BConnect for Android

1.0.0

BConnect is a free messenger whose server runs in DSM on your Synology: chats, groups, audio and video calls, voice and video messages, files. Apps for macOS, Android and DSM. No third-party cloud.

Chats, calls, voice and video messages — with no cloud in between. The server installs in DSM, your people connect from a Mac, an Android device or a DSM window.

Messages, files and call records are kept on your Synology, in your MariaDB. BConnect sends nothing to IBCSC or to anyone else.

Features

Chats and groups

Private chats, groups, replies, forwarding, editing, reactions, pins, folders and search across all history.

Audio and video calls

One-to-one calls over WebRTC. The NAS runs its own TURN relay, so calls connect even behind a home router.

Voice and round videos

Hold the mic for a voice message, switch to a short round video — front or back camera, up to a minute.

Files up to 2 GB

Photos, videos and documents are stored on the NAS. The administrator sets the size limit.

Privacy in your hands

Who sees your last seen, photo, birthday, who may call you or send voice messages. Blocking, passcode lock, sessions.

Managed in DSM

Users, invitations, registration mode, sessions, storage and the message archive in a DSM window.

What’s new

Version 1.0.0, 30 October 2026

First public release.

Installation

1
BConnect for Android
Android 7.0 or later · phones and tablets
2
Let people in
Open registration, invite codes or approval by the administrator. Messenger accounts are not DSM accounts.
3
Talk from any device
In the app enter the NAS address, a login and a password — like adding a mail account.

Questions and answers

Is it really free?

Yes. BConnect is made by IBCSC, a Belgian non-profit for citizen cybersecurity. No subscription, no ads, no premium tier.

Can users of the messenger get into my NAS?

No. BConnect keeps its own accounts in its own database. They are not DSM users and cannot sign in to DSM or any NAS service.

Are chats end-to-end encrypted?

Not yet. Traffic is protected with HTTPS when you connect through port 8471, and everything is stored only on your NAS. End-to-end secret chats are planned.

Do I need to open ports?

Not on the local network. To talk from outside, forward the HTTPS port and the call ports listed above, or use a VPN to your NAS.

Why does macOS warn me on first launch?

The app is not notarized by Apple yet. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security and click “Open Anyway” once.

Where is the Android app on Google Play?

BConnect is distributed as an APK from this site and from apps.ibcsc.be. Allow installing apps from your browser when Android asks.

Which Synology models work?

Models with an Intel or AMD processor (x86_64) on DSM 7.2 or later, with MariaDB 10 from Package Center.

How do I check the downloaded file?

In Terminal, run the command below and compare the result with the SHA-256 fingerprint on the right. If a single character differs, do not open the file and write to us.

shasum -a 256 ~/Downloads/BConnect-1.0.0.apk