Elon Musk launching XChat: Make audio and video calls via X without phone number

The new messaging service, which will replace DMs on X, will have disappearing messages and the ability to share files

PUBLISHED: Tue 3 Jun 2025, 11:34 AM

By:
Bahni Bandyopadhyay

Elon Musk is upgrading how we chat via DMs on X. He has announced that a new version of X'direct messaging (DM) feature, XChat, is being rolled out with features like disappearing messages and the ability to share files. The encrypted messaging service will also have audio and video calling support.

Musk posted on X on Sunday that the messaging feature is built on "Rust with (Bitcoin style) encryption, a whole new architecture". The "(Bitcoin style) encryption" claim isn't quite clear, considering the cryptocurrency platform isn't actually encrypted, according to Cointelegraph.

All new XChat is rolling out with encryption, vanishing messages and the ability to send any kind of file. Also, audio/video calling.

This is built on Rust with (Bitcoin style) encryption, whole new architecture.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 1, 2025

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Users can also make audio/video calls without a phone number across all platforms. Beta testing for the app started recently among a small group of paid subscribers, with messages protected by a four-digit passcode, according to TechCrunch.

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Key features of XChat:

XChat will work on an end-to-end encrypted messaging system, which means only the receiver can read it – no one in between can decrypt or access it. End-to-end encryption keeps data completely safe between the sender and the receiver.
Unlike Whatsapp, you won't need a mobile number to create an account on XChat. You will be able to access XChat directly from your X account and also make audio and video calls.
Users can send vanishing messages to other accounts that would disappear after being read.
Users can also send any type of file via XChat, which wasn’t possible earlier.

XChat is being considered as Musk's attempt to make X the one-stop solution for everything – social media, direct messaging, the works. The development has also raised questions if Musk's platform could become a competitor to WhatsApp, the dominant player in the messaging space, according to Forbes.