X is opening up its long-awaited encrypted direct messages to more people with the wider rollout of XChat, its end-to-end encrypted chat experience. First introduced in beta back in May, XChat is now appearing for a broader audience, including users who don’t subscribe to X Premium.
Unlike the standard inbox, XChat lives in its own section and is designed for private, secure conversations. Messages are protected with end-to-end encryption, and the system already supports media uploads, group chats, pinned messages, and read/unread controls. A vanishing mode has also been rumored to be on the way, hinting at self-destructing messages for an added layer of privacy.
Access is opt-in for now. On desktop, some users will see XChat in the Messages area, where a “Chat” option appears in the menu above “Message requests.” On mobile, “Chat” shows up in the main navigation on the left, just above Communities. Before you can start a secure conversation, you’ll be prompted to set a four-digit passcode to protect your messages, similar to how private messengers like Signal work. Both participants need to opt in to XChat to start an encrypted thread.
It’s important to note that XChat is not replacing traditional DMs. Your existing messages remain in a separate section labeled “unencrypted,” making it clear which conversations are protected with end-to-end encryption and which are not.
Quick guide to get started:
– Opt in to XChat from the Messages tab on desktop or the left navigation on mobile.
– Create your four-digit passcode when prompted.
– Start a new conversation with someone who has also opted in to XChat.
– Use features like media sharing, group chats, pinned messages, and read/unread controls within encrypted threads.
Why it matters:
– Stronger privacy: End-to-end encryption helps ensure only you and your recipient can read the conversation.
– Modern messaging features: Group chats, media uploads, and pinning keep encrypted conversations practical and organized.
– Clear separation: The “unencrypted” label in the DM area helps you quickly see which chats are protected.
As the rollout continues, availability may vary by account and platform. If you don’t see XChat yet, keep an eye on the Messages section, as access is expanding to more users over time.
