X launches Chat: the new encrypted messaging with audio and video calls
Formerly known as Twitter, X has announced Chat, a complete and encrypted overhaul of its private messaging system. This new platform completely replaces traditional DMs and introduces a suite of modern features such as audio and video calls, disappearing messages, file sharing, screenshot notifications, and even the ability to completely block screenshots.
Messages can now be edited, deleted, or scheduled to self-destruct.
Chat is already available on iOS and the Web, and the Android version will be launched soon. Previous messages are automatically migrated to the new system.
Say hello to Chat – all-new secure messaging on X.
• end-to-end encrypted chats and file sharing
• edit, delete, or make messages disappear
• block screenshots and get notified of attempts
• no ads. no tracking. total privacy. pic.twitter.com/7dmDEDkYvO— Chat (@chat) November 14, 2025
Chat: An End-to-End Encrypted Messaging Service
The core feature of Chat is the support for end-to-end encryption, covering both messages and files. When a user activates Chat, the app generates a public/private key pair protected by a PIN stored only on the device. Each conversation uses a unique key, exchanged securely between the participants’ devices.
The encryption encompasses the entire content — messages, reactions, links, files — but does not cover metadata. Information such as send time and recipient identity remain visible to X. The service does not yet protect against man-in-the-middle attacks: if a malicious employee or X itself compromises an encrypted conversation, the user currently has no means of detecting it.
However, the platform intends to implement verification mechanisms like cryptographic signatures and security numbers.
The multi-device management is also addressed. Users can access their encrypted conversations on other devices by retrieving their key with the same PIN. However, logging out automatically wipes all keys and messages from the device.
Who Can Use Encryption?
To send or receive encrypted messages, both users must be using the latest version of the app and have previously interacted: mutual follow relationship, subscription, or prior message exchange. Users can also send message requests to accounts with open DMs enabled or verified users who accept messages from other verified accounts.
Limitations and Constraints
While the content is protected, there are still several areas for improvement. Chat does not yet offer forward secrecy, which means compromising a key could expose previous messages. Metadata is not encrypted, and currently, encrypted messages cannot be directly reported: any issues must be reported through the account itself.
Integration with Grok, X’s AI, works, but messages sent for analysis lose their encryption. The rest of the conversation remains protected.
A Return of Long-Promised Features
X had previously attempted to introduce encrypted DMs in 2023 before suspending the feature to refine the technology. Chat appears to be the final result of these efforts, providing a more modern, secure, and comprehensive platform than the previous system.
