X Rolls Out Encrypted XChat DMs for All Users—No Premium Required
X (formerly Twitter) now offers encrypted XChat DMs to every user, dropping the premium requirement and upgrading privacy for personal and group chats.
X has officially rolled out encrypted XChat Direct Messages (DMs) for all users—Premium subscription is no longer required, marking a major privacy upgrade for the platform.
What’s New with XChat Encrypted DMs
The newly expanded XChat feature is now separate from X’s old DM inbox and offers end-to-end encryption for every message, file, link, and media shared. All users—regardless of subscription status—can access XChat after updating to the latest app version and setting a four-digit code for extra protection. This means group chats, audio/video calls, media uploads, and pinned messages are fully supported in encrypted conversations. Plus, a disappearing message (“vanishing mode”) option is rumored to be coming soon.
Privacy and Security Details
XChat encrypts messages using a combination of strong cryptographic schemes. However, while message content is encrypted during transit and at rest, some metadata (like recipients and timestamps) is not protected. For now, the platform does not claim to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, but future releases aim to add “signature checks” and “safety numbers” for even stronger security. The encryption model stores private keys on X’s servers, locked behind the user’s PIN, so conversations remain private unless compromised by legal or security issues.
How to Use Encrypted XChat DMs
- Update the X app to the latest version.
- Enter “Chat” from the sidebar or message tab.
- Set up your security PIN.
- Start encrypted conversations with anyone who follows/subscribes to you, or has already interacted via DMs.
Implications for Users
This move levels the playing field for security by removing the paywall, allowing everyone to enjoy private messaging just like on WhatsApp or Signal. Experts suggest caution until further security upgrades are implemented, but it’s a significant step for everyday privacy on social media.
