Erstwhile Twitter, now known as X under Elon Musk, has expanded its digital footprint with the introduction of XChat, rivalling WhatsApp. Currently, the app is only available on iOS and the Web, but the company assures that soon it will be released for Android users. Its arrival was announced last year with a focus on connecting users without exchanging phone numbers or invites. With this move, Musk seems to be aiming to make X into an all-in-one space.
Last year, on X, the official XChat account shared a post outlining the app’s goals. It claims to offer end-to-end encrypted chats and file sharing, along with options to edit, delete, or set messages to disappear. The platform also says it can block screenshots and notify users of such attempts, while promising no ads, no tracking, and a strong focus on privacy.
How XChat functions
XChat is designed to work seamlessly with a user’s existing X account. Users need to simply sign in, and then they can instantly access their current network without needing to sync contacts or send invites. The platform emphasises privacy, with end-to-end encryption securing all conversations. Each account is linked to a unique encryption key pair, protected by a device-stored PIN, and the company claims that even it cannot access user messages.
Beyond basic texting, XChat supports file sharing as well as audio and video calls, both in one-on-one and group chats, including larger communities. It is also expected to take over X’s Communities feature, which is being phased out from the main app due to spam concerns and declining engagement.
What more does it offer
One of its standout features is screenshot blocking, which is said to be designed to protect sensitive chats, though it may not be foolproof against alternative capture methods. However, some experts have raised concerns over how encryption keys are handled, and platforms like Signal continue to be seen as benchmarks for privacy due to their open-source approach and minimal data collection.
