X (Twitter) rolls out XChat messaging platform to beta testers

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

XChat is a new private messaging feature being developed by X (Twitter), and it has just started rolling out to some users who subscribe to the platform’s paid service. 

While still in beta testing, early reports suggest that the feature is nearly ready for a wider release.

XChat is designed to replace and upgrade the existing DM system on X, the same one that existed before Elon Musk took over the company. 

According to tech insiders and reverse engineer Nima Owji, the new system is not only being tested but may soon be launched for all users.

BREAKING: X CHAT will support more advanced group chats and VANISHING MODE! pic.twitter.com/zgcS6qZy6y

— Nima Owji (@nima_owji) April 18, 2025

So, what’s new in XChat? The updated messaging system is expected to come with several modern features that bring it closer to apps like Signal or WhatsApp. 

These include:

• Group chats for easier communication with multiple people
  
• End-to-end encryption to protect conversations from being seen by anyone other than the sender and receiver
  
• Vanish mode, which makes messages disappear after being viewed
  
• File sharing, which wasn’t supported in older DMs
  
• The option to mark messages as unread
  
• Passcode protection using a four-digit PIN to add an extra layer of security
  

Interestingly, at the same time this rollout began, X announced that it is putting a pause on developing its current encrypted DM feature. 

That makes sense, as XChat may soon replace the old messaging system entirely, and already seems to include more powerful privacy tools.

For the past couple of years, paid users on X have had access to a limited version of encrypted messaging, but it wasn’t as feature-rich as other private messaging apps. 

Elon Musk has talked for some time about wanting to build a messaging system like Signal directly into X. 

If XChat becomes widely available soon, it could mark a major step toward that vision, offering users a secure, feature-packed way to chat without leaving the app.

What do you think about XChat? Would you trust Elon Musk with messaging? Let’s talk below in the comments, or via our Twitter or Facebook.