Peer icons: faster, accurate reachability\n\n- Run connectivity checks every maintenance tick (5s)\n- Publish peer snapshots on central unsubscribe for instant UI refresh\n- Lower inactivity timeout to 8s and disconnect debounce to 0.9s\n- Gate reachability on mesh-attached (>=1 direct link); no links => no reachable peers\n- Keep 21s retention for verified/unverified, but only when attached to mesh\n\nImproves list responsiveness when walking out of range and prevents stale 'reachable' states when isolated.

bitchat.xcodeproj/project.pbxproj

@@ -328,7 +328,6 @@
 				A2E8C336FA1ADBEC03261DFD /* bitchatShareExtension */,
 				C3D98EB3E1B455E321F519F4 /* bitchatTests */,
 				9F37F9F2C353B58AC809E93B /* Products */,
-				048A4BE52E5CCC5C00162C4A /* Recovered References */,
 			);
 			sourceTree = "<group>";
 		};
@@ -743,14 +742,13 @@
 			isa = PBXSourcesBuildPhase;
 			buildActionMask = 2147483647;
 			files = (
-                048A4BE72E5CCCC300162C4A /* TransportConfig.swift in Sources */,
+				048A4BE72E5CCCC300162C4A /* TransportConfig.swift in Sources */,
-                1234567890ABCDEFFEDCBA13 /* PeerDisplayNameResolver.swift in Sources */,
+				1234567890ABCDEFFEDCBA13 /* PeerDisplayNameResolver.swift in Sources */,
 				AA77BB12CC22DD33EE44FF56 /* VerificationService.swift in Sources */,
 				AA77BB15CC22DD33EE44FF59 /* VerificationViews.swift in Sources */,
 				A1B2C3D54E5F60718293A4B6 /* XChaCha20Poly1305Compat.swift in Sources */,
 				AD11E46940D742AEAF547EB2 /* AppInfoView.swift in Sources */,
 				9B51E9B63A3EA59B1A7874BD /* BinaryEncodingUtils.swift in Sources */,
-
 				049BD3B42E51F319001A566B /* NostrTransport.swift in Sources */,
 				049BD3B52E51F319001A566B /* MessageRouter.swift in Sources */,
 				4B747085D07A1BCE0F5BA612 /* BinaryProtocol.swift in Sources */,
@@ -803,14 +801,13 @@
 			isa = PBXSourcesBuildPhase;
 			buildActionMask = 2147483647;
 			files = (
-                048A4BE82E5CCCC300162C4A /* TransportConfig.swift in Sources */,
+				048A4BE82E5CCCC300162C4A /* TransportConfig.swift in Sources */,
-                1234567890ABCDEFFEDCBA14 /* PeerDisplayNameResolver.swift in Sources */,
+				1234567890ABCDEFFEDCBA14 /* PeerDisplayNameResolver.swift in Sources */,
 				AA77BB11CC22DD33EE44FF55 /* VerificationService.swift in Sources */,
 				AA77BB14CC22DD33EE44FF58 /* VerificationViews.swift in Sources */,
 				A1B2C3D44E5F60718293A4B5 /* XChaCha20Poly1305Compat.swift in Sources */,
 				ABAF130D88561F4A646F0430 /* AppInfoView.swift in Sources */,
 				AFB6AEFCABBE97441CB3102B /* BinaryEncodingUtils.swift in Sources */,
-
 				049BD3B22E51F319001A566B /* NostrTransport.swift in Sources */,
 				049BD3B32E51F319001A566B /* MessageRouter.swift in Sources */,
 				F455F011B3B648ADA233F998 /* BinaryProtocol.swift in Sources */,
@@ -1007,7 +1004,7 @@
 					"@executable_path/Frameworks",
 					"@executable_path/../../Frameworks",
 				);
-				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.2;
+				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.3;
 				PRODUCT_BUNDLE_IDENTIFIER = chat.bitchat.ShareExtension;
 				SDKROOT = iphoneos;
 				SUPPORTED_PLATFORMS = "iphoneos iphonesimulator";
@@ -1038,7 +1035,7 @@
 					"$(inherited)",
 					"@executable_path/Frameworks",
 				);
-				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.2;
+				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.3;
 				PRODUCT_BUNDLE_IDENTIFIER = chat.bitchat;
 				PRODUCT_NAME = bitchat;
 				SDKROOT = iphoneos;
@@ -1093,7 +1090,7 @@
 					"$(inherited)",
 					"@executable_path/Frameworks",
 				);
-				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.2;
+				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.3;
 				PRODUCT_BUNDLE_IDENTIFIER = chat.bitchat;
 				PRODUCT_NAME = bitchat;
 				SDKROOT = iphoneos;
@@ -1125,7 +1122,7 @@
 					"@executable_path/../Frameworks",
 				);
 				MACOSX_DEPLOYMENT_TARGET = 13.0;
-				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.1;
+				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.3;
 				PRODUCT_BUNDLE_IDENTIFIER = chat.bitchat;
 				PRODUCT_NAME = bitchat;
 				REGISTER_APP_GROUPS = YES;
@@ -1214,7 +1211,7 @@
 					"@executable_path/../Frameworks",
 				);
 				MACOSX_DEPLOYMENT_TARGET = 13.0;
-				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.1;
+				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.3;
 				PRODUCT_BUNDLE_IDENTIFIER = chat.bitchat;
 				PRODUCT_NAME = bitchat;
 				REGISTER_APP_GROUPS = YES;
@@ -1307,7 +1304,7 @@
 					"@executable_path/Frameworks",
 					"@executable_path/../../Frameworks",
 				);
-				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.2;
+				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.3;
 				PRODUCT_BUNDLE_IDENTIFIER = chat.bitchat.ShareExtension;
 				SDKROOT = iphoneos;
 				SUPPORTED_PLATFORMS = "iphoneos iphonesimulator";

bitchat/Identity/IdentityModels.swift

@@ -106,6 +106,8 @@ enum HandshakeState {
 struct CryptographicIdentity: Codable {
     let fingerprint: String     // SHA256 of public key
     let publicKey: Data         // Noise static public key
+    // Optional Ed25519 signing public key (used to authenticate public messages)
+    var signingPublicKey: Data? = nil
     let firstSeen: Date
     let lastHandshake: Date?
 }

bitchat/Identity/SecureIdentityStateManager.swift

@@ -230,6 +230,91 @@ class SecureIdentityStateManager {
         }
     }
 
+    // MARK: - Cryptographic Identities
+
+    /// Insert or update a cryptographic identity and optionally persist its signing key and claimed nickname.
+    /// - Parameters:
+    ///   - fingerprint: SHA-256 hex of the Noise static public key
+    ///   - noisePublicKey: Noise static public key data
+    ///   - signingPublicKey: Optional Ed25519 signing public key for authenticating public messages
+    ///   - claimedNickname: Optional latest claimed nickname to persist into social identity
+    func upsertCryptographicIdentity(fingerprint: String, noisePublicKey: Data, signingPublicKey: Data?, claimedNickname: String? = nil) {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) {
+            let now = Date()
+            if var existing = self.cryptographicIdentities[fingerprint] {
+                // Update keys if changed
+                if existing.publicKey != noisePublicKey {
+                    existing = CryptographicIdentity(
+                        fingerprint: fingerprint,
+                        publicKey: noisePublicKey,
+                        signingPublicKey: signingPublicKey ?? existing.signingPublicKey,
+                        firstSeen: existing.firstSeen,
+                        lastHandshake: now
+                    )
+                    self.cryptographicIdentities[fingerprint] = existing
+                } else {
+                    // Update signing key and lastHandshake
+                    existing.signingPublicKey = signingPublicKey ?? existing.signingPublicKey
+                    let updated = CryptographicIdentity(
+                        fingerprint: existing.fingerprint,
+                        publicKey: existing.publicKey,
+                        signingPublicKey: existing.signingPublicKey,
+                        firstSeen: existing.firstSeen,
+                        lastHandshake: now
+                    )
+                    self.cryptographicIdentities[fingerprint] = updated
+                }
+                // Persist updated state (already assigned in branches above)
+            } else {
+                // New entry
+                let entry = CryptographicIdentity(
+                    fingerprint: fingerprint,
+                    publicKey: noisePublicKey,
+                    signingPublicKey: signingPublicKey,
+                    firstSeen: now,
+                    lastHandshake: now
+                )
+                self.cryptographicIdentities[fingerprint] = entry
+            }
+
+            // Optionally persist claimed nickname into social identity
+            if let claimed = claimedNickname {
+                var identity = self.cache.socialIdentities[fingerprint] ?? SocialIdentity(
+                    fingerprint: fingerprint,
+                    localPetname: nil,
+                    claimedNickname: claimed,
+                    trustLevel: .unknown,
+                    isFavorite: false,
+                    isBlocked: false,
+                    notes: nil
+                )
+                // Update claimed nickname if changed
+                if identity.claimedNickname != claimed {
+                    identity.claimedNickname = claimed
+                    self.cache.socialIdentities[fingerprint] = identity
+                } else if self.cache.socialIdentities[fingerprint] == nil {
+                    self.cache.socialIdentities[fingerprint] = identity
+                }
+            }
+
+            self.saveIdentityCache()
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Retrieve cryptographic identity by fingerprint
+    func getCryptographicIdentity(for fingerprint: String) -> CryptographicIdentity? {
+        queue.sync { cryptographicIdentities[fingerprint] }
+    }
+
+    /// Find cryptographic identities whose fingerprint prefix matches a peerID (16-hex) short ID
+    func getCryptoIdentitiesByPeerIDPrefix(_ peerID: String) -> [CryptographicIdentity] {
+        queue.sync {
+            // Defensive: ensure hex and correct length
+            guard peerID.count == 16, peerID.allSatisfy({ $0.isHexDigit }) else { return [] }
+            return cryptographicIdentities.values.filter { $0.fingerprint.hasPrefix(peerID) }
+        }
+    }
+    
     func getAllSocialIdentities() -> [SocialIdentity] {
         queue.sync {
             return Array(cache.socialIdentities.values)

bitchat/Models/BitchatPeer.swift

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ struct BitchatPeer: Identifiable, Equatable {
     let nickname: String
     let lastSeen: Date
     let isConnected: Bool
+    let isReachable: Bool
     
     // Favorite-related properties
     var favoriteStatus: FavoritesPersistenceService.FavoriteRelationship?
@@ -18,6 +19,7 @@ struct BitchatPeer: Identifiable, Equatable {
     // Connection state
     enum ConnectionState {
         case bluetoothConnected
+        case meshReachable      // Seen via mesh recently, not directly connected
         case nostrAvailable     // Mutual favorite, reachable via Nostr
         case offline            // Not connected via any transport
     }
@@ -25,6 +27,8 @@ struct BitchatPeer: Identifiable, Equatable {
     var connectionState: ConnectionState {
         if isConnected {
             return .bluetoothConnected
+        } else if isReachable {
+            return .meshReachable
         } else if favoriteStatus?.isMutual == true {
             // Mutual favorites can communicate via Nostr when offline
             return .nostrAvailable
@@ -54,6 +58,8 @@ struct BitchatPeer: Identifiable, Equatable {
         switch connectionState {
         case .bluetoothConnected:
             return "📻" // Radio icon for mesh connection
+        case .meshReachable:
+            return "📡" // Antenna for mesh reachable
         case .nostrAvailable:
             return "🌐" // Purple globe for Nostr
         case .offline:
@@ -71,13 +77,15 @@ struct BitchatPeer: Identifiable, Equatable {
         noisePublicKey: Data,
         nickname: String,
         lastSeen: Date = Date(),
-        isConnected: Bool = false
+        isConnected: Bool = false,
+        isReachable: Bool = false
     ) {
         self.id = id
         self.noisePublicKey = noisePublicKey
         self.nickname = nickname
         self.lastSeen = lastSeen
         self.isConnected = isConnected
+        self.isReachable = isReachable
         
         // Load favorite status - will be set later by the manager
         self.favoriteStatus = nil

bitchat/Services/BLEService.swift

@@ -102,6 +102,12 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
     
     // Queue for messages pending handshake completion
     private var pendingMessagesAfterHandshake: [String: [(content: String, messageID: String)]] = [:]
+    // Noise typed payloads (ACKs, read receipts, etc.) pending handshake
+    private var pendingNoisePayloadsAfterHandshake: [String: [Data]] = [:]
+    // Keep a tiny buffer of the last few unique announces we've seen (by sender)
+    private var recentAnnounceBySender: [String: BitchatPacket] = [:]
+    private var recentAnnounceOrder: [String] = []
+    private let recentAnnounceBufferCap = 3
     
     // Queue for notifications that failed due to full queue
     private var pendingNotifications: [(data: Data, centrals: [CBCentral]?)] = []
@@ -122,6 +128,13 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
 
     // Backpressure-aware write queue per peripheral
     private var pendingPeripheralWrites: [String: [Data]] = [:]
+    // Debounce duplicate disconnect notifies
+    private var recentDisconnectNotifies: [String: Date] = [:]
+    // Store-and-forward for directed messages when we have no links
+    // Keyed by recipient short peerID -> messageID -> (packet, enqueuedAt)
+    private var pendingDirectedRelays: [String: [String: (packet: BitchatPacket, enqueuedAt: Date)]] = [:]
+    // Debounce for 'reconnected' logs
+    private var lastReconnectLogAt: [String: Date] = [:]
     
     // MARK: - Maintenance Timer
     
@@ -307,6 +320,11 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
             // Send any messages that were queued during handshake
             self?.messageQueue.async { [weak self] in
                 self?.sendPendingMessagesAfterHandshake(for: peerID)
+                self?.sendPendingNoisePayloadsAfterHandshake(for: peerID)
+            }
+            // Proactive presence nudge: announce immediately after handshake
+            self?.messageQueue.async { [weak self] in
+                self?.sendAnnounce(forceSend: true)
             }
         }
         
@@ -502,6 +520,27 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
         return collectionsQueue.sync { peers[shortID]?.isConnected ?? false }
     }
 
+    func isPeerReachable(_ peerID: String) -> Bool {
+        // Accept both 16-hex short IDs and 64-hex Noise keys
+        let shortID: String = {
+            if peerID.count == 64, let key = Data(hexString: peerID) {
+                return PeerIDUtils.derivePeerID(fromPublicKey: key)
+            }
+            return peerID
+        }()
+        return collectionsQueue.sync {
+            // Must be mesh-attached: at least one live direct link to the mesh
+            let meshAttached = peers.values.contains { $0.isConnected }
+            guard let info = peers[shortID] else { return false }
+            if info.isConnected { return true }
+            guard meshAttached else { return false }
+            // Apply reachability retention window
+            let isVerified = info.isVerifiedNickname
+            let retention: TimeInterval = isVerified ? TransportConfig.bleReachabilityRetentionVerifiedSeconds : TransportConfig.bleReachabilityRetentionUnverifiedSeconds
+            return Date().timeIntervalSince(info.lastSeen) <= retention
+        }
+    }
+
     func peerNickname(peerID: String) -> String? {
         collectionsQueue.sync {
             guard let peer = peers[peerID], peer.isConnected else { return nil }
@@ -541,43 +580,41 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
     }
     
     func sendReadReceipt(_ receipt: ReadReceipt, to peerID: String) {
-        // Send encrypted read receipt
+        // Create typed payload: [type byte] + [message ID]
-        guard noiseService.hasSession(with: peerID) else {
+        var payload = Data([NoisePayloadType.readReceipt.rawValue])
-            SecureLogger.log("Cannot send read receipt - no Noise session with \(peerID)", category: SecureLogger.noise, level: .warning)
+        payload.append(contentsOf: receipt.originalMessageID.utf8)
-            return
-        }
 
-        SecureLogger.log("📤 Sending READ receipt for message \(receipt.originalMessageID) to \(peerID)", 
+        if noiseService.hasEstablishedSession(with: peerID) {
-                        category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
+            SecureLogger.log("📤 Sending READ receipt for message \(receipt.originalMessageID) to \(peerID)", 
-        
+                            category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
-        // Create read receipt payload: [type byte] + [message ID]
+            do {
-        var receiptPayload = Data([NoisePayloadType.readReceipt.rawValue])
+                let encrypted = try noiseService.encrypt(payload, for: peerID)
-        receiptPayload.append(contentsOf: receipt.originalMessageID.utf8)
+                let packet = BitchatPacket(
-        
+                    type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
-        do {
+                    senderID: Data(hexString: myPeerID) ?? Data(),
-            let encrypted = try noiseService.encrypt(receiptPayload, for: peerID)
+                    recipientID: Data(hexString: peerID),
-            let packet = BitchatPacket(
+                    timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
-                type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
+                    payload: encrypted,
-                senderID: Data(hexString: myPeerID) ?? Data(),
+                    signature: nil,
-                recipientID: Data(hexString: peerID),
+                    ttl: messageTTL
-                timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
+                )
-                payload: encrypted,
+                if DispatchQueue.getSpecific(key: messageQueueKey) != nil {
-                signature: nil,
+                    broadcastPacket(packet)
-                ttl: messageTTL
+                } else {
-            )
+                    messageQueue.async { [weak self] in self?.broadcastPacket(packet) }
-            
-            // If already on messageQueue, call directly
-            if DispatchQueue.getSpecific(key: messageQueueKey) != nil {
-                broadcastPacket(packet)
-            } else {
-                messageQueue.async { [weak self] in
-                    self?.broadcastPacket(packet)
                 }
+            } catch {
+                SecureLogger.log("Failed to send read receipt: \(error)", category: SecureLogger.noise, level: .error)
             }
-            
+        } else {
-            // Read receipt sent
+            // Queue for after handshake and initiate if needed
-        } catch {
+            collectionsQueue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
-            SecureLogger.log("Failed to send read receipt: \(error)", category: SecureLogger.noise, level: .error)
+                guard let self = self else { return }
+                self.pendingNoisePayloadsAfterHandshake[peerID, default: []].append(payload)
+            }
+            if !noiseService.hasSession(with: peerID) { initiateNoiseHandshake(with: peerID) }
+            SecureLogger.log("🕒 Queued READ receipt for \(peerID) until handshake completes", 
+                            category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
         }
     }
     
@@ -697,19 +734,26 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
                 self.sendPrivateMessage(content, to: recipientID, messageID: finalMessageID)
             } else {
                 // Public broadcast
-                // Public message - logged at relay point for mesh debugging
+                // Create packet with explicit fields so we can sign it
-                let packet = BitchatPacket(
+                let basePacket = BitchatPacket(
                     type: MessageType.message.rawValue,
-                    ttl: self.messageTTL,
+                    senderID: Data(hexString: self.myPeerID) ?? Data(),
-                    senderID: self.myPeerID,
+                    recipientID: nil,
-                    payload: Data(content.utf8)
+                    timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
+                    payload: Data(content.utf8),
+                    signature: nil,
+                    ttl: self.messageTTL
                 )
+                guard let signedPacket = self.noiseService.signPacket(basePacket) else {
+                    SecureLogger.log("❌ Failed to sign public message", category: SecureLogger.security, level: .error)
+                    return
+                }
                 // Pre-mark our own broadcast as processed to avoid handling relayed self copy
-                let senderHex = packet.senderID.hexEncodedString()
+                let senderHex = signedPacket.senderID.hexEncodedString()
-                let dedupID = "\(senderHex)-\(packet.timestamp)-\(packet.type)"
+                let dedupID = "\(senderHex)-\(signedPacket.timestamp)-\(signedPacket.type)"
                 self.messageDeduplicator.markProcessed(dedupID)
                 // Call synchronously since we're already on background queue
-                self.broadcastPacket(packet)
+                self.broadcastPacket(signedPacket)
             }
         }
     }
@@ -1037,15 +1081,23 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
         }
 
         // For broadcast (no directed peer) and non-fragment, choose a subset deterministically
+        // Special-case announces: do NOT subset to maximize reach for presence
         var selectedPeripheralIDs = Set(allowedPeripheralIDs)
         var selectedCentralIDs = Set(allowedCentralIDs)
-        if directedOnlyPeer == nil && packet.type != MessageType.fragment.rawValue {
+        if directedOnlyPeer == nil && packet.type != MessageType.fragment.rawValue && packet.type != MessageType.announce.rawValue {
             let kp = subsetSizeForFanout(allowedPeripheralIDs.count)
             let kc = subsetSizeForFanout(allowedCentralIDs.count)
             selectedPeripheralIDs = selectDeterministicSubset(ids: allowedPeripheralIDs, k: kp, seed: messageID)
             selectedCentralIDs = selectDeterministicSubset(ids: allowedCentralIDs, k: kc, seed: messageID)
         }
 
+        // If directed and we currently have no links to forward on, spool for a short window
+        if let only = directedOnlyPeer,
+           selectedPeripheralIDs.isEmpty && selectedCentralIDs.isEmpty,
+           (packet.type == MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue || packet.type == MessageType.noiseHandshake.rawValue) {
+            spoolDirectedPacket(packet, recipientPeerID: only)
+        }
+
         // Writes to selected connected peripherals
         for s in states where s.isConnected {
             let pid = s.peripheral.identifier.uuidString
@@ -1063,6 +1115,57 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
         }
     }
 
+    // MARK: - Directed store-and-forward
+    private func spoolDirectedPacket(_ packet: BitchatPacket, recipientPeerID: String) {
+        let msgID = makeMessageID(for: packet)
+        collectionsQueue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+            guard let self = self else { return }
+            var byMsg = self.pendingDirectedRelays[recipientPeerID] ?? [:]
+            if byMsg[msgID] == nil {
+                byMsg[msgID] = (packet: packet, enqueuedAt: Date())
+                self.pendingDirectedRelays[recipientPeerID] = byMsg
+                SecureLogger.log("🧳 Spooling directed packet for \(recipientPeerID) mid=\(msgID.prefix(8))…", category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func flushDirectedSpool() {
+        // Move items out and attempt broadcast; if still no links, they'll be re-spooled
+        let toSend: [(String, BitchatPacket)] = collectionsQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+            var out: [(String, BitchatPacket)] = []
+            let now = Date()
+            for (recipient, dict) in pendingDirectedRelays {
+                for (_, entry) in dict {
+                    if now.timeIntervalSince(entry.enqueuedAt) <= TransportConfig.bleDirectedSpoolWindowSeconds {
+                        out.append((recipient, entry.packet))
+                    }
+                }
+                // Clear recipient bucket; items will be re-spooled if still no links
+                pendingDirectedRelays.removeValue(forKey: recipient)
+            }
+            return out
+        }
+        guard !toSend.isEmpty else { return }
+        for (_, packet) in toSend {
+            messageQueue.async { [weak self] in self?.broadcastPacket(packet) }
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func rebroadcastRecentAnnounces() {
+        // Snapshot sender order to preserve ordering and avoid holding locks while sending
+        let packets: [BitchatPacket] = collectionsQueue.sync {
+            recentAnnounceOrder.compactMap { recentAnnounceBySender[$0] }
+        }
+        guard !packets.isEmpty else { return }
+        for (idx, pkt) in packets.enumerated() {
+            // Stagger slightly to avoid bursts
+            let delayMs = idx * 20
+            messageQueue.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + .milliseconds(delayMs)) { [weak self] in
+                self?.broadcastPacket(pkt)
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    
     private func sendData(_ data: Data, to peripheral: CBPeripheral) {
         // Fire-and-forget: Simple send without complex fallback logic
         guard peripheral.state == .connected else { return }
@@ -1127,7 +1230,8 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
                 ttl: packet.ttl
             )
             // Pace fragments with small jitter to avoid bursts
-            let delayMs = index * TransportConfig.bleFragmentSpacingMs // ~6ms spacing per fragment
+            let perFragMs = (directedOnlyPeer != nil || packet.recipientID != nil) ? TransportConfig.bleFragmentSpacingDirectedMs : TransportConfig.bleFragmentSpacingMs
+            let delayMs = index * perFragMs
             messageQueue.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + .milliseconds(delayMs)) { [weak self] in
                 self?.broadcastPacket(fragmentPacket)
             }
@@ -1222,10 +1326,14 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
                 SecureLogger.log("⚠️ Duplicate packet ignored: \(messageID)", 
                                 category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
             }
-            // Cancel any pending relay for this message (arrived via another neighbor)
+            // In sparse graphs (<=2 neighbors), keep the pending relay to ensure bridging.
-            collectionsQueue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+            // In denser graphs, cancel the pending relay to reduce redundant floods.
-                if let task = self?.scheduledRelays.removeValue(forKey: messageID) {
+            let connectedCount = collectionsQueue.sync { peers.values.filter { $0.isConnected }.count }
-                    task.cancel()
+            if connectedCount > 2 {
+                collectionsQueue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+                    if let task = self?.scheduledRelays.removeValue(forKey: messageID) {
+                        task.cancel()
+                    }
                 }
             }
             return // Duplicate ignored
@@ -1284,6 +1392,7 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
                 isDirectedEncrypted: (packet.type == MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue) && (packet.recipientID != nil),
                 isDirectedFragment: packet.type == MessageType.fragment.rawValue && packet.recipientID != nil,
                 isHandshake: packet.type == MessageType.noiseHandshake.rawValue,
+                isAnnounce: packet.type == MessageType.announce.rawValue,
                 degree: degree,
                 highDegreeThreshold: highDegreeThreshold
             )
@@ -1334,11 +1443,14 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
         collectionsQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
             // Check if we have an actual BLE connection to this peer
             let peripheralUUID = peerToPeripheralUUID[peerID]
-            _ = peripheralUUID != nil && peripherals[peripheralUUID!]?.isConnected == true  // hasPeripheralConnection
+            let hasPeripheralConnection = peripheralUUID != nil && peripherals[peripheralUUID!]?.isConnected == true
             
             // Check if this peer is subscribed to us as a central
             // Note: We can't identify which specific central is which peer without additional mapping
-            _ = !subscribedCentrals.isEmpty  // hasCentralSubscription
+            let hasCentralSubscription = centralToPeerID.values.contains(peerID)
+            
+            // Direct announces arrive with full TTL (no prior hop)
+            let isDirectAnnounce = (packet.ttl == messageTTL)
             
             // Check if we already have this peer (might be reconnecting)
             let existingPeer = peers[peerID]
@@ -1376,7 +1488,7 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
                 peers[peerID] = PeerInfo(
                     id: existing.id,
                     nickname: announcement.nickname,
-                    isConnected: true,
+                    isConnected: isDirectAnnounce || hasPeripheralConnection || hasCentralSubscription,
                     noisePublicKey: announcement.noisePublicKey,
                     signingPublicKey: announcement.signingPublicKey,
                     isVerifiedNickname: true,
@@ -1387,7 +1499,7 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
                 peers[peerID] = PeerInfo(
                     id: peerID,
                     nickname: announcement.nickname,
-                    isConnected: true,
+                    isConnected: isDirectAnnounce || hasPeripheralConnection || hasCentralSubscription,
                     noisePublicKey: announcement.noisePublicKey,
                     signingPublicKey: announcement.signingPublicKey,
                     isVerifiedNickname: true,
@@ -1395,13 +1507,49 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
                 )
             }
             
-            // Log connection status
+            // Log connection status only for direct connectivity changes; debounce to reduce spam
-            if existingPeer == nil {
+            if isDirectAnnounce || hasPeripheralConnection || hasCentralSubscription {
-                SecureLogger.log("🆕 New peer: \(announcement.nickname)", category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
+                let now = Date()
-            } else if wasDisconnected {
+                if existingPeer == nil {
-                SecureLogger.log("🔄 Peer \(announcement.nickname) reconnected", category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
+                    SecureLogger.log("🆕 New peer: \(announcement.nickname)", category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
-            } else if existingPeer?.nickname != announcement.nickname {
+                } else if wasDisconnected {
-                SecureLogger.log("🔄 Peer \(peerID) changed nickname: \(existingPeer?.nickname ?? "Unknown") -> \(announcement.nickname)", category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
+                    // Debounce 'reconnected' logs within short window
+                    if let last = lastReconnectLogAt[peerID], now.timeIntervalSince(last) < TransportConfig.bleReconnectLogDebounceSeconds {
+                        // Skip duplicate log
+                    } else {
+                        SecureLogger.log("🔄 Peer \(announcement.nickname) reconnected", category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
+                        lastReconnectLogAt[peerID] = now
+                    }
+                } else if existingPeer?.nickname != announcement.nickname {
+                    SecureLogger.log("🔄 Peer \(peerID) changed nickname: \(existingPeer?.nickname ?? "Unknown") -> \(announcement.nickname)", category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Persist cryptographic identity and signing key for robust offline verification
+        do {
+            // Derive fingerprint from Noise public key
+            let hash = SHA256.hash(data: announcement.noisePublicKey)
+            let fingerprint = hash.map { String(format: "%02x", $0) }.joined()
+            SecureIdentityStateManager.shared.upsertCryptographicIdentity(
+                fingerprint: fingerprint,
+                noisePublicKey: announcement.noisePublicKey,
+                signingPublicKey: announcement.signingPublicKey,
+                claimedNickname: announcement.nickname
+            )
+        }
+
+        // Record this announce for lightweight rebroadcast buffer (exclude self)
+        if peerID != myPeerID {
+            collectionsQueue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+                guard let self = self else { return }
+                self.recentAnnounceBySender[peerID] = packet
+                if !self.recentAnnounceOrder.contains(peerID) { self.recentAnnounceOrder.append(peerID) }
+                // Trim to cap, oldest first
+                while self.recentAnnounceOrder.count > self.recentAnnounceBufferCap {
+                    let victim = self.recentAnnounceOrder.removeFirst()
+                    self.recentAnnounceBySender.removeValue(forKey: victim)
+                }
             }
         }
 
@@ -1412,8 +1560,8 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
             // Get current peer list (after addition)
             let currentPeerIDs = self.collectionsQueue.sync { Array(self.peers.keys) }
             
-            // Only notify of connection for new or reconnected peers
+            // Only notify of connection for new or reconnected peers when it is a direct announce
-            if isNewPeer || isReconnectedPeer {
+            if (packet.ttl == self.messageTTL) && (isNewPeer || isReconnectedPeer) {
                 self.delegate?.didConnectToPeer(peerID)
             }
             
@@ -1433,6 +1581,14 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
             // Force send to ensure the peer receives our announce
             sendAnnounce(forceSend: true)
         }
+
+        // Afterglow: on first-seen peers, schedule a short re-announce to push presence one more hop
+        if isNewPeer {
+            let delay = Double.random(in: 0.3...0.6)
+            messageQueue.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + delay) { [weak self] in
+                self?.sendAnnounce(forceSend: true)
+            }
+        }
     }
     
     // Mention parsing moved to ChatViewModel
@@ -1441,8 +1597,40 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
         // Ignore self-origin public messages that may be seen again via relay
         if peerID == myPeerID { return }
 
-        // Enforce: only accept public messages from verified peers we know
+        var accepted = false
-        guard let info = peers[peerID], info.isVerifiedNickname else {
+        var senderNickname: String = ""
+
+        if let info = peers[peerID], info.isVerifiedNickname {
+            // Known verified peer path
+            accepted = true
+            senderNickname = info.nickname
+            // Handle nickname collisions
+            let hasCollision = peers.values.contains { $0.isConnected && $0.nickname == info.nickname && $0.id != peerID } || (myNickname == info.nickname)
+            if hasCollision {
+                senderNickname += "#" + String(peerID.prefix(4))
+            }
+        } else {
+            // Fallback: verify signature using persisted signing key for this peerID's fingerprint prefix
+            if let signature = packet.signature, let packetData = packet.toBinaryDataForSigning() {
+                // Find candidate identities by peerID prefix (16 hex)
+                let candidates = SecureIdentityStateManager.shared.getCryptoIdentitiesByPeerIDPrefix(peerID)
+                for candidate in candidates {
+                    if let signingKey = candidate.signingPublicKey,
+                       noiseService.verifySignature(signature, for: packetData, publicKey: signingKey) {
+                        accepted = true
+                        // Prefer persisted social petname or claimed nickname
+                        if let social = SecureIdentityStateManager.shared.getSocialIdentity(for: candidate.fingerprint) {
+                            senderNickname = social.localPetname ?? social.claimedNickname
+                        } else {
+                            senderNickname = "anon" + String(peerID.prefix(4))
+                        }
+                        break
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        guard accepted else {
             SecureLogger.log("🚫 Dropping public message from unverified or unknown peer \(peerID.prefix(8))…", category: SecureLogger.security, level: .warning)
             return
         }
@@ -1451,16 +1639,16 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
             SecureLogger.log("❌ Failed to decode message payload as UTF-8", category: SecureLogger.session, level: .error)
             return
         }
-        
+        // Determine if we have a direct link to the sender
-        // Resolve display nickname; if collisions exist, append short peerID suffix
+        let hasDirectLink: Bool = collectionsQueue.sync {
-        var senderNickname = info.nickname
+            let perUUID = peerToPeripheralUUID[peerID]
-        // Treat a collision if another connected peer shares the nickname OR our own nickname matches
+            let perConnected = perUUID != nil && peripherals[perUUID!]?.isConnected == true
-        let hasCollision = peers.values.contains { $0.isConnected && $0.nickname == info.nickname && $0.id != peerID } || (myNickname == info.nickname)
+            let hasCentral = centralToPeerID.values.contains(peerID)
-        if hasCollision {
+            return perConnected || hasCentral
-            senderNickname += "#" + String(peerID.prefix(4))
         }
 
-        SecureLogger.log("💬 [\(senderNickname)] TTL:\(packet.ttl): \(String(content.prefix(50)))\(content.count > 50 ? "..." : "")", category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
+        let pathTag = hasDirectLink ? "direct" : "mesh"
+        SecureLogger.log("💬 [\(senderNickname)] TTL:\(packet.ttl) (\(pathTag)): \(String(content.prefix(50)))\(content.count > 50 ? "..." : "")", category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
 
         let ts = Date(timeIntervalSince1970: Double(packet.timestamp) / 1000)
         notifyUI { [weak self] in
@@ -1659,31 +1847,64 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
     }
     
     func sendDeliveryAck(for messageID: String, to peerID: String) {
-        // Send encrypted delivery ACK
+        // Create typed payload: [type byte] + [message ID]
-        guard noiseService.hasSession(with: peerID) else {
+        var payload = Data([NoisePayloadType.delivered.rawValue])
-            SecureLogger.log("Cannot send ACK - no Noise session with \(peerID)", category: SecureLogger.noise, level: .warning)
+        payload.append(contentsOf: messageID.utf8)
-            return
+
+        if noiseService.hasEstablishedSession(with: peerID) {
+            do {
+                let encrypted = try noiseService.encrypt(payload, for: peerID)
+                let packet = BitchatPacket(
+                    type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
+                    senderID: Data(hexString: myPeerID) ?? Data(),
+                    recipientID: Data(hexString: peerID),
+                    timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
+                    payload: encrypted,
+                    signature: nil,
+                    ttl: messageTTL
+                )
+                broadcastPacket(packet)
+            } catch {
+                SecureLogger.log("Failed to send delivery ACK: \(error)", category: SecureLogger.noise, level: .error)
+            }
+        } else {
+            // Queue for after handshake and initiate if needed
+            collectionsQueue.async(flags: .barrier) { [weak self] in
+                guard let self = self else { return }
+                self.pendingNoisePayloadsAfterHandshake[peerID, default: []].append(payload)
+            }
+            if !noiseService.hasSession(with: peerID) { initiateNoiseHandshake(with: peerID) }
+            SecureLogger.log("🕒 Queued DELIVERED ack for \(peerID) until handshake completes", 
+                            category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
         }
+    }
 
-        // Create ACK payload: [type byte] + [message ID]
+    private func sendPendingNoisePayloadsAfterHandshake(for peerID: String) {
-        var ackPayload = Data([NoisePayloadType.delivered.rawValue])
+        let payloads = collectionsQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) { () -> [Data] in
-        ackPayload.append(contentsOf: messageID.utf8)
+            let list = pendingNoisePayloadsAfterHandshake[peerID] ?? []
-        
+            pendingNoisePayloadsAfterHandshake.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
-        do {
+            return list
-            let encrypted = try noiseService.encrypt(ackPayload, for: peerID)
+        }
-            let packet = BitchatPacket(
+        guard !payloads.isEmpty else { return }
-                type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
+        SecureLogger.log("📤 Sending \(payloads.count) pending noise payloads to \(peerID) after handshake",
-                senderID: Data(hexString: myPeerID) ?? Data(),
+                        category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
-                recipientID: Data(hexString: peerID),
+        for payload in payloads {
-                timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
+            do {
-                payload: encrypted,
+                let encrypted = try noiseService.encrypt(payload, for: peerID)
-                signature: nil,
+                let packet = BitchatPacket(
-                ttl: messageTTL
+                    type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
-            )
+                    senderID: Data(hexString: myPeerID) ?? Data(),
-            broadcastPacket(packet)
+                    recipientID: Data(hexString: peerID),
-            // Delivery ACK sent
+                    timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
-        } catch {
+                    payload: encrypted,
-            SecureLogger.log("Failed to send delivery ACK: \(error)", category: SecureLogger.noise, level: .error)
+                    signature: nil,
+                    ttl: messageTTL
+                )
+                broadcastPacket(packet)
+            } catch {
+                SecureLogger.log("❌ Failed to send pending noise payload to \(peerID): \(error)", 
+                                category: SecureLogger.noise, level: .error)
+            }
         }
     }
     
@@ -1697,6 +1918,18 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
         }
     }
 
+    // Debounced disconnect notifier to avoid duplicate disconnect callbacks within a short window
+    private func notifyPeerDisconnectedDebounced(_ peerID: String) {
+        let now = Date()
+        let last = recentDisconnectNotifies[peerID]
+        if last == nil || now.timeIntervalSince(last!) >= TransportConfig.bleDisconnectNotifyDebounceSeconds {
+            delegate?.didDisconnectFromPeer(peerID)
+            recentDisconnectNotifies[peerID] = now
+        } else {
+            // Suppressed duplicate disconnect notification
+        }
+    }
+    
     // NEW: Publish peer snapshots to subscribers and notify Transport delegates
     private func publishFullPeerData() {
         let transportPeers: [TransportPeerSnapshot] = collectionsQueue.sync {
@@ -1749,6 +1982,16 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
             if elapsed >= target { sendAnnounce(forceSend: true) }
         }
 
+        // Activity-driven quick-announce: if we've seen any packet in last 5s and it has
+        // been >=10s since the last announce, send a presence nudge.
+        let recentSeen = collectionsQueue.sync { () -> Bool in
+            let cutoff = now.addingTimeInterval(-5.0)
+            return recentPacketTimestamps.contains(where: { $0 >= cutoff })
+        }
+        if recentSeen && elapsed >= 10.0 {
+            sendAnnounce(forceSend: true)
+        }
+        
         // If we have no peers, ensure we're scanning and advertising
         if peers.isEmpty {
             // Ensure we're advertising as peripheral
@@ -1761,16 +2004,19 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
         updateScanningDutyCycle(connectedCount: connectedCount)
         updateRSSIThreshold(connectedCount: connectedCount)
         
-        // Every 20 seconds (2 cycles): Check peer connectivity
+        // Check peer connectivity every cycle for snappier UI updates
-        if maintenanceCounter % 2 == 0 {
+        checkPeerConnectivity()
-            checkPeerConnectivity()
-        }
         
         // Every 30 seconds (3 cycles): Cleanup
         if maintenanceCounter % 3 == 0 {
             performCleanup()
         }
 
+        // Attempt to flush any spooled directed messages periodically (~every 5 seconds)
+        if maintenanceCounter % 2 == 1 {
+            flushDirectedSpool()
+        }
+        
         // No rotating alias: nothing to refresh
         
         // Reset counter to prevent overflow (every 60 seconds)
@@ -1783,28 +2029,39 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
         let now = Date()
         var disconnectedPeers: [String] = []
         
+        var removedOfflineCount = 0
         collectionsQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
             for (peerID, peer) in peers {
-                if peer.isConnected && now.timeIntervalSince(peer.lastSeen) > TransportConfig.blePeerInactivityTimeoutSeconds {
+                let age = now.timeIntervalSince(peer.lastSeen)
+                let retention: TimeInterval = peer.isVerifiedNickname ? TransportConfig.bleReachabilityRetentionVerifiedSeconds : TransportConfig.bleReachabilityRetentionUnverifiedSeconds
+                if peer.isConnected && age > TransportConfig.blePeerInactivityTimeoutSeconds {
                     // Check if we still have an active BLE connection to this peer
                     let hasPeripheralConnection = peerToPeripheralUUID[peerID] != nil &&
                                                  peripherals[peerToPeripheralUUID[peerID]!]?.isConnected == true
                     let hasCentralConnection = centralToPeerID.values.contains(peerID)
                     
-                    // Only remove if we don't have an active BLE connection
+                    // If direct link is gone, mark as not connected (retain entry for reachability)
                     if !hasPeripheralConnection && !hasCentralConnection {
-                        // Remove the peer completely (they'll be re-added when they reconnect)
+                        var updated = peer
-                        SecureLogger.log("⏱️ Peer timed out (no packets for 20s): \(peerID) (\(peer.nickname))",
+                        updated.isConnected = false
-                                       category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
+                        peers[peerID] = updated
-                        peers.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
                         disconnectedPeers.append(peerID)
                     }
                 }
+                // Cleanup: remove peers that are not connected and past reachability retention
+                if !peer.isConnected {
+                    if age > retention {
+                        SecureLogger.log("🗑️ Removing stale peer after reachability window: \(peerID) (\(peer.nickname))",
+                                         category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
+                        peers.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
+                        removedOfflineCount += 1
+                    }
+                }
             }
         }
         
-        // Update UI if any peers were disconnected
+        // Update UI if there were direct disconnections or offline removals
-        if !disconnectedPeers.isEmpty {
+        if !disconnectedPeers.isEmpty || removedOfflineCount > 0 {
             notifyUI { [weak self] in
                 guard let self = self else { return }
                 
@@ -1814,6 +2071,8 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
                 for peerID in disconnectedPeers {
                     self.delegate?.didDisconnectFromPeer(peerID)
                 }
+                // Publish snapshots so UnifiedPeerService updates connection/reachability icons
+                self.publishFullPeerData()
                 self.delegate?.didUpdatePeerList(currentPeerIDs)
             }
         }
@@ -1857,6 +2116,15 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
             if !self.ingressByMessageID.isEmpty {
                 self.ingressByMessageID = self.ingressByMessageID.filter { $0.value.timestamp >= cutoff }
             }
+            // Clean expired directed spooled items
+            if !self.pendingDirectedRelays.isEmpty {
+                var cleaned: [String: [String: (packet: BitchatPacket, enqueuedAt: Date)]] = [:]
+                for (recipient, dict) in self.pendingDirectedRelays {
+                    let pruned = dict.filter { now.timeIntervalSince($0.value.enqueuedAt) <= TransportConfig.bleDirectedSpoolWindowSeconds }
+                    if !pruned.isEmpty { cleaned[recipient] = pruned }
+                }
+                self.pendingDirectedRelays = cleaned
+            }
         }
     }
 
@@ -1868,7 +2136,13 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
         #else
         let active = true
         #endif
-        let shouldDuty = dutyEnabled && active && connectedCount > 0
+        // Force full-time scanning if we have very few neighbors or very recent traffic
+        let hasRecentTraffic: Bool = collectionsQueue.sync {
+            let cutoff = Date().addingTimeInterval(-TransportConfig.bleRecentTrafficForceScanSeconds)
+            return recentPacketTimestamps.contains(where: { $0 >= cutoff })
+        }
+        let forceScanOn = (connectedCount <= 2) || hasRecentTraffic
+        let shouldDuty = dutyEnabled && active && connectedCount > 0 && !forceScanOn
         if shouldDuty {
             if scanDutyTimer == nil {
                 // Start timer to toggle scanning on/off
@@ -2138,6 +2412,11 @@ func centralManager(_ central: CBCentralManager, didConnect peripheral: CBPeriph
         SecureLogger.log("📱 Disconnect: \(peerID ?? peripheralID)\(error != nil ? " (\(error!.localizedDescription))" : "")",
                         category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
 
+        // If disconnect carried an error (often timeout), apply short backoff to avoid thrash
+        if error != nil {
+            recentConnectTimeouts[peripheralID] = Date()
+        }
+        
         // Clean up references
         peripherals.removeValue(forKey: peripheralID)
         
@@ -2145,9 +2424,12 @@ func centralManager(_ central: CBCentralManager, didConnect peripheral: CBPeriph
         if let peerID = peerID {
             peerToPeripheralUUID.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
             
-            // Remove peer completely (they'll be re-added when they reconnect and announce)
+            // Do not remove peer; mark as not connected but retain for reachability
-            _ = collectionsQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+            collectionsQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
-                peers.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
+                if var info = peers[peerID] {
+                    info.isConnected = false
+                    peers[peerID] = info
+                }
             }
         }
         
@@ -2162,7 +2444,7 @@ func centralManager(_ central: CBCentralManager, didConnect peripheral: CBPeriph
         // Attempt to fill freed slot from queue
         bleQueue.async { [weak self] in self?.tryConnectFromQueue() }
         
-        // Notify delegate about disconnection on main thread
+        // Notify delegate about disconnection on main thread (direct link dropped)
         notifyUI { [weak self] in
             guard let self = self else { return }
             
@@ -2170,7 +2452,7 @@ func centralManager(_ central: CBCentralManager, didConnect peripheral: CBPeriph
             let currentPeerIDs = self.collectionsQueue.sync { Array(self.peers.keys) }
             
             if let peerID = peerID {
-                self.delegate?.didDisconnectFromPeer(peerID)
+                self.notifyPeerDisconnectedDebounced(peerID)
             }
             self.publishFullPeerData()
             self.delegate?.didUpdatePeerList(currentPeerIDs)
@@ -2222,6 +2504,18 @@ extension BLEService {
         guard candidate.isConnectable else { return }
         let peripheral = candidate.peripheral
         let peripheralID = peripheral.identifier.uuidString
+        // Weak-link cooldown: if we recently timed out and RSSI is very weak, delay retries
+        if let lastTO = recentConnectTimeouts[peripheralID] {
+            let elapsed = Date().timeIntervalSince(lastTO)
+            if elapsed < TransportConfig.bleWeakLinkCooldownSeconds && candidate.rssi <= TransportConfig.bleWeakLinkRSSICutoff {
+                // Requeue the candidate and try again later
+                connectionCandidates.append(candidate)
+                let remaining = TransportConfig.bleWeakLinkCooldownSeconds - elapsed
+                let delay = min(max(2.0, remaining), 15.0)
+                bleQueue.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + delay) { [weak self] in self?.tryConnectFromQueue() }
+                return
+            }
+        }
         if peripherals[peripheralID]?.isConnected == true || peripherals[peripheralID]?.isConnecting == true {
             // Already in progress; skip
             bleQueue.async { [weak self] in self?.tryConnectFromQueue() }
@@ -2355,6 +2649,10 @@ extension BLEService: CBPeripheralDelegate {
             // Send announce after subscription is confirmed (force send for new connection)
             messageQueue.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + TransportConfig.blePostSubscribeAnnounceDelaySeconds) { [weak self] in
                 self?.sendAnnounce(forceSend: true)
+                // Try flushing any spooled directed packets now that we have a link
+                self?.flushDirectedSpool()
+                // Rebroadcast a couple of recent announces to seed the new link
+                self?.rebroadcastRecentAnnounces()
             }
         } else {
             SecureLogger.log("⚠️ Characteristic does not support notifications", category: SecureLogger.session, level: .warning)
@@ -2517,6 +2815,10 @@ extension BLEService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
         // Send announce to the newly subscribed central after a small delay to avoid overwhelming
         messageQueue.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + TransportConfig.blePostAnnounceDelaySeconds) { [weak self] in
             self?.sendAnnounce(forceSend: true)
+            // Flush any spooled directed packets now that we have a central subscribed
+            self?.flushDirectedSpool()
+            // Rebroadcast a couple of recent announces to seed the new link
+            self?.rebroadcastRecentAnnounces()
         }
     }
     
@@ -2533,9 +2835,12 @@ extension BLEService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
         // Find and disconnect the peer associated with this central
         let centralUUID = central.identifier.uuidString
         if let peerID = centralToPeerID[centralUUID] {
-            // Remove peer completely (they'll be re-added when they reconnect)
+            // Mark peer as not connected; retain for reachability
-            _ = collectionsQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
+            collectionsQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) {
-                peers.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
+                if var info = peers[peerID] {
+                    info.isConnected = false
+                    peers[peerID] = info
+                }
             }
             
             // Clean up mappings
@@ -2548,7 +2853,9 @@ extension BLEService: CBPeripheralManagerDelegate {
                 // Get current peer list (after removal)
                 let currentPeerIDs = self.collectionsQueue.sync { Array(self.peers.keys) }
                 
-                self.delegate?.didDisconnectFromPeer(peerID)
+                self.notifyPeerDisconnectedDebounced(peerID)
+                // Publish snapshots so UnifiedPeerService can refresh icons promptly
+                self.publishFullPeerData()
                 self.delegate?.didUpdatePeerList(currentPeerIDs)
             }
         }

bitchat/Services/MessageRouter.swift

@@ -37,11 +37,11 @@ final class MessageRouter {
     }
 
     func sendPrivate(_ content: String, to peerID: String, recipientNickname: String, messageID: String) {
-        let hasMesh = mesh.isPeerConnected(peerID)
+        let reachableMesh = mesh.isPeerReachable(peerID)
-        let hasEstablished = mesh.getNoiseService().hasEstablishedSession(with: peerID)
+        if reachableMesh {
-        if hasMesh && hasEstablished {
+            SecureLogger.log("Routing PM via mesh (reachable) to \(peerID.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…",
-            SecureLogger.log("Routing PM via mesh to \(peerID.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…",
                             category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
+            // BLEService will initiate a handshake if needed and queue the message
             mesh.sendPrivateMessage(content, to: peerID, recipientNickname: recipientNickname, messageID: messageID)
         } else if canSendViaNostr(peerID: peerID) {
             SecureLogger.log("Routing PM via Nostr to \(peerID.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…",
@@ -57,9 +57,9 @@ final class MessageRouter {
     }
 
     func sendReadReceipt(_ receipt: ReadReceipt, to peerID: String) {
-        // Prefer mesh only if a Noise session is established; else use Nostr to avoid handshakeRequired spam
+        // Prefer mesh for reachable peers; BLE will queue if handshake is needed
-        if mesh.isPeerConnected(peerID) && mesh.getNoiseService().hasEstablishedSession(with: peerID) {
+        if mesh.isPeerReachable(peerID) {
-            SecureLogger.log("Routing READ ack via mesh to \(peerID.prefix(8))… id=\(receipt.originalMessageID.prefix(8))…",
+            SecureLogger.log("Routing READ ack via mesh (reachable) to \(peerID.prefix(8))… id=\(receipt.originalMessageID.prefix(8))…",
                             category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
             mesh.sendReadReceipt(receipt, to: peerID)
         } else {
@@ -70,7 +70,9 @@ final class MessageRouter {
     }
 
     func sendDeliveryAck(_ messageID: String, to peerID: String) {
-        if mesh.isPeerConnected(peerID) && mesh.getNoiseService().hasEstablishedSession(with: peerID) {
+        if mesh.isPeerReachable(peerID) {
+            SecureLogger.log("Routing DELIVERED ack via mesh (reachable) to \(peerID.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…",
+                            category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
             mesh.sendDeliveryAck(for: messageID, to: peerID)
         } else {
             nostr.sendDeliveryAck(for: messageID, to: peerID)
@@ -101,7 +103,7 @@ final class MessageRouter {
                         category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
         // Prefer mesh if connected; else try Nostr if mapping exists
         for (content, nickname, messageID) in queued {
-            if mesh.isPeerConnected(peerID) {
+            if mesh.isPeerReachable(peerID) {
                 SecureLogger.log("Outbox -> mesh for \(peerID.prefix(8))… id=\(messageID.prefix(8))…",
                                 category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
                 mesh.sendPrivateMessage(content, to: peerID, recipientNickname: nickname, messageID: messageID)

bitchat/Services/NostrTransport.swift

@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ final class NostrTransport: Transport {
     func emergencyDisconnectAll() { /* no-op */ }
 
     func isPeerConnected(_ peerID: String) -> Bool { false }
+    func isPeerReachable(_ peerID: String) -> Bool { false }
     func peerNickname(peerID: String) -> String? { nil }
     func getPeerNicknames() -> [String : String] { [:] }
 

bitchat/Services/RelayController.swift

@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ struct RelayController {
                        isDirectedEncrypted: Bool,
                        isDirectedFragment: Bool,
                        isHandshake: Bool,
+                       isAnnounce: Bool,
                        degree: Int,
                        highDegreeThreshold: Int) -> RelayDecision {
         // Suppress obvious non-relays
@@ -25,7 +26,8 @@ struct RelayController {
             // Always relay with no TTL cap for these types
             let newTTL = (ttl &- 1)
             // Slight jitter to desynchronize without adding too much latency
-            let delayRange: ClosedRange<Int> = isHandshake ? 20...60 : 40...120
+            // Tighter for faster multi-hop handshakes and directed DMs
+            let delayRange: ClosedRange<Int> = isHandshake ? 10...35 : 20...60
             let delayMs = Int.random(in: delayRange)
             return RelayDecision(shouldRelay: true, newTTL: newTTL, delayMs: delayMs)
         }
@@ -42,15 +44,22 @@ struct RelayController {
         let prob = baseProb
         let shouldRelay = Double.random(in: 0...1) <= prob
 
-        // TTL clamping in dense graphs (only for broadcast)
+        // TTL clamping for broadcast
-        let ttlCap: UInt8 = degree >= highDegreeThreshold ? 3 : 5
+        // - Dense graphs: keep very low to avoid floods
+        // - Sparse graphs: allow slightly longer reach for multi-hop discovery
+        // - Announces in sparse graphs get a bit more headroom
+        let ttlCap: UInt8 = {
+            if degree >= highDegreeThreshold { return 3 }
+            return isAnnounce ? 7 : 6
+        }()
         let clamped = max(1, min(ttl, ttlCap))
         let newTTL = clamped &- 1
 
         // Wider jitter window to allow duplicate suppression to win more often
+        // For sparse graphs (<=2), relay quickly to avoid cancellation races
         let delayMs: Int
         switch degree {
-        case 0...2: delayMs = Int.random(in: 40...100)
+        case 0...2: delayMs = Int.random(in: 10...40)
         case 3...5: delayMs = Int.random(in: 60...150)
         case 6...9: delayMs = Int.random(in: 80...180)
         default:    delayMs = Int.random(in: 100...220)

bitchat/Services/Transport.swift

@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ protocol Transport: AnyObject {
 
     // Connectivity and peers
     func isPeerConnected(_ peerID: String) -> Bool
+    func isPeerReachable(_ peerID: String) -> Bool
     func peerNickname(peerID: String) -> String?
     func getPeerNicknames() -> [String: String]
 

bitchat/Services/TransportConfig.swift

@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ enum TransportConfig {
     static let uiRecentCutoffFiveMinutesSeconds: TimeInterval = 5 * 60
 
     // BLE maintenance & thresholds
-    static let bleMaintenanceInterval: TimeInterval = 10.0
+    static let bleMaintenanceInterval: TimeInterval = 5.0
     static let bleMaintenanceLeewaySeconds: Int = 1
     static let bleIsolationRelaxThresholdSeconds: TimeInterval = 60
     static let bleRecentTimeoutWindowSeconds: TimeInterval = 60
@@ -71,23 +71,32 @@ enum TransportConfig {
     static let bleRSSIIsolatedRelaxed: Int = -92
     static let bleRSSIConnectedThreshold: Int = -85
     static let bleRSSIHighTimeoutThreshold: Int = -80
-    static let blePeerInactivityTimeoutSeconds: TimeInterval = 20.0
+    // How long without seeing traffic before we sanity-check the direct link
+    // Lowered to make connected→reachable icon changes react faster when walking out of range
+    static let blePeerInactivityTimeoutSeconds: TimeInterval = 8.0
+    // How long to retain a peer as "reachable" (not directly connected) since lastSeen
+    static let bleReachabilityRetentionVerifiedSeconds: TimeInterval = 21.0    // 21s for verified/favorites
+    static let bleReachabilityRetentionUnverifiedSeconds: TimeInterval = 21.0  // 21s for unknown/unverified
     static let bleFragmentLifetimeSeconds: TimeInterval = 30.0
     static let bleIngressRecordLifetimeSeconds: TimeInterval = 3.0
     static let bleConnectTimeoutBackoffWindowSeconds: TimeInterval = 120.0
     static let bleRecentPacketWindowSeconds: TimeInterval = 30.0
     static let bleRecentPacketWindowMaxCount: Int = 100
+    // Keep scanning fully ON when we saw traffic very recently
+    static let bleRecentTrafficForceScanSeconds: TimeInterval = 10.0
     static let bleThreadSleepWriteShortDelaySeconds: TimeInterval = 0.05
     static let bleExpectedWritePerFragmentMs: Int = 8
     static let bleExpectedWriteMaxMs: Int = 2000
-    static let bleFragmentSpacingMs: Int = 6
+    // Faster fragment pacing; use slightly tighter spacing for directed trains
-    static let bleAnnounceIntervalSeconds: TimeInterval = 10.0
+    static let bleFragmentSpacingMs: Int = 5
+    static let bleFragmentSpacingDirectedMs: Int = 4
+    static let bleAnnounceIntervalSeconds: TimeInterval = 4.0
     static let bleDutyOnDurationDense: TimeInterval = 3.0
     static let bleDutyOffDurationDense: TimeInterval = 15.0
-    static let bleConnectedAnnounceBaseSecondsDense: TimeInterval = 90.0
+    static let bleConnectedAnnounceBaseSecondsDense: TimeInterval = 30.0
-    static let bleConnectedAnnounceBaseSecondsSparse: TimeInterval = 45.0
+    static let bleConnectedAnnounceBaseSecondsSparse: TimeInterval = 15.0
-    static let bleConnectedAnnounceJitterDense: TimeInterval = 20.0
+    static let bleConnectedAnnounceJitterDense: TimeInterval = 8.0
-    static let bleConnectedAnnounceJitterSparse: TimeInterval = 7.5
+    static let bleConnectedAnnounceJitterSparse: TimeInterval = 4.0
 
     // Location
     static let locationDistanceFilterMeters: Double = 1000
@@ -126,12 +135,24 @@ enum TransportConfig {
     static let geoRelayFetchIntervalSeconds: TimeInterval = 60 * 60 * 24
 
     // BLE operational delays
-    static let bleInitialAnnounceDelaySeconds: TimeInterval = 2.0
+    static let bleInitialAnnounceDelaySeconds: TimeInterval = 0.6
     static let bleConnectTimeoutSeconds: TimeInterval = 8.0
     static let bleRestartScanDelaySeconds: TimeInterval = 0.1
-    static let blePostSubscribeAnnounceDelaySeconds: TimeInterval = 0.1
+    static let blePostSubscribeAnnounceDelaySeconds: TimeInterval = 0.05
     static let blePostAnnounceDelaySeconds: TimeInterval = 0.4
-    static let bleForceAnnounceMinIntervalSeconds: TimeInterval = 0.2
+    static let bleForceAnnounceMinIntervalSeconds: TimeInterval = 0.15
+
+    // Store-and-forward for directed packets at relays
+    static let bleDirectedSpoolWindowSeconds: TimeInterval = 15.0
+
+    // Log/UI debounce windows
+    // Shorter debounce so UI reacts faster while still suppressing duplicate callbacks
+    static let bleDisconnectNotifyDebounceSeconds: TimeInterval = 0.9
+    static let bleReconnectLogDebounceSeconds: TimeInterval = 2.0
+
+    // Weak-link cooldown after connection timeouts
+    static let bleWeakLinkCooldownSeconds: TimeInterval = 30.0
+    static let bleWeakLinkRSSICutoff: Int = -90
 
     // Content hashing / formatting
     static let contentKeyPrefixLength: Int = 256

bitchat/Services/UnifiedPeerService.swift

@@ -68,24 +68,28 @@ class UnifiedPeerService: ObservableObject, TransportPeerEventsDelegate {
     
     private func updatePeers() {
         let meshPeers = meshService.currentPeerSnapshots()
+        // If we have no direct links at all, peers should not be marked reachable
+        // "Reachable" means mesh-attached via at least one live link.
+        let hasAnyConnected = meshPeers.contains { $0.isConnected }
         let favorites = favoritesService.favorites
         
         var enrichedPeers: [BitchatPeer] = []
         var connected: Set<String> = []
         var addedPeerIDs: Set<String> = []
         
-        // Phase 1: Add all connected mesh peers
+        // Phase 1: Add all mesh peers (connected and reachable)
-        for peerInfo in meshPeers where peerInfo.isConnected {
+        for peerInfo in meshPeers {
             let peerID = peerInfo.id
             guard peerID != meshService.myPeerID else { continue }  // Never add self
             
             let peer = buildPeerFromMesh(
                 peerInfo: peerInfo,
-                favorites: favorites
+                favorites: favorites,
+                meshAttached: hasAnyConnected
             )
             
             enrichedPeers.append(peer)
-            connected.insert(peerID)
+            if peer.isConnected { connected.insert(peerID) }
             addedPeerIDs.insert(peerID)
             
             // Update fingerprint cache
@@ -117,14 +121,12 @@ class UnifiedPeerService: ObservableObject, TransportPeerEventsDelegate {
         
         // Phase 3: Sort peers
         enrichedPeers.sort { lhs, rhs in
-            // Connected first
+            // Connectivity rank: connected > reachable > others
-            if lhs.isConnected != rhs.isConnected {
+            func rank(_ p: BitchatPeer) -> Int { p.isConnected ? 2 : (p.isReachable ? 1 : 0) }
-                return lhs.isConnected
+            let lr = rank(lhs), rr = rank(rhs)
-            }
+            if lr != rr { return lr > rr }
-            // Then favorites
+            // Then favorites inside same rank
-            if lhs.isFavorite != rhs.isFavorite {
+            if lhs.isFavorite != rhs.isFavorite { return lhs.isFavorite }
-                return lhs.isFavorite
-            }
             // Finally alphabetical
             return lhs.displayName < rhs.displayName
         }
@@ -145,8 +147,11 @@ class UnifiedPeerService: ObservableObject, TransportPeerEventsDelegate {
             }
         }
         
-        // Phase 5: Update published properties
+        // Phase 5: Filter out offline non-mutual peers and update published properties
-        self.peers = enrichedPeers
+        let filtered = enrichedPeers.filter { p in
+            p.isConnected || p.isReachable || p.isMutualFavorite
+        }
+        self.peers = filtered
         self.connectedPeerIDs = connected
         self.favorites = favoritesList
         self.mutualFavorites = mutualsList
@@ -162,14 +167,26 @@ class UnifiedPeerService: ObservableObject, TransportPeerEventsDelegate {
     
     private func buildPeerFromMesh(
         peerInfo: TransportPeerSnapshot,
-        favorites: [Data: FavoritesPersistenceService.FavoriteRelationship]
+        favorites: [Data: FavoritesPersistenceService.FavoriteRelationship],
+        meshAttached: Bool
     ) -> BitchatPeer {
+        // Determine reachability based on lastSeen and identity trust
+        let now = Date()
+        let fingerprint = peerInfo.noisePublicKey?.sha256Fingerprint()
+        let isVerified = fingerprint.map { SecureIdentityStateManager.shared.isVerified(fingerprint: $0) } ?? false
+        let isFav = peerInfo.noisePublicKey.flatMap { favorites[$0]?.isFavorite } ?? false
+        let retention: TimeInterval = (isVerified || isFav) ? TransportConfig.bleReachabilityRetentionVerifiedSeconds : TransportConfig.bleReachabilityRetentionUnverifiedSeconds
+        // A peer is reachable if we recently saw them AND we are attached to the mesh
+        let withinRetention = now.timeIntervalSince(peerInfo.lastSeen) <= retention
+        let isReachable = peerInfo.isConnected ? true : (withinRetention && meshAttached)
+
         var peer = BitchatPeer(
             id: peerInfo.id,
             noisePublicKey: peerInfo.noisePublicKey ?? Data(),
             nickname: peerInfo.nickname,
             lastSeen: peerInfo.lastSeen,
-            isConnected: true
+            isConnected: peerInfo.isConnected,
+            isReachable: isReachable
         )
         
         // Check for favorite status
@@ -216,7 +233,8 @@ class UnifiedPeerService: ObservableObject, TransportPeerEventsDelegate {
             noisePublicKey: favorite.peerNoisePublicKey,
             nickname: favorite.peerNickname,
             lastSeen: favorite.lastUpdated,
-            isConnected: false
+            isConnected: false,
+            isReachable: false
         )
         
         peer.favoriteStatus = favorite

bitchat/ViewModels/ChatViewModel.swift

@@ -935,6 +935,13 @@ class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate {
             if unreadPrivateMessages.contains(noiseKeyHex) {
                 return true
             }
+            // Also check for geohash (Nostr) DM conv key if this peer has a known Nostr pubkey
+            if let nostrHex = peer.nostrPublicKey {
+                let convKey = "nostr_" + String(nostrHex.prefix(TransportConfig.nostrConvKeyPrefixLength))
+                if unreadPrivateMessages.contains(convKey) {
+                    return true
+                }
+            }
         }
         
         // Get the peer's nickname to check for temporary Nostr peer IDs
@@ -1874,6 +1881,7 @@ class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate {
         // Determine routing method and recipient nickname
         guard let noiseKey = Data(hexString: peerID) else { return }
         let isConnected = meshService.isPeerConnected(peerID)
+        let isReachable = meshService.isPeerReachable(peerID)
         let favoriteStatus = FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.getFavoriteStatus(for: noiseKey)
         let isMutualFavorite = favoriteStatus?.isMutual ?? false
         let hasNostrKey = favoriteStatus?.peerNostrPublicKey != nil
@@ -1913,8 +1921,8 @@ class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate {
         // Trigger UI update for sent message
         objectWillChange.send()
         
-        // Send via appropriate transport (BLE if connected, else Nostr when possible)
+        // Send via appropriate transport (BLE if connected/reachable, else Nostr when possible)
-        if isConnected || (isMutualFavorite && hasNostrKey) {
+        if isConnected || isReachable || (isMutualFavorite && hasNostrKey) {
             messageRouter.sendPrivate(content, to: peerID, recipientNickname: recipientNickname ?? "user", messageID: messageID)
             // Optimistically mark as sent for both transports; delivery/read will update subsequently
             if let idx = privateChats[peerID]?.firstIndex(where: { $0.id == messageID }) {
@@ -2542,16 +2550,12 @@ class ChatViewModel: ObservableObject, BitchatDelegate {
             }
         }
         
-        // If we know the original transport, use it for the read receipt
+        // If this originated over Nostr, skip (handled by Nostr code paths)
         if originalTransport == "nostr" {
-            // Skip read receipts for Nostr messages - unnecessary complexity
+            return
-            // The radical simplification plan says to accept occasional loss
-        } else if meshService.peerNickname(peerID: actualPeerID) != nil {
-            // Use mesh for connected peers (default behavior)
-            messageRouter.sendReadReceipt(receipt, to: actualPeerID)
-        } else {
-            // Skip read receipts for offline peers - fire and forget principle
         }
+        // Use router to decide (mesh if reachable, else Nostr if available)
+        messageRouter.sendReadReceipt(receipt, to: actualPeerID)
     }
     
     @MainActor

bitchat/Views/ContentView.swift

@@ -1036,9 +1036,8 @@ struct ContentView: View {
         case .mesh:
             let counts = viewModel.allPeers.reduce(into: (others: 0, mesh: 0)) { counts, peer in
                 guard peer.id != viewModel.meshService.myPeerID else { return }
-                let isMeshConnected = peer.isConnected
+                if peer.isConnected { counts.mesh += 1; counts.others += 1 }
-                if isMeshConnected { counts.mesh += 1; counts.others += 1 }
+                else if peer.isReachable { counts.others += 1 }
-                else if peer.isMutualFavorite { counts.others += 1 }
             }
             let meshBlue = Color(hue: 0.60, saturation: 0.85, brightness: 0.82)
             let color: Color = counts.mesh > 0 ? meshBlue : Color.secondary
@@ -1181,20 +1180,11 @@ struct ContentView: View {
     
     @ViewBuilder
     private func privateHeaderContent(for privatePeerID: String) -> some View {
-        // Prefer short (mesh) ID when mesh-connected (radio). Only use full Noise key when not connected (globe).
+        // Prefer short (mesh) ID whenever available for encryption/session status; keep stable key for display resolution only.
         let headerPeerID: String = {
-            if privatePeerID.count == 16 {
+            if privatePeerID.count == 64 {
-                let isMeshConnected = viewModel.meshService.isPeerConnected(privatePeerID) || viewModel.connectedPeers.contains(privatePeerID)
+                // Map stable Noise key to short ID if we know it (even if not directly connected)
-                if !isMeshConnected, let stable = viewModel.getNoiseKeyForShortID(privatePeerID) {
+                if let short = viewModel.getShortIDForNoiseKey(privatePeerID) { return short }
-                    return stable
-                }
-            } else if privatePeerID.count == 64 {
-                // If we have a full Noise key and a corresponding short ID is currently mesh-connected, prefer short ID
-                if let short = viewModel.getShortIDForNoiseKey(privatePeerID) {
-                    if viewModel.meshService.isPeerConnected(short) || viewModel.connectedPeers.contains(short) {
-                        return short
-                    }
-                }
             }
             return privatePeerID
         }()
@@ -1209,10 +1199,29 @@ struct ContentView: View {
                     return "#\(ch.geohash)/@\(disp)"
                 }
             }
-            return peer?.displayName ?? 
+            // Try mesh/unified peer display
-                   viewModel.meshService.peerNickname(peerID: headerPeerID) ??
+            if let name = peer?.displayName { return name }
-                   FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.getFavoriteStatus(for: Data(hexString: headerPeerID) ?? Data())?.peerNickname ?? 
+            // Try direct mesh nickname (connected-only)
-                   "Unknown"
+            if let name = viewModel.meshService.peerNickname(peerID: headerPeerID) { return name }
+            // Try favorite nickname by stable Noise key
+            if let fav = FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.getFavoriteStatus(for: Data(hexString: headerPeerID) ?? Data()),
+               !fav.peerNickname.isEmpty { return fav.peerNickname }
+            // Fallback: resolve from persisted social identity via fingerprint mapping
+            if headerPeerID.count == 16 {
+                let candidates = SecureIdentityStateManager.shared.getCryptoIdentitiesByPeerIDPrefix(headerPeerID)
+                if let id = candidates.first,
+                   let social = SecureIdentityStateManager.shared.getSocialIdentity(for: id.fingerprint) {
+                    if let pet = social.localPetname, !pet.isEmpty { return pet }
+                    if !social.claimedNickname.isEmpty { return social.claimedNickname }
+                }
+            } else if headerPeerID.count == 64, let keyData = Data(hexString: headerPeerID) {
+                let fp = keyData.sha256Fingerprint()
+                if let social = SecureIdentityStateManager.shared.getSocialIdentity(for: fp) {
+                    if let pet = social.localPetname, !pet.isEmpty { return pet }
+                    if !social.claimedNickname.isEmpty { return social.claimedNickname }
+                }
+            }
+            return "Unknown"
         }()
         let isNostrAvailable: Bool = {
             guard let connectionState = peer?.connectionState else { 
@@ -1247,6 +1256,12 @@ struct ContentView: View {
                                         .font(.system(size: 14))
                                         .foregroundColor(textColor)
                                         .accessibilityLabel("Connected via mesh")
+                                case .meshReachable:
+                                    // point.3 filled icon for reachable via mesh (not directly connected)
+                                    Image(systemName: "point.3.filled.connected.trianglepath.dotted")
+                                        .font(.system(size: 14))
+                                        .foregroundColor(textColor)
+                                        .accessibilityLabel("Reachable via mesh")
                                 case .nostrAvailable:
                                     // Purple globe for Nostr
                                     Image(systemName: "globe")
@@ -1257,6 +1272,12 @@ struct ContentView: View {
                                     // Should not happen for PM header, but handle gracefully
                                     EmptyView()
                                 }
+                            } else if viewModel.meshService.isPeerReachable(headerPeerID) {
+                                // Fallback: reachable via mesh but not in current peer list
+                                Image(systemName: "point.3.filled.connected.trianglepath.dotted")
+                                    .font(.system(size: 14))
+                                    .foregroundColor(textColor)
+                                    .accessibilityLabel("Reachable via mesh")
                             } else if isNostrAvailable {
                                 // Fallback to Nostr if peer not in list but is mutual favorite
                                 Image(systemName: "globe")
@@ -1275,7 +1296,14 @@ struct ContentView: View {
                                 .font(.system(size: 16, weight: .medium, design: .monospaced))
                                 .foregroundColor(textColor)                            // Dynamic encryption status icon (hide for geohash DMs)
                             if !privatePeerID.hasPrefix("nostr_") {
-                                let encryptionStatus = viewModel.getEncryptionStatus(for: headerPeerID)
+                                // Use short peer ID if available for encryption status (sessions keyed by short ID)
+                                let statusPeerID: String = {
+                                    if privatePeerID.count == 64, let short = viewModel.getShortIDForNoiseKey(privatePeerID) {
+                                        return short
+                                    }
+                                    return headerPeerID
+                                }()
+                                let encryptionStatus = viewModel.getEncryptionStatus(for: statusPeerID)
                                 if let icon = encryptionStatus.icon {
                                     Image(systemName: icon)
                                         .font(.system(size: 14))

bitchat/Views/FingerprintView.swift

@@ -41,9 +41,27 @@ struct FingerprintView: View {
             .padding()
             
             VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 16) {
-                // Peer info
+                // Prefer short mesh ID for session/encryption status
-                let peerNickname = viewModel.meshService.peerNickname(peerID: peerID) ?? "Unknown"
+                let statusPeerID: String = {
-                let encryptionStatus = viewModel.getEncryptionStatus(for: peerID)
+                    if peerID.count == 64, let short = viewModel.getShortIDForNoiseKey(peerID) { return short }
+                    return peerID
+                }()
+                // Resolve a friendly name
+                let peerNickname: String = {
+                    if let p = viewModel.getPeer(byID: statusPeerID) { return p.displayName }
+                    if let name = viewModel.meshService.peerNickname(peerID: statusPeerID) { return name }
+                    if peerID.count == 64, let data = Data(hexString: peerID) {
+                        if let fav = FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.getFavoriteStatus(for: data), !fav.peerNickname.isEmpty { return fav.peerNickname }
+                        let fp = data.sha256Fingerprint()
+                        if let social = SecureIdentityStateManager.shared.getSocialIdentity(for: fp) {
+                            if let pet = social.localPetname, !pet.isEmpty { return pet }
+                            if !social.claimedNickname.isEmpty { return social.claimedNickname }
+                        }
+                    }
+                    return "Unknown"
+                }()
+                // Accurate encryption state based on short ID session
+                let encryptionStatus = viewModel.getEncryptionStatus(for: statusPeerID)
                 
                 HStack {
                     if let icon = encryptionStatus.icon {
@@ -74,7 +92,7 @@ struct FingerprintView: View {
                         .font(.system(size: 12, weight: .bold, design: .monospaced))
                         .foregroundColor(textColor.opacity(0.7))
                     
-                    if let fingerprint = viewModel.getFingerprint(for: peerID) {
+                    if let fingerprint = viewModel.getFingerprint(for: statusPeerID) {
                         Text(formatFingerprint(fingerprint))
                             .font(.system(size: 14, design: .monospaced))
                             .foregroundColor(textColor)

bitchat/Views/MeshPeerList.swift

@@ -52,6 +52,11 @@ struct MeshPeerList: View {
                             Image(systemName: "antenna.radiowaves.left.and.right")
                                 .font(.system(size: 10))
                                 .foregroundColor(baseColor)
+                        } else if peer.isReachable {
+                            // Mesh-reachable (relayed): point.3 icon
+                            Image(systemName: "point.3.filled.connected.trianglepath.dotted")
+                                .font(.system(size: 10))
+                                .foregroundColor(baseColor)
                         } else if peer.isMutualFavorite {
                             // Mutual favorite reachable via Nostr: globe icon (purple)
                             Image(systemName: "globe")
@@ -110,6 +115,14 @@ struct MeshPeerList: View {
 
                         Spacer()
 
+                        // Unread message indicator for this peer
+                        if !isMe, item.hasUnread {
+                            Image(systemName: "envelope.fill")
+                                .font(.system(size: 10))
+                                .foregroundColor(.orange)
+                                .help("New messages")
+                        }
+
                         if !isMe {
                             Button(action: { onToggleFavorite(peer.id) }) {
                                 Image(systemName: (peer.favoriteStatus?.isFavorite ?? false) ? "star.fill" : "star")