refactor(router): make MessageRouter depend on NostrOutboxService; update ChatViewModel wiring

Centralize Nostr geohash outbox (PM, DELIVERED, READ) into a service wrapping NostrTransport; inject into ChatViewModel and remove ad-hoc NostrTransport instantiations.

README.md

@@ -2,59 +2,108 @@
 
 ## bitchat
 
-A decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app that works over Bluetooth mesh networks. No internet required, no servers, no phone numbers. It's the side-groupchat. 
+A decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app with dual transport architecture: local Bluetooth mesh networks for offline communication and internet-based Nostr protocol for global reach. No accounts, no phone numbers, no central servers. It's the side-groupchat.
 
 [bitchat.free](http://bitchat.free)
 
 📲 [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bitchat-mesh/id6748219622)
 
 > [!WARNING]
-> Private messages have not received external security review and may contain vulnerabilities. Do not use for sensitive use cases, and do not rely on its security until it has been reviewed. Now uses the [Noise Protocol](http://www.noiseprotocol.org) for identity and encryption. Public local chat (the main feature) has no security concerns. 
+> Private messages have not received external security review and may contain vulnerabilities. Do not use for sensitive use cases, and do not rely on its security until it has been reviewed. Now uses the [Noise Protocol](http://www.noiseprotocol.org) for identity and encryption. Public local chat (the main feature) has no security concerns.
-
 
 ## License
 
 This project is released into the public domain. See the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for details.
 
-
 ## Features
 
+- **Dual Transport Architecture**: Bluetooth mesh for offline + Nostr protocol for internet-based messaging
+- **Location-Based Channels**: Geographic chat rooms using geohash coordinates over global Nostr relays
+- **Intelligent Message Routing**: Automatically chooses best transport (Bluetooth → Nostr fallback)
 - **Decentralized Mesh Network**: Automatic peer discovery and multi-hop message relay over Bluetooth LE
 - **Privacy First**: No accounts, no phone numbers, no persistent identifiers
-- **Private Message End-to-End Encryption**: [Noise Protocol](http://noiseprotocol.org)
+- **Private Message End-to-End Encryption**: [Noise Protocol](http://noiseprotocol.org) for mesh, NIP-17 for Nostr
 - **IRC-Style Commands**: Familiar `/slap`, `/msg`, `/who` style interface
 - **Universal App**: Native support for iOS and macOS
 - **Emergency Wipe**: Triple-tap to instantly clear all data
 - **Performance Optimizations**: LZ4 message compression, adaptive battery modes, and optimized networking
 
-
 ## [Technical Architecture](https://deepwiki.com/permissionlesstech/bitchat)
 
-### Binary Protocol
+BitChat uses a **hybrid messaging architecture** with two complementary transport layers:
-bitchat uses an efficient binary protocol optimized for Bluetooth LE:
-- Compact packet format with 1-byte type field
-- TTL-based message routing (max 7 hops)
-- Automatic fragmentation for large messages
-- Message deduplication via unique IDs
 
-### Mesh Networking
+### Bluetooth Mesh Network (Offline)
-- Each device acts as both client and peripheral
+
-- Automatic peer discovery and connection management
+- **Local Communication**: Direct peer-to-peer within Bluetooth range
-- Adaptive duty cycling for battery optimization
+- **Multi-hop Relay**: Messages route through nearby devices (max 7 hops)
+- **No Internet Required**: Works completely offline in disaster scenarios
+- **Noise Protocol Encryption**: End-to-end encryption with forward secrecy
+- **Binary Protocol**: Compact packet format optimized for Bluetooth LE constraints
+- **Automatic Discovery**: Peer discovery and connection management
+- **Adaptive Power**: Battery-optimized duty cycling
+
+### Nostr Protocol (Internet)
+
+- **Global Reach**: Connect with users worldwide via internet relays
+- **Location Channels**: Geographic chat rooms using geohash coordinates
+- **290+ Relay Network**: Distributed across the globe for reliability
+- **NIP-17 Encryption**: Gift-wrapped private messages for internet privacy
+- **Ephemeral Keys**: Fresh cryptographic identity per geohash area
+
+### Channel Types
+
+#### `mesh #bluetooth`
+
+- **Transport**: Bluetooth Low Energy mesh network
+- **Scope**: Local devices within multi-hop range
+- **Internet**: Not required
+- **Use Case**: Offline communication, protests, disasters, remote areas
+
+#### Location Channels (`block #dr5rsj7`, `neighborhood #dr5rs`, `country #dr`)
+
+- **Transport**: Nostr protocol over internet
+- **Scope**: Geographic areas defined by geohash precision
+  - `block` (7 chars): City block level
+  - `neighborhood` (6 chars): District/neighborhood
+  - `city` (5 chars): City level
+  - `province` (4 chars): State/province
+  - `region` (2 chars): Country/large region
+- **Internet**: Required (connects to Nostr relays)
+- **Use Case**: Location-based community chat, local events, regional discussions
+
+### Direct Message Routing
+
+Private messages use **intelligent transport selection**:
+
+1. **Bluetooth First** (preferred when available)
+
+   - Direct connection with established Noise session
+   - Fastest and most private option
+
+2. **Nostr Fallback** (when Bluetooth unavailable)
+
+   - Uses recipient's Nostr public key
+   - NIP-17 gift-wrapping for privacy
+   - Routes through global relay network
+
+3. **Smart Queuing** (when neither available)
+   - Messages queued until transport becomes available
+   - Automatic delivery when connection established
 
 For detailed protocol documentation, see the [Technical Whitepaper](WHITEPAPER.md).
 
-
 ## Setup
 
 ### Option 1: Using XcodeGen (Recommended)
 
 1. Install XcodeGen if you haven't already:
+
    ```bash
    brew install xcodegen
    ```
 
 2. Generate the Xcode project:
+
    ```bash
    cd bitchat
    xcodegen generate
@@ -68,6 +117,7 @@ For detailed protocol documentation, see the [Technical Whitepaper](WHITEPAPER.m
 ### Option 2: Using Swift Package Manager
 
 1. Open the project in Xcode:
+
    ```bash
    cd bitchat
    open Package.swift
@@ -84,5 +134,5 @@ For detailed protocol documentation, see the [Technical Whitepaper](WHITEPAPER.m
 
 ### Option 4: just
 
-Want to try this on macos: `just run` will set it up and run from source. 
+Want to try this on macos: `just run` will set it up and run from source.
 Run `just clean` afterwards to restore things to original state for mobile app building and development.

bitchat.xcodeproj/project.pbxproj

@@ -56,6 +56,12 @@
 		049BD3B32E51F319001A566B /* MessageRouter.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 049BD3B02E51F319001A566B /* MessageRouter.swift */; };
 		049BD3B42E51F319001A566B /* NostrTransport.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 049BD3B12E51F319001A566B /* NostrTransport.swift */; };
 		049BD3B52E51F319001A566B /* MessageRouter.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 049BD3B02E51F319001A566B /* MessageRouter.swift */; };
+		ABCD00022E5CCCC300162C4A /* ReadReceiptTracker.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = ABCD00012E5CCCC300162C4A /* ReadReceiptTracker.swift */; };
+		ABCD00032E5CCCC300162C4A /* ReadReceiptTracker.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = ABCD00012E5CCCC300162C4A /* ReadReceiptTracker.swift */; };
+		ABCD00052E5CCCC300162C4C /* NostrInboxService.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = ABCD00042E5CCCC300162C4C /* NostrInboxService.swift */; };
+		ABCD00062E5CCCC300162C4D /* NostrInboxService.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = ABCD00042E5CCCC300162C4C /* NostrInboxService.swift */; };
+		ABCD00082E5CCCC300162C4E /* NostrOutboxService.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = ABCD00072E5CCCC300162C4E /* NostrOutboxService.swift */; };
+		ABCD00092E5CCCC300162C4F /* NostrOutboxService.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = ABCD00072E5CCCC300162C4E /* NostrOutboxService.swift */; };
 		0AE840940F21AFC07C226636 /* PrivateChatE2ETests.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 8A262EDDC04B7D7B5E31F321 /* PrivateChatE2ETests.swift */; };
 		0B6F25559A21F8C69C8357C6 /* BinaryProtocolTests.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 0B3CC6FA298729906109F61B /* BinaryProtocolTests.swift */; };
 		10E68BB889356219189E38EC /* BitchatApp.swift in Sources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = EF625BB3AD919322C01A46B2 /* BitchatApp.swift */; };
@@ -213,6 +219,9 @@
 		049BD39E2E51DBF4001A566B /* Packets.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = Packets.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
 		049BD39F2E51DBF4001A566B /* PeerID.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = PeerID.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
 		049BD3A42E51DC0E001A566B /* MessageDeduplicator.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = MessageDeduplicator.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
+		ABCD00012E5CCCC300162C4A /* ReadReceiptTracker.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = ReadReceiptTracker.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
+		ABCD00042E5CCCC300162C4C /* NostrInboxService.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = NostrInboxService.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
+		ABCD00072E5CCCC300162C4E /* NostrOutboxService.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = NostrOutboxService.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
 		049BD3AA2E51E38E001A566B /* PeerIDResolver.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = PeerIDResolver.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
 		049BD3AD2E51ED60001A566B /* Transport.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = Transport.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
 		049BD3B02E51F319001A566B /* MessageRouter.swift */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = sourcecode.swift; path = MessageRouter.swift; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
@@ -328,7 +337,6 @@
 				A2E8C336FA1ADBEC03261DFD /* bitchatShareExtension */,
 				C3D98EB3E1B455E321F519F4 /* bitchatTests */,
 				9F37F9F2C353B58AC809E93B /* Products */,
-				048A4BE52E5CCC5C00162C4A /* Recovered References */,
 			);
 			sourceTree = "<group>";
 		};
@@ -521,6 +529,9 @@
 			isa = PBXGroup;
 			children = (
 				048A4BE62E5CCCC300162C4A /* TransportConfig.swift */,
+				ABCD00012E5CCCC300162C4A /* ReadReceiptTracker.swift */,
+				ABCD00042E5CCCC300162C4C /* NostrInboxService.swift */,
+				ABCD00072E5CCCC300162C4E /* NostrOutboxService.swift */,
 				AA77BB10CC22DD33EE44FF55 /* VerificationService.swift */,
 				047502B82E560F690083520F /* RelayController.swift */,
 				0475028B2E54171C0083520F /* LocationChannelManager.swift */,
@@ -744,13 +755,15 @@
 			buildActionMask = 2147483647;
 			files = (
                 048A4BE72E5CCCC300162C4A /* TransportConfig.swift in Sources */,
+                ABCD00022E5CCCC300162C4A /* ReadReceiptTracker.swift in Sources */,
+                ABCD00052E5CCCC300162C4C /* NostrInboxService.swift in Sources */,
+                ABCD00082E5CCCC300162C4E /* NostrOutboxService.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 */,
@@ -804,13 +817,15 @@
 			buildActionMask = 2147483647;
 			files = (
                 048A4BE82E5CCCC300162C4A /* TransportConfig.swift in Sources */,
+                ABCD00032E5CCCC300162C4A /* ReadReceiptTracker.swift in Sources */,
+                ABCD00062E5CCCC300162C4D /* NostrInboxService.swift in Sources */,
+                ABCD00092E5CCCC300162C4F /* NostrOutboxService.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 +1022,7 @@
 					"@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 +1053,7 @@
 					"$(inherited)",
 					"@executable_path/Frameworks",
 				);
-				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.2;
+				MARKETING_VERSION = 1.3.3;
 				PRODUCT_BUNDLE_IDENTIFIER = chat.bitchat;
 				PRODUCT_NAME = bitchat;
 				SDKROOT = iphoneos;
@@ -1093,7 +1108,7 @@
 					"$(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 +1140,7 @@
 					"@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 +1229,7 @@
 					"@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 +1322,7 @@
 					"@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/BitchatApp.swift

@@ -173,6 +173,14 @@ class NotificationDelegate: NSObject, UNUserNotificationCenterDelegate {
                 }
             }
         }
+        // Handle deeplink (e.g., geohash activity)
+        if let deep = userInfo["deeplink"] as? String, let url = URL(string: deep) {
+            #if os(iOS)
+            DispatchQueue.main.async { UIApplication.shared.open(url) }
+            #else
+            DispatchQueue.main.async { NSWorkspace.shared.open(url) }
+            #endif
+        }
         
         completionHandler()
     }
@@ -192,6 +200,15 @@ class NotificationDelegate: NSObject, UNUserNotificationCenterDelegate {
                 }
             }
         }
+        // Suppress geohash activity notification if we're already in that geohash channel
+        if identifier.hasPrefix("geo-activity-"),
+           let deep = userInfo["deeplink"] as? String,
+           let gh = deep.components(separatedBy: "/").last {
+            if case .location(let ch) = LocationChannelManager.shared.selectedChannel, ch.geohash == gh {
+                completionHandler([])
+                return
+            }
+        }
         
         // Show notification in all other cases
         completionHandler([.banner, .sound])

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

@@ -229,6 +229,91 @@ class SecureIdentityStateManager {
             return cache.socialIdentities[fingerprint]
         }
     }
+
+    // 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 PeerIDResolver.isShortID(peerID) else { return [] }
+            return cryptographicIdentities.values.filter { $0.fingerprint.hasPrefix(peerID) }
+        }
+    }
     
     func getAllSocialIdentities() -> [SocialIdentity] {
         queue.sync {

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/Protocols/BinaryEncodingUtils.swift

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 //
 
 import Foundation
+import CryptoKit
 
 // MARK: - Hex Encoding/Decoding
 
@@ -35,6 +36,16 @@ extension Data {
     }
 }
 
+// MARK: - Fingerprint Helpers
+
+extension Data {
+    /// SHA-256 over data, hex-encoded (lowercase)
+    func sha256Fingerprint() -> String {
+        let hash = SHA256.hash(data: self)
+        return hash.map { String(format: "%02x", $0) }.joined()
+    }
+}
+
 // MARK: - Binary Encoding Utilities
 
 extension Data {
@@ -220,4 +231,3 @@ extension Data {
         return data
     }
 }
-

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)
             }
         }
         
@@ -494,7 +512,7 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
     func isPeerConnected(_ 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) {
+            if PeerIDResolver.isNoiseKeyHex(peerID), let key = Data(hexString: peerID) {
                 return PeerIDUtils.derivePeerID(fromPublicKey: key)
             }
             return peerID
@@ -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 PeerIDResolver.isNoiseKeyHex(peerID), 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
+
-        }
+        if noiseService.hasEstablishedSession(with: peerID) {
-        
+            SecureLogger.log("📤 Sending READ receipt for message \(receipt.originalMessageID) to \(peerID)", 
-        SecureLogger.log("📤 Sending READ receipt for message \(receipt.originalMessageID) to \(peerID)", 
+                            category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
-                        category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
+            do {
-        
+                let encrypted = try noiseService.encrypt(payload, for: peerID)
-        // Create read receipt payload: [type byte] + [message ID]
+                let packet = BitchatPacket(
-        var receiptPayload = Data([NoisePayloadType.readReceipt.rawValue])
+                    type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
-        receiptPayload.append(contentsOf: receipt.originalMessageID.utf8)
+                    senderID: Data(hexString: myPeerID) ?? Data(),
-        
+                    recipientID: Data(hexString: peerID),
-        do {
+                    timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
-            let encrypted = try noiseService.encrypt(receiptPayload, for: peerID)
+                    payload: encrypted,
-            let packet = BitchatPacket(
+                    signature: nil,
-                type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
+                    ttl: messageTTL
-                senderID: Data(hexString: myPeerID) ?? Data(),
+                )
-                recipientID: Data(hexString: peerID),
+                if DispatchQueue.getSpecific(key: messageQueueKey) != nil {
-                timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
+                    broadcastPacket(packet)
-                payload: encrypted,
+                } else {
-                signature: nil,
+                    messageQueue.async { [weak self] in self?.broadcastPacket(packet) }
-                ttl: messageTTL
-            )
-            
-            // 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)
         }
     }
     
@@ -627,8 +664,7 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
         return collectionsQueue.sync {
             if let publicKey = peers[peerID]?.noisePublicKey {
                 // Use the same fingerprinting method as NoiseEncryptionService/UnifiedPeerService (SHA-256 of raw key)
-                let hash = SHA256.hash(data: publicKey)
+                return publicKey.sha256Fingerprint()
-                return hash.map { String(format: "%02x", $0) }.joined()
             }
             return nil
         }
@@ -697,19 +733,26 @@ 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 +1080,23 @@ 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
@@ -1062,6 +1113,57 @@ 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
@@ -1127,7 +1229,8 @@ 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 +1325,14 @@ 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 +1391,7 @@ 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 +1442,14 @@ 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 +1487,7 @@ 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 +1498,7 @@ 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,
@@ -1395,16 +1506,52 @@ 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)
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
         // Notify UI on main thread
         notifyUI { [weak self] in
             guard let self = self else { return }
@@ -1412,8 +1559,8 @@ 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 +1580,14 @@ 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
@@ -1440,9 +1595,41 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
     private func handleMessage(_ packet: BitchatPacket, from peerID: String) {
         // 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
         }
@@ -1451,17 +1638,17 @@ 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
             self?.delegate?.didReceivePublicMessage(from: peerID, nickname: senderNickname, content: content, timestamp: ts)
@@ -1659,31 +1846,64 @@ 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]
+
-        var ackPayload = Data([NoisePayloadType.delivered.rawValue])
+    private func sendPendingNoisePayloadsAfterHandshake(for peerID: String) {
-        ackPayload.append(contentsOf: messageID.utf8)
+        let payloads = collectionsQueue.sync(flags: .barrier) { () -> [Data] in
-        
+            let list = pendingNoisePayloadsAfterHandshake[peerID] ?? []
-        do {
+            pendingNoisePayloadsAfterHandshake.removeValue(forKey: peerID)
-            let encrypted = try noiseService.encrypt(ackPayload, for: peerID)
+            return list
-            let packet = BitchatPacket(
+        }
-                type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
+        guard !payloads.isEmpty else { return }
-                senderID: Data(hexString: myPeerID) ?? Data(),
+        SecureLogger.log("📤 Sending \(payloads.count) pending noise payloads to \(peerID) after handshake",
-                recipientID: Data(hexString: peerID),
+                        category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
-                timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
+        for payload in payloads {
-                payload: encrypted,
+            do {
-                signature: nil,
+                let encrypted = try noiseService.encrypt(payload, for: peerID)
-                ttl: messageTTL
+                let packet = BitchatPacket(
-            )
+                    type: MessageType.noiseEncrypted.rawValue,
-            broadcastPacket(packet)
+                    senderID: Data(hexString: myPeerID) ?? Data(),
-            // Delivery ACK sent
+                    recipientID: Data(hexString: peerID),
-        } catch {
+                    timestamp: UInt64(Date().timeIntervalSince1970 * 1000),
-            SecureLogger.log("Failed to send delivery ACK: \(error)", category: SecureLogger.noise, level: .error)
+                    payload: encrypted,
+                    signature: nil,
+                    ttl: messageTTL
+                )
+                broadcastPacket(packet)
+            } catch {
+                SecureLogger.log("❌ Failed to send pending noise payload to \(peerID): \(error)", 
+                                category: SecureLogger.noise, level: .error)
+            }
         }
     }
     
@@ -1696,6 +1916,18 @@ 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() {
@@ -1748,6 +1980,16 @@ final class BLEService: NSObject {
             let target = base + Double.random(in: -jitter...jitter)
             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 {
@@ -1761,15 +2003,18 @@ 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
         
@@ -1783,28 +2028,39 @@ 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 +2070,8 @@ 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 +2115,15 @@ 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 +2135,13 @@ 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
@@ -2137,6 +2410,11 @@ 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 +2423,12 @@ 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 +2443,7 @@ 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 +2451,7 @@ 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 +2503,18 @@ 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 +2648,10 @@ 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 +2814,10 @@ 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 +2834,12 @@ 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 +2852,9 @@ 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/FavoritesPersistenceService.swift

@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ class FavoritesPersistenceService: ObservableObject {
     /// Falls back to scanning favorites and matching on derived peer ID.
     func getFavoriteStatus(forPeerID peerID: String) -> FavoriteRelationship? {
         // Quick sanity: peerID should be 16 hex chars (8 bytes)
-        guard peerID.count == 16 else { return nil }
+        guard PeerIDResolver.isShortID(peerID) else { return nil }
         for (pubkey, rel) in favorites {
             let derived = PeerIDUtils.derivePeerID(fromPublicKey: pubkey)
             if derived == peerID { return rel }

bitchat/Services/LocationChannelManager.swift

@@ -92,23 +92,30 @@ final class LocationChannelManager: NSObject, CLLocationManagerDelegate, Observa
         }
     }
 
-    /// Begin periodic one-shot location refreshes while a selector UI is visible.
+    /// Begin continuous, distance-filtered updates while the channel sheet is visible.
+    /// Uses a 21m filter (configurable) to only refresh on meaningful movement.
     func beginLiveRefresh(interval: TimeInterval = TransportConfig.locationLiveRefreshInterval) {
         guard permissionState == .authorized else { return }
-        // Switch to a lightweight periodic one-shot request (polling) while the sheet is open
+        // Stop any previous polling timer
         refreshTimer?.invalidate()
-        refreshTimer = Timer.scheduledTimer(withTimeInterval: interval, repeats: true) { [weak self] _ in
+        refreshTimer = nil
-            self?.requestOneShotLocation()
+        // Tighten accuracy and distance filter for live view
-        }
+        cl.desiredAccuracy = kCLLocationAccuracyNearestTenMeters
-        // Kick off immediately
+        cl.distanceFilter = TransportConfig.locationDistanceFilterLiveMeters
+        // Start continuous updates
+        cl.startUpdatingLocation()
+        // Request an immediate fix to populate UI without waiting for movement
         requestOneShotLocation()
     }
 
-    /// Stop periodic refreshes when selector UI is dismissed.
+    /// Stop continuous refreshes when selector UI is dismissed.
     func endLiveRefresh() {
         refreshTimer?.invalidate()
         refreshTimer = nil
         cl.stopUpdatingLocation()
+        // Restore more relaxed defaults for background/idle state
+        cl.desiredAccuracy = kCLLocationAccuracyHundredMeters
+        cl.distanceFilter = TransportConfig.locationDistanceFilterMeters
     }
 
     func select(_ channel: ChannelID) {

bitchat/Services/MessageRouter.swift

@@ -4,13 +4,12 @@ import Foundation
 @MainActor
 final class MessageRouter {
     private let mesh: Transport
-    private let nostr: NostrTransport
+    private let nostr: NostrOutboxService
     private var outbox: [String: [(content: String, nickname: String, messageID: String)]] = [:] // peerID -> queued messages
 
-    init(mesh: Transport, nostr: NostrTransport) {
+    init(mesh: Transport, nostr: NostrOutboxService) {
         self.mesh = mesh
         self.nostr = nostr
-        self.nostr.senderPeerID = mesh.myPeerID
 
         // Observe favorites changes to learn Nostr mapping and flush queued messages
         NotificationCenter.default.addObserver(
@@ -37,16 +36,16 @@ 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))…",
                             category: SecureLogger.session, level: .debug)
-            nostr.sendPrivateMessage(content, to: peerID, recipientNickname: recipientNickname, messageID: messageID)
+            nostr.sendPrivate(content, to: peerID, recipientNickname: recipientNickname, messageID: messageID)
         } else {
             // Queue for later (when mesh connects or Nostr mapping appears)
             if outbox[peerID] == nil { outbox[peerID] = [] }
@@ -57,9 +56,9 @@ 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 +69,9 @@ 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 +102,7 @@ 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/NoiseEncryptionService.swift

@@ -548,8 +548,7 @@ class NoiseEncryptionService {
     }
     
     private func calculateFingerprint(for publicKey: Curve25519.KeyAgreement.PublicKey) -> String {
-        let hash = SHA256.hash(data: publicKey.rawRepresentation)
+        return publicKey.rawRepresentation.sha256Fingerprint()
-        return hash.map { String(format: "%02x", $0) }.joined()
     }
         
     // MARK: - Session Maintenance

bitchat/Services/NostrInboxService.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+//
+// NostrInboxService.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Centralizes Nostr subscribe/unsubscribe and event de-duplication for inbox flows.
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+// For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+@MainActor
+final class NostrInboxService {
+    private var processedIDs: Set<String> = []
+    private var order: [String] = []
+    private let cap: Int
+
+    init(capacity: Int = TransportConfig.uiProcessedNostrEventsCap) {
+        self.cap = capacity
+    }
+
+    private func track(_ id: String) -> Bool {
+        if processedIDs.contains(id) { return false }
+        processedIDs.insert(id)
+        order.append(id)
+        if order.count > cap {
+            let overflow = order.count - cap
+            for _ in 0..<overflow {
+                if let oldest = order.first {
+                    order.removeFirst()
+                    processedIDs.remove(oldest)
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        return true
+    }
+
+    func reset() {
+        processedIDs.removeAll()
+        order.removeAll()
+    }
+
+    // Subscribe to public geohash ephemeral events (kind 20000)
+    @discardableResult
+    func subscribeGeohashEphemeral(
+        geohash: String,
+        lookbackSeconds: TimeInterval,
+        limit: Int,
+        relayCount: Int,
+        subID: String? = nil,
+        handler: @escaping (NostrEvent) -> Void
+    ) -> String {
+        let id = subID ?? "geo-\(geohash)"
+        let filter = NostrFilter.geohashEphemeral(
+            geohash,
+            since: Date().addingTimeInterval(-lookbackSeconds),
+            limit: limit
+        )
+        let relays = GeoRelayDirectory.shared.closestRelays(toGeohash: geohash, count: relayCount)
+        NostrRelayManager.shared.subscribe(filter: filter, id: id, relayUrls: relays) { [weak self] event in
+            guard let self = self else { return }
+            guard event.kind == NostrProtocol.EventKind.ephemeralEvent.rawValue else { return }
+            guard self.track(event.id) else { return }
+            handler(event)
+        }
+        return id
+    }
+
+    // Subscribe to gift wraps (DMs) for a given pubkey
+    @discardableResult
+    func subscribeGiftWrapsFor(
+        pubkeyHex: String,
+        lookbackSeconds: TimeInterval,
+        subID: String? = nil,
+        handler: @escaping (NostrEvent) -> Void
+    ) -> String {
+        let id = subID ?? "dm-\(pubkeyHex.prefix(8))"
+        let filter = NostrFilter.giftWrapsFor(pubkey: pubkeyHex, since: Date().addingTimeInterval(-lookbackSeconds))
+        NostrRelayManager.shared.subscribe(filter: filter, id: id) { [weak self] event in
+            guard let self = self else { return }
+            guard self.track(event.id) else { return }
+            handler(event)
+        }
+        return id
+    }
+
+    func unsubscribe(id: String) {
+        NostrRelayManager.shared.unsubscribe(id: id)
+    }
+}

bitchat/Services/NostrOutboxService.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+//
+// NostrOutboxService.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Centralized Nostr outbox for sending PMs and ACKs.
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+// For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+@MainActor
+final class NostrOutboxService {
+    private let transport: NostrTransport
+
+    init(meshService: Transport) {
+        let t = NostrTransport()
+        t.senderPeerID = meshService.myPeerID
+        self.transport = t
+    }
+
+    func sendGeohashPM(content: String, toRecipientHex recipientHex: String, from identity: NostrIdentity, messageID: String) {
+        transport.sendPrivateMessageGeohash(content: content, toRecipientHex: recipientHex, from: identity, messageID: messageID)
+    }
+
+    func sendGeohashDeliveredAck(messageID: String, toRecipientHex recipientHex: String, from identity: NostrIdentity) {
+        transport.sendDeliveryAckGeohash(for: messageID, toRecipientHex: recipientHex, from: identity)
+    }
+
+    func sendGeohashReadAck(messageID: String, toRecipientHex recipientHex: String, from identity: NostrIdentity) {
+        transport.sendReadReceiptGeohash(messageID, toRecipientHex: recipientHex, from: identity)
+    }
+
+    // MARK: - Generic outbox via favorites mapping
+    func sendPrivate(_ content: String, to peerID: String, recipientNickname: String, messageID: String) {
+        transport.sendPrivateMessage(content, to: peerID, recipientNickname: recipientNickname, messageID: messageID)
+    }
+
+    func sendReadReceipt(_ receipt: ReadReceipt, to peerID: String) {
+        transport.sendReadReceipt(receipt, to: peerID)
+    }
+
+    func sendDeliveryAck(for messageID: String, to peerID: String) {
+        transport.sendDeliveryAck(for: messageID, to: peerID)
+    }
+
+    func sendFavoriteNotification(to peerID: String, isFavorite: Bool) {
+        transport.sendFavoriteNotification(to: peerID, isFavorite: isFavorite)
+    }
+}

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] { [:] }
 
@@ -166,7 +167,7 @@ final class NostrTransport: Transport {
            let npub = fav.peerNostrPublicKey {
             return npub
         }
-        if peerID.count == 16,
+        if PeerIDResolver.isShortID(peerID),
            let fav = FavoritesPersistenceService.shared.getFavoriteStatus(forPeerID: peerID),
            let npub = fav.peerNostrPublicKey {
             return npub

bitchat/Services/NotificationService.swift

@@ -90,6 +90,15 @@ class NotificationService {
         }
     }
     
+    // Geohash public chat notification with deep link to a specific geohash
+    func sendGeohashActivityNotification(geohash: String, titlePrefix: String = "#", bodyPreview: String) {
+        let title = "\(titlePrefix)\(geohash)"
+        let identifier = "geo-activity-\(geohash)-\(Date().timeIntervalSince1970)"
+        let deeplink = "bitchat://geohash/\(geohash)"
+        let userInfo: [String: Any] = ["deeplink": deeplink]
+        sendLocalNotification(title: title, body: bodyPreview, identifier: identifier, userInfo: userInfo)
+    }
+
     func sendNetworkAvailableNotification(peerCount: Int) {
         let title = "👥 bitchatters nearby!"
         let body = peerCount == 1 ? "1 person around" : "\(peerCount) people around"

bitchat/Services/PrivateChatManager.swift

@@ -16,14 +16,15 @@ class PrivateChatManager: ObservableObject {
     @Published var unreadMessages: Set<String> = []
     
     private var selectedPeerFingerprint: String? = nil
-    var sentReadReceipts: Set<String> = []  // Made accessible for ChatViewModel
+    private var readReceiptTracker: ReadReceiptTracker?
     
     weak var meshService: Transport?
     // Route acks/receipts via MessageRouter (chooses mesh or Nostr)
     weak var messageRouter: MessageRouter?
     
-    init(meshService: Transport? = nil) {
+    init(meshService: Transport? = nil, readReceiptTracker: ReadReceiptTracker? = nil) {
         self.meshService = meshService
+        self.readReceiptTracker = readReceiptTracker
     }
 
     // Cap for messages stored per private chat
@@ -121,7 +122,7 @@ class PrivateChatManager: ObservableObject {
             unreadMessages.insert(senderPeerID)
             
             // Avoid notifying for messages already marked as read (dup/resubscribe cases)
-            if !sentReadReceipts.contains(message.id) {
+            if !(readReceiptTracker?.contains(message.id) ?? false) {
                 NotificationService.shared.sendPrivateMessageNotification(
                     from: message.sender,
                     message: message.content,
@@ -160,7 +161,7 @@ class PrivateChatManager: ObservableObject {
         // Send read receipts for unread messages that haven't been sent yet
         if let messages = privateChats[peerID] {
             for message in messages {
-                if message.senderPeerID == peerID && !message.isRelay && !sentReadReceipts.contains(message.id) {
+                if message.senderPeerID == peerID && !message.isRelay && !(readReceiptTracker?.contains(message.id) ?? false) {
                     sendReadReceipt(for: message)
                 }
             }
@@ -212,12 +213,12 @@ class PrivateChatManager: ObservableObject {
     // MARK: - Private Methods
     
     private func sendReadReceipt(for message: BitchatMessage) {
-        guard !sentReadReceipts.contains(message.id),
+        guard !(readReceiptTracker?.contains(message.id) ?? false),
               let senderPeerID = message.senderPeerID else {
             return
         }
         
-        sentReadReceipts.insert(message.id)
+        readReceiptTracker?.insert(message.id)
         
         // Create read receipt using the simplified method
         let receipt = ReadReceipt(

bitchat/Services/ReadReceiptTracker.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+//
+// ReadReceiptTracker.swift
+// bitchat
+//
+// Centralized tracker for sent read receipts with simple persistence.
+// This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.
+// For more information, see <https://unlicense.org>
+//
+
+import Foundation
+
+final class ReadReceiptTracker {
+    private let defaults: UserDefaults
+    private let key = "sentReadReceipts"
+    private let queue = DispatchQueue(label: "chat.bitchat.readreceipts", attributes: .concurrent)
+    private var set: Set<String> = []
+
+    init(defaults: UserDefaults = .standard) {
+        self.defaults = defaults
+        if let data = defaults.data(forKey: key),
+           let arr = try? JSONDecoder().decode([String].self, from: data) {
+            self.set = Set(arr)
+        }
+    }
+
+    func contains(_ id: String) -> Bool {
+        queue.sync { set.contains(id) }
+    }
+
+    func insert(_ id: String) {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) {
+            if self.set.insert(id).inserted { self.persist() }
+        }
+    }
+
+    func insert<S: Sequence>(_ ids: S) where S.Element == String {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) {
+            var changed = false
+            for id in ids { changed = self.set.insert(id).inserted || changed }
+            if changed { self.persist() }
+        }
+    }
+
+    func remove(_ id: String) {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) {
+            if self.set.remove(id) != nil { self.persist() }
+        }
+    }
+
+    func removeAll() {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) {
+            if !self.set.isEmpty { self.set.removeAll(); self.persist() }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Keep only IDs present in the allow-list; useful for pruning stale entries.
+    func prune(toAllowedIDs allowed: Set<String>) {
+        queue.async(flags: .barrier) {
+            let newSet = self.set.intersection(allowed)
+            if newSet.count != self.set.count { self.set = newSet; self.persist() }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Snapshot current set for read-only operations (avoid long-lived copies in hot paths)
+    func snapshot() -> Set<String> { queue.sync { set } }
+
+    private func persist() {
+        let arr = Array(set)
+        if let data = try? JSONEncoder().encode(arr) {
+            defaults.set(data, forKey: key)
+        } else {
+            SecureLogger.log("❌ Failed to encode read receipts for persistence",
+                             category: SecureLogger.session, level: .error)
+        }
+    }
+}
+

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
@@ -71,28 +71,43 @@ 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
+    // Live (channel sheet open) distance threshold for meaningful updates
+    static let locationDistanceFilterLiveMeters: Double = 21.0
     static let locationLiveRefreshInterval: TimeInterval = 5.0
 
+    // Notifications (geohash)
+    static let uiGeoNotifyCooldownSeconds: TimeInterval = 60.0
+    static let uiGeoNotifySnippetMaxLen: Int = 80
+
     // Nostr geohash
     static let nostrGeohashInitialLookbackSeconds: TimeInterval = 3600
     static let nostrGeohashInitialLimit: Int = 200
@@ -126,12 +141,24 @@ 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
@@ -148,6 +175,10 @@ enum TransportConfig {
     // UI color tuning
     static let uiColorHueAvoidanceDelta: Double = 0.05
     static let uiColorHueOffset: Double = 0.12
+    // Peer list palette
+    static let uiPeerPaletteSlots: Int = 36
+    static let uiPeerPaletteRingBrightnessDeltaLight: Double = 0.07
+    static let uiPeerPaletteRingBrightnessDeltaDark: Double = -0.07
 
     // UI windowing (infinite scroll)
     static let uiWindowInitialCountPublic: Int = 300

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
@@ -394,10 +412,4 @@ class UnifiedPeerService: ObservableObject, TransportPeerEventsDelegate {
 
 // MARK: - Helper Extensions
 
-extension Data {
+// Moved sha256Fingerprint() to BinaryEncodingUtils for reuse
-    func sha256Fingerprint() -> String {
-        // Implementation matches existing fingerprint generation in NoiseEncryptionService
-        let hash = SHA256.hash(data: self)
-        return hash.map { String(format: "%02x", $0) }.joined()
-    }
-}

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 PeerIDResolver.isNoiseKeyHex(privatePeerID) {
-                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 PeerIDResolver.isShortID(headerPeerID) {
+                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 PeerIDResolver.isNoiseKeyHex(headerPeerID), 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 PeerIDResolver.isNoiseKeyHex(privatePeerID), 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 PeerIDResolver.isNoiseKeyHex(peerID), 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 PeerIDResolver.isNoiseKeyHex(peerID), 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/LocationChannelsSheet.swift

@@ -83,24 +83,17 @@ struct LocationChannelsSheet: View {
             }
             // Begin periodic refresh while sheet is open
             manager.beginLiveRefresh()
-            // Begin multi-channel sampling for counts
+            // Geohash sampling is now managed by ChatViewModel globally
-            let ghs = manager.availableChannels.map { $0.geohash }
-            viewModel.beginGeohashSampling(for: ghs)
         }
         .onDisappear {
             manager.endLiveRefresh()
-            viewModel.endGeohashSampling()
         }
         .onChange(of: manager.permissionState) { newValue in
             if newValue == LocationChannelManager.PermissionState.authorized {
                 manager.refreshChannels()
             }
         }
-        .onChange(of: manager.availableChannels) { newValue in
+        .onChange(of: manager.availableChannels) { _ in }
-            // Keep sampling list in sync with available channels as they refresh live
-            let ghs = newValue.map { $0.geohash }
-            viewModel.beginGeohashSampling(for: ghs)
-        }
     }
 
     private var channelList: some View {
@@ -289,9 +282,10 @@ struct LocationChannelsSheet: View {
     }
 
     private func meshCount() -> Int {
+        // Count mesh-connected OR mesh-reachable peers (exclude self)
         let myID = viewModel.meshService.myPeerID
         return viewModel.allPeers.reduce(0) { acc, peer in
-            if peer.id != myID && peer.isConnected { return acc + 1 }
+            if peer.id != myID && (peer.isConnected || peer.isReachable) { return acc + 1 }
             return acc
         }
     }

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")