What Mycel Can (and Can't) Do¶
Understanding what Mycel is designed for helps set the right expectations.
What Works Now¶
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Send messages without internet | Uses Bluetooth and WiFi between nearby phones |
| End-to-end encryption | Only you and the recipient can read messages |
| No phone number required | Privacy-preserving identity system |
| Private groups | Invite-only encrypted group messaging |
| Works during shutdowns | Designed for no-internet scenarios |
| Background delivery | Keeps working when app isn't open |
What Takes Time¶
Mycel is a Delay-Tolerant Network - delivery can take time. This is normal, not an error.
| Scenario | Expected Time |
|---|---|
| Same room/building | Seconds to minutes |
| Same neighborhood | Minutes to hours |
| Same city | Hours |
| Different cities | Hours to days |
| Remote areas | Days or longer |
Why so slow?
Messages travel through people, not cables. Each hop requires physical proximity between Mycel users.
What Mycel Can't Do¶
These are not bugs - they're fundamental properties of mesh networking:
| Limitation | Reason |
|---|---|
| Guarantee delivery | If no chain of users exists, messages wait |
| Instant messaging | Store-and-forward takes time |
| Work on all phones | Requires Android 8.0+ with Google Play Services (full mesh features need Android 10+) |
| Delivery to iPhone | iOS app not yet available |
Technical Requirements¶
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Android version | Android 8.0 (API 26) or higher. Full mesh features require Android 10+ |
| Google Play Services | Required for Nearby Connections |
| Bluetooth | Must be enabled |
| Battery optimization | Must be disabled for Mycel |
Huawei devices (post-2019)
Most Huawei devices manufactured after 2019 lack Google Play Services and cannot run Mycel.
Not For Emergencies¶
Important
Do not rely on Mycel for emergency communications.
- Delivery can take hours or days
- No guarantee messages will arrive
- For emergencies, use official emergency services
Cold Start Problem¶
When Mycel first launches in a region:
- Few carriers exist - Messages take longer to deliver
- Early adopters are building the network - Every user helps
- Patience is required - Delivery improves as the network grows
The more people who join, the faster and more reliable delivery becomes.
Coming Soon¶
These features are planned but not yet available:
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Channels (broadcast) | In progress |
| iOS app | Planned |
| Desktop app | Planned |
| LoRa transport | Proposed |
See the Roadmap for details.