAck(ack)
@@ -2235,11 +2217,19 @@ class BluetoothMeshService: NSObject {
                         // Try legacy decryption
                         do {
                             let decryptedData = try noiseService.decrypt(packet.payload, from: senderID)
-                            if let ack = DeliveryAck.decode(from: decryptedData) {
+                            if let ack = DeliveryAck.fromBinaryData(decryptedData) {
                                 // Process the ACK
                                 DeliveryTracker.shared.processDeliveryAck(ack)
                                 
                                 
+                                // Notify delegate
+                                DispatchQueue.main.async {
+                                    self.delegate?.didReceiveDeliveryAck(ack)
+                                }
+                            } else if let ack = DeliveryAck.decode(from: decryptedData) {
+                                // Fallback to JSON
+                                DeliveryTracker.shared.processDeliveryAck(ack)
+                                
                                 // Notify delegate
                                 DispatchQueue.main.async {
                                     self.delegate?.didReceiveDeliveryAck(ack)
@@ -2270,20 +2260,30 @@ class BluetoothMeshService: NSObject {
                 // This read receipt is for us
                 let senderID = packet.senderID.hexEncodedString()
                 // Check if payload is already decrypted (came through Noise)
-                    if let receipt = ReadReceipt.decode(from: packet.payload) {
+                    if let receipt = ReadReceipt.fromBinaryData(packet.payload) {
                         // Already decrypted - process directly
                         DispatchQueue.main.async {
                             self.delegate?.didReceiveReadReceipt(receipt)
                         }
+                    } else if let receipt = ReadReceipt.decode(from: packet.payload) {
+                        // Fallback to JSON for backward compatibility
+                        DispatchQueue.main.async {
+                            self.delegate?.didReceiveReadReceipt(receipt)
+                        }
                     } else {
                         // Try legacy decryption
                         do {
                             let decryptedData = try noiseService.decrypt(packet.payload, from: senderID)
-                            if let receipt = ReadReceipt.decode(from: decryptedData) {
+                            if let receipt = ReadReceipt.fromBinaryData(decryptedData) {
                                 // Process the read receipt
                                 DispatchQueue.main.async {
                                     self.delegate?.didReceiveReadReceipt(receipt)
                                 }
+                            } else if let receipt = ReadReceipt.decode(from: decryptedData) {
+                                // Fallback to JSON
+                                DispatchQueue.main.async {
+                                    self.delegate?.didReceiveReadReceipt(receipt)
+                                }
                             }
                         } catch {
                             // Failed to decrypt read receipt - might be from unknown sender
@@ -2300,8 +2300,24 @@ class BluetoothMeshService: NSObject {
             // Handle Noise identity announcement
             let senderID = packet.senderID.hexEncodedString()
             if senderID != myPeerID && !isPeerIDOurs(senderID) {
+                // Create defensive copy and validate
+                let payloadCopy = Data(packet.payload)
+                
+                guard !payloadCopy.isEmpty else {
+                    SecurityLogger.log("Received empty NoiseIdentityAnnouncement from \(senderID)", category: SecurityLogger.noise, level: .error)
+                    return
+                }
+                
                 // Decode the announcement
-                guard let announcement = NoiseIdentityAnnouncement.decode(from: packet.payload) else {
+                let announcement: NoiseIdentityAnnouncement?
+                if let firstByte = payloadCopy.first, firstByte == 0x7B { // '{' character - JSON
+                    announcement = NoiseIdentityAnnouncement.decode(from: payloadCopy) ?? NoiseIdentityAnnouncement.fromBinaryData(payloadCopy)
+                } else {
+                    announcement = NoiseIdentityAnnouncement.fromBinaryData(payloadCopy) ?? NoiseIdentityAnnouncement.decode(from: payloadCopy)
+                }
+                
+                guard let announcement = announcement else {
+                    SecurityLogger.log("Failed to decode NoiseIdentityAnnouncement from \(senderID), size: \(payloadCopy.count)", category: SecurityLogger.noise, level: .error)
                     return
                 }
                 
@@ -2363,13 +2379,27 @@ class BluetoothMeshService: NSObject {
         case .noiseHandshakeInit:
             // Handle incoming Noise handshake initiation
             let senderID = packet.senderID.hexEncodedString()
+            print("🤝 Received Noise handshake init from \(senderID), payload size: \(packet.payload.count)")
+            
             // Check if this handshake is for us or broadcast
             if let recipientID = packet.recipientID,
                !isPeerIDOurs(recipientID.hexEncodedString()) {
-                // Not for us, ignore
+                // Not for us, relay if TTL > 0
+                if packet.ttl > 0 {
+                    print("🔀 Relaying handshake init packet, TTL: \(packet.ttl)")
+                    var relayPacket = packet
+                    relayPacket.ttl -= 1
+                    broadcastPacket(relayPacket)
+                }
                 return
             }
             if !isPeerIDOurs(senderID) {
+                // Check if we already have a session (established or handshaking)
+                if noiseService.hasSession(with: senderID) {
+                    print("⚠️ Received handshake init from \(senderID) but already have session/handshaking - ignoring duplicate")
+                    return
+                }
+                
                 // Check if we've completed version negotiation with this peer
                 if negotiatedVersions[senderID] == nil {
                     // Legacy peer - assume version 1 for backward compatibility
@@ -2384,13 +2414,26 @@ class BluetoothMeshService: NSObject {
         case .noiseHandshakeResp:
             // Handle Noise handshake response
             let senderID = packet.senderID.hexEncodedString()
+            print("🤝 Received Noise handshake response from \(senderID)")
+            
             // Check if this handshake response is for us
-            if let recipientID = packet.recipientID,
-               !isPeerIDOurs(recipientID.hexEncodedString()) {
-                // Not for us, ignore
-                return
+            if let recipientID = packet.recipientID {
+                let recipientIDStr = recipientID.hexEncodedString()
+                print("🤝 Response targeted to: \(recipientIDStr), is us: \(isPeerIDOurs(recipientIDStr))")
+                if !isPeerIDOurs(recipientIDStr) {
+                    // Not for us, relay if TTL > 0
+                    if packet.ttl > 0 {
+                        print("🔀 Relaying handshake response packet, TTL: \(packet.ttl)")
+                        var relayPacket = packet
+                        relayPacket.ttl -= 1
+                        broadcastPacket(relayPacket)
+                    }
+                    return
+                }
             }
+            
             if !isPeerIDOurs(senderID) {
+                print("🤝 Processing handshake response from \(senderID)")
                 handleNoiseHandshakeMessage(from: senderID, message: packet.payload, isInitiation: false)
             }
             
@@ -3347,11 +3390,14 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
             guard let self = self,
                   let pendingMessages = self.pendingPrivateMessages[peerID] else { return }
             
+            print("📬 Sending \(pendingMessages.count) pending private messages to \(peerID)")
+            
             // Clear pending messages for this peer
             self.pendingPrivateMessages.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
             
             // Send each pending message
             for (content, recipientNickname, messageID) in pendingMessages {
+                print("📬 Sending pending message \(messageID) to \(peerID)")
                 // Use async to avoid blocking the queue
                 DispatchQueue.global().async { [weak self] in
                     self?.sendPrivateMessage(content, to: peerID, recipientNickname: recipientNickname, messageID: messageID)
@@ -3412,10 +3458,12 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
     
     private func handleNoiseHandshakeMessage(from peerID: String, message: Data, isInitiation: Bool) {
         // Use noiseService directly
+        print("🤝 handleNoiseHandshakeMessage from \(peerID), isInitiation: \(isInitiation), messageSize: \(message.count)")
         
         do {
             // Process handshake message
             if let response = try noiseService.processHandshakeMessage(from: peerID, message: message) {
+                print("🤝 Got response from processHandshakeMessage, size: \(response.count)")
                 // Always send responses as handshake response type
                 let packet = BitchatPacket(
                     type: MessageType.noiseHandshakeResp.rawValue,
@@ -3429,10 +3477,13 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
                 
                 // Use broadcastPacket instead of sendPacket to ensure it goes through the mesh
                 broadcastPacket(packet)
+            } else {
+                print("🤝 No response needed from processHandshakeMessage")
             }
             
             // Check if handshake is complete
             if noiseService.hasEstablishedSession(with: peerID) {
+                print("🎉 Handshake completed with peer: \(peerID)")
                 // Unlock rotation now that handshake is complete
                 unlockRotation()
                 
@@ -3462,8 +3513,10 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
             }
         } catch NoiseSessionError.alreadyEstablished {
             // Session already established, ignore handshake
+            print("🤝 Handshake already established with \(peerID)")
         } catch {
             // Handshake failed
+            print("❌ Handshake failed with \(peerID): \(error)")
         }
     }
     
@@ -3492,7 +3545,9 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
         
         do {
             // Decrypt the message
+            print("🔓 Attempting to decrypt Noise message from \(peerID), encrypted size: \(encryptedData.count)")
             let decryptedData = try noiseService.decrypt(encryptedData, from: peerID)
+            print("🔓 Successfully decrypted message from \(peerID), decrypted size: \(decryptedData.count)")
             
             // Check if this is a special format message (type marker + payload)
             if decryptedData.count > 1 {
@@ -3503,8 +3558,9 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
                     // Extract the ACK JSON data (skip the type marker)
                     let ackData = decryptedData.dropFirst()
                     
-                    // Decode the delivery ACK
-                    if let ack = DeliveryAck.decode(from: ackData) {
+                    // Decode the delivery ACK - try binary first, then JSON
+                    if let ack = DeliveryAck.fromBinaryData(ackData) {
+                        print("📨 Received binary delivery ACK via Noise: \(ack.originalMessageID) from \(ack.recipientNickname)")
                         
                         // Process the ACK
                         DeliveryTracker.shared.processDeliveryAck(ack)
@@ -3514,28 +3570,48 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
                             self.delegate?.didReceiveDeliveryAck(ack)
                         }
                         return
+                    } else if let ack = DeliveryAck.decode(from: ackData) {
+                        print("📨 Received JSON delivery ACK via Noise: \(ack.originalMessageID) from \(ack.recipientNickname)")
+                        
+                        // Process the ACK
+                        DeliveryTracker.shared.processDeliveryAck(ack)
+                        
+                        // Notify delegate
+                        DispatchQueue.main.async {
+                            self.delegate?.didReceiveDeliveryAck(ack)
+                        }
+                        return
+                    } else {
+                        print("⚠️ Failed to decode delivery ACK via Noise - data size: \(ackData.count)")
                     }
                 }
             }
             
             // Try to parse as a full inner packet (for backward compatibility and other message types)
             if let innerPacket = BitchatPacket.from(decryptedData) {
+                print("📦 Successfully parsed inner packet - type: \(MessageType(rawValue: innerPacket.type)?.description ?? "unknown"), from: \(innerPacket.senderID.hexEncodedString()), to: \(innerPacket.recipientID?.hexEncodedString() ?? "broadcast")")
                 
                 // Process the decrypted inner packet
                 // The packet will be handled according to its recipient ID
                 // If it's for us, it won't be relayed
                 handleReceivedPacket(innerPacket, from: peerID)
+            } else {
+                print("⚠️ Failed to parse inner packet from decrypted data")
             }
         } catch {
             // Failed to decrypt - might need to re-establish session
+            print("❌ Failed to decrypt Noise message from \(peerID): \(error)")
             if !noiseService.hasEstablishedSession(with: peerID) {
+                print("🔄 No Noise session with \(peerID), initiating handshake")
                 initiateNoiseHandshake(with: peerID)
+            } else {
+                print("⚠️ Have session with \(peerID) but decryption failed")
             }
         }
     }
     
     private func handleChannelKeyVerifyRequest(from peerID: String, data: Data) {
-        guard let request = ChannelKeyVerifyRequest.decode(from: data) else { return }
+        guard let request = ChannelKeyVerifyRequest.fromBinaryData(data) ?? ChannelKeyVerifyRequest.decode(from: data) else { return }
         
         // Forward to delegate (ChatViewModel) to handle
         DispatchQueue.main.async { [weak self] in
@@ -3544,7 +3620,7 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
     }
     
     private func handleChannelKeyVerifyResponse(from peerID: String, data: Data) {
-        guard let response = ChannelKeyVerifyResponse.decode(from: data) else { return }
+        guard let response = ChannelKeyVerifyResponse.fromBinaryData(data) ?? ChannelKeyVerifyResponse.decode(from: data) else { return }
         
         // Forward to delegate (ChatViewModel) to handle
         DispatchQueue.main.async { [weak self] in
@@ -3561,7 +3637,7 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
             let decryptedData = try noiseService.decrypt(data, from: peerID)
             
             // Parse the password update
-            guard let update = ChannelPasswordUpdate.decode(from: decryptedData) else { return }
+            guard let update = ChannelPasswordUpdate.fromBinaryData(decryptedData) ?? ChannelPasswordUpdate.decode(from: decryptedData) else { return }
             
             // Forward to delegate (ChatViewModel) to handle
             DispatchQueue.main.async { [weak self] in
@@ -3573,7 +3649,7 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
     
     private func handleChannelMetadata(from peerID: String, data: Data) {
         // Channel metadata is broadcast unencrypted (like channel announcements)
-        guard let metadata = ChannelMetadata.decode(from: data) else { return }
+        guard let metadata = ChannelMetadata.fromBinaryData(data) ?? ChannelMetadata.decode(from: data) else { return }
         
         // Forward to delegate (ChatViewModel) to handle
         DispatchQueue.main.async { [weak self] in
@@ -3584,7 +3660,26 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
     // MARK: - Protocol Version Negotiation
     
     private func handleVersionHello(from peerID: String, data: Data, peripheral: CBPeripheral? = nil) {
-        guard let hello = VersionHello.decode(from: data) else {
+        // Create a copy to avoid potential race conditions
+        let dataCopy = Data(data)
+        
+        // Safety check for empty data
+        guard !dataCopy.isEmpty else {
+            SecurityLogger.log("Received empty version hello data from \(peerID)", category: SecurityLogger.session, level: .error)
+            return
+        }
+        
+        // Try JSON first if it looks like JSON
+        let hello: VersionHello?
+        if let firstByte = dataCopy.first, firstByte == 0x7B { // '{' character
+            SecurityLogger.log("Version hello from \(peerID) appears to be JSON (size: \(dataCopy.count))", category: SecurityLogger.session, level: .debug)
+            hello = VersionHello.decode(from: dataCopy) ?? VersionHello.fromBinaryData(dataCopy)
+        } else {
+            SecurityLogger.log("Version hello from \(peerID) appears to be binary (size: \(dataCopy.count), first byte: \(dataCopy.first?.description ?? "nil"))", category: SecurityLogger.session, level: .debug)
+            hello = VersionHello.fromBinaryData(dataCopy) ?? VersionHello.decode(from: dataCopy)
+        }
+        
+        guard let hello = hello else {
             SecurityLogger.log("Failed to decode version hello from \(peerID)", category: SecurityLogger.session, level: .error)
             return
         }
@@ -3636,7 +3731,24 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
     }
     
     private func handleVersionAck(from peerID: String, data: Data) {
-        guard let ack = VersionAck.decode(from: data) else {
+        // Create a copy to avoid potential race conditions
+        let dataCopy = Data(data)
+        
+        // Safety check for empty data
+        guard !dataCopy.isEmpty else {
+            SecurityLogger.log("Received empty version ack data from \(peerID)", category: SecurityLogger.session, level: .error)
+            return
+        }
+        
+        // Try JSON first if it looks like JSON
+        let ack: VersionAck?
+        if let firstByte = dataCopy.first, firstByte == 0x7B { // '{' character
+            ack = VersionAck.decode(from: dataCopy) ?? VersionAck.fromBinaryData(dataCopy)
+        } else {
+            ack = VersionAck.fromBinaryData(dataCopy) ?? VersionAck.decode(from: dataCopy)
+        }
+        
+        guard let ack = ack else {
             SecurityLogger.log("Failed to decode version ack from \(peerID)", category: SecurityLogger.session, level: .error)
             return
         }
@@ -3678,7 +3790,7 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
             platform: getPlatformString()
         )
         
-        guard let helloData = hello.encode() else { return }
+        let helloData = hello.toBinaryData()
         
         let packet = BitchatPacket(
             type: MessageType.versionHello.rawValue,
@@ -3704,7 +3816,7 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
     }
     
     private func sendVersionAck(_ ack: VersionAck, to peerID: String) {
-        guard let ackData = ack.encode() else { return }
+        let ackData = ack.toBinaryData()
         
         let packet = BitchatPacket(
             type: MessageType.versionAck.rawValue,
@@ -3730,7 +3842,7 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
     }
     
     func sendChannelKeyVerifyRequest(_ request: ChannelKeyVerifyRequest, to peers: [String]) {
-        guard let requestData = request.encode() else { return }
+        let requestData = request.toBinaryData()
         
         // Send to each peer
         for peerID in peers {
@@ -3749,7 +3861,7 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
     }
     
     func sendChannelKeyVerifyResponse(_ response: ChannelKeyVerifyResponse, to peerID: String) {
-        guard let responseData = response.encode() else { return }
+        let responseData = response.toBinaryData()
         
         let packet = BitchatPacket(
             type: MessageType.channelKeyVerifyResponse.rawValue,
@@ -3784,7 +3896,7 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
             newKeyCommitment: newCommitment
         )
         
-        guard let updateData = update.encode() else { return }
+        let updateData = update.toBinaryData()
         
         do {
             // Encrypt the entire update message
@@ -3852,9 +3964,7 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
         )
         
         // Encode the announcement
-        guard let announcementData = announcement.encode() else {
-            return
-        }
+        let announcementData = announcement.toBinaryData()
         
         let packet = BitchatPacket(
             type: MessageType.noiseIdentityAnnounce.rawValue,
@@ -3960,7 +4070,9 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
         
         do {
             // Encrypt with Noise
+            print("🔐 Encrypting private message \(msgID) for \(recipientPeerID)")
             let encryptedData = try noiseService.encrypt(innerData, for: recipientPeerID)
+            print("🔐 Successfully encrypted message, size: \(encryptedData.count)")
             
             // Send as Noise encrypted message
             let outerPacket = BitchatPacket(
@@ -3973,9 +4085,11 @@ extension BluetoothMeshService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
                 ttl: adaptiveTTL
             )
             
+            print("📤 Broadcasting encrypted private message \(msgID) to \(recipientPeerID)")
             broadcastPacket(outerPacket)
         } catch {
             // Failed to encrypt message
+            print("❌ Failed to encrypt private message \(msgID) for \(recipientPeerID): \(error)")
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/bitchat/Services/DeliveryTracker.swift b/bitchat/Services/DeliveryTracker.swift
index 1cf828ff..e5df9956 100644
--- a/bitchat/Services/DeliveryTracker.swift
+++ b/bitchat/Services/DeliveryTracker.swift
@@ -71,6 +71,8 @@ class DeliveryTracker {
         // Don't track broadcasts or certain message types
         guard message.isPrivate || message.channel != nil else { return }
         
+        print("📮 Tracking message \(message.id) - private: \(message.isPrivate), channel: \(message.channel ?? "none"), recipient: \(recipientNickname)")
+        
         
         let delivery = PendingDelivery(
             messageID: message.id,
@@ -89,9 +91,21 @@ class DeliveryTracker {
         pendingDeliveries[message.id] = delivery
         pendingLock.unlock()
         
-        // Update status to sent
+        // Update status to sent (only if not already delivered)
         DispatchQueue.main.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + 0.1) { [weak self] in
-            self?.updateDeliveryStatus(message.id, status: .sent)
+            guard let self = self else { return }
+            
+            self.pendingLock.lock()
+            let stillPending = self.pendingDeliveries[message.id] != nil
+            self.pendingLock.unlock()
+            
+            // Only update to sent if still pending (not already delivered)
+            if stillPending {
+                print("⏱️ Updating message \(message.id) to sent status (still pending)")
+                self.updateDeliveryStatus(message.id, status: .sent)
+            } else {
+                print("✋ Skipping sent status update for \(message.id) - already delivered")
+            }
         }
         
         // Schedule timeout (outside of lock)
@@ -102,9 +116,11 @@ class DeliveryTracker {
         pendingLock.lock()
         defer { pendingLock.unlock() }
         
+        print("✅ Processing delivery ACK for message \(ack.originalMessageID) from \(ack.recipientNickname)")
         
         // Prevent duplicate ACK processing
         guard !receivedAckIDs.contains(ack.ackID) else {
+            print("⚠️ Duplicate ACK \(ack.ackID) - ignoring")
             return
         }
         receivedAckIDs.insert(ack.ackID)
@@ -112,6 +128,7 @@ class DeliveryTracker {
         // Find the pending delivery
         guard var delivery = pendingDeliveries[ack.originalMessageID] else {
             // Message might have already been delivered or timed out
+            print("⚠️ No pending delivery found for message \(ack.originalMessageID)")
             return
         }
         
@@ -136,6 +153,7 @@ class DeliveryTracker {
             }
         } else {
             // Direct message - mark as delivered
+            print("💬 Marking private message \(ack.originalMessageID) as delivered to \(ack.recipientNickname)")
             updateDeliveryStatus(ack.originalMessageID, status: .delivered(to: ack.recipientNickname, at: Date()))
             pendingDeliveries.removeValue(forKey: ack.originalMessageID)
         }
@@ -180,6 +198,7 @@ class DeliveryTracker {
     // MARK: - Private Methods
     
     private func updateDeliveryStatus(_ messageID: String, status: DeliveryStatus) {
+        print("📊 Updating delivery status for message \(messageID): \(status)")
         DispatchQueue.main.async { [weak self] in
             self?.deliveryStatusUpdated.send((messageID: messageID, status: status))
         }
diff --git a/bitchat/Services/NoiseEncryptionService.swift b/bitchat/Services/NoiseEncryptionService.swift
index 046a883f..d000a190 100644
--- a/bitchat/Services/NoiseEncryptionService.swift
+++ b/bitchat/Services/NoiseEncryptionService.swift
@@ -207,6 +207,11 @@ class NoiseEncryptionService {
         return sessionManager.getSession(for: peerID)?.isEstablished() ?? false
     }
     
+    /// Check if we have a session (established or handshaking) with a peer
+    func hasSession(with peerID: String) -> Bool {
+        return sessionManager.getSession(for: peerID) != nil
+    }
+    
     // MARK: - Encryption/Decryption
     
     /// Encrypt data for a specific peer
@@ -459,6 +464,31 @@ struct NoiseMessage: Codable {
             return nil
         }
     }
+    
+    // MARK: - Binary Encoding
+    
+    func toBinaryData() -> Data {
+        var data = Data()
+        data.appendUInt8(type)
+        data.appendUUID(sessionID)
+        data.appendData(payload)
+        return data
+    }
+    
+    static func fromBinaryData(_ data: Data) -> NoiseMessage? {
+        // Create defensive copy
+        let dataCopy = Data(data)
+        
+        var offset = 0
+        
+        guard let type = dataCopy.readUInt8(at: &offset),
+              let sessionID = dataCopy.readUUID(at: &offset),
+              let payload = dataCopy.readData(at: &offset) else { return nil }
+        
+        guard let messageType = NoiseMessageType(rawValue: type) else { return nil }
+        
+        return NoiseMessage(type: messageType, sessionID: sessionID, payload: payload)
+    }
 }
 
 // MARK: - Errors
diff --git a/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatViewModel.swift b/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatViewModel.swift
index 20f360fb..ff488922 100644
--- a/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatViewModel.swift
+++ b/bitchat/ViewModels/ChatViewModel.swift
@@ -3654,6 +3654,7 @@ extension ChatViewModel: BitchatDelegate {
     }
     
     private func updateMessageDeliveryStatus(_ messageID: String, status: DeliveryStatus) {
+        print("🔄 Updating UI delivery status for message \(messageID): \(status)")
         
         // Helper function to check if we should skip this update
         func shouldSkipUpdate(currentStatus: DeliveryStatus?, newStatus: DeliveryStatus) -> Bool {