X’s Replacement for DMs is One Step Closer to Launching

X Pauses Encrypted DMs, Signals Shift to XChat

By DTD- On Jun 5, 2025

WASHINGTON: X, formerly known as Twitter, has begun testing its new messaging feature, XChat, with selected users. The rollout appears limited to beta testers who subscribe to the platform’s premium service, according to multiple user reports and independent confirmations.

This means that public testing has finally begun, and it should not be long before the feature is rolled out to the public, though there is no official confirmation as of yet.

A Replacement for Traditional DMs

XChat is designed to replace the platform’s current direct messaging (DM) system, which has remained largely unchanged since before Elon Musk acquired the company. The upcoming system is expected to offer significantly more functionality, as part of Musk’s long-standing mission to integrate a Signal-like secure messaging platform within X.

Reported Features

While X has not yet released full specifications, reverse engineer Nima Owji shared screenshots and details suggesting that XChat will include group messaging, end-to-end encryption, a vanishing mode, file sharing, and the option to mark messages as unread. Users will also reportedly need to set a four-digit passcode to access their messages, adding another layer of security.

Encryption Rollout Suspended

The company confirmed on Thursday that it has paused development on its existing encrypted DMs, a move that likely signals the transition to XChat. Premium users have had access to limited encryption features since 2023, but XChat could soon replace that system entirely.

Elon Musk has repeatedly expressed interest in turning X into a multi-purpose app with integrated messaging. If XChat becomes publicly available, it would mark a significant step toward that vision, offering a secure, feature-rich communication tool built directly into the platform.