X is dramatically expanding access to its encrypted messaging feature XChat, opening the privacy-focused tool to users who don't pay for X Premium subscriptions. The move signals Elon Musk's platform is betting big on secure communications as it battles for messaging market share against Signal, WhatsApp, and other encrypted rivals.
X just made a major play for the encrypted messaging market. The platform is rolling out its XChat feature to users who don't subscribe to X Premium, dramatically expanding access to end-to-end encrypted direct messages that were previously limited to paying subscribers during the beta phase.
The timing couldn't be more strategic. As Meta faces renewed scrutiny over data privacy and Signal continues gaining ground among privacy-conscious users, X is positioning itself as a mainstream alternative for secure communications. According to TechCrunch's original reporting, XChat shipped in beta this May, but the feature remained largely confined to premium subscribers during its testing phase.
Now users across X's platform are discovering a "Chat" option appearing in their navigation—desktop users find it above "Message requests" in the messages tab, while mobile users see it in the main nav bar just above Communities. The rollout appears gradual, with access expanding to eligible users who opt into the system.
XChat operates as a completely separate messaging ecosystem from X's traditional DMs. Users must establish a four-digit security code before accessing encrypted conversations, mirroring the approach pioneered by Signal and other privacy-focused platforms. Once activated, the system supports media uploads, group chats, pinned messages, and read/unread status indicators—features that bring it closer to feature parity with established encrypted messaging apps.
The dual-messaging approach creates an interesting user experience challenge. Traditional DMs now appear under an "unencrypted" tab within the chat menu, making the security distinction explicit. This design choice forces users to consciously choose between convenience and privacy for each conversation—a decision that could reshape how X's 500+ million monthly users think about digital communications.
Industry observers note the broader implications for platform competition. While WhatsApp has offered end-to-end encryption by default since 2016, and Telegram provides encrypted "Secret Chats," most major social platforms still rely on unencrypted messaging systems. X's push into encrypted territory could pressure competitors like and to accelerate their own privacy initiatives.