Elon Musk unveils XChat: Encrypted messaging and calls without phone numbers

Elon Musk has officially announced XChat, a new private communication platform integrated into X, as part of his broader mission to transform the social network into an all-encompassing “everything app.”

XChat introduces a suite of features centered on security and privacy, including Bitcoin-style encryption, disappearing messages, and cross-platform audio/video calls — none of which require users to link a phone number.

The tool is being rolled out in beta mode for select paid subscribers, with early feedback highlighting end-to-end encrypted chats secured by a 4-digit passcode.

In a post on Sunday, Musk called XChat ‘all new’ and emphasised its potential to rival established messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. He noted that XChat runs on “a whole new architecture,” leveraging encryption similar to that used in Bitcoin protocols. However, technical specifics about the encryption mechanism have not yet been disclosed.

XChat's rollout follows a series of enhancements to X’s messaging infrastructure, including vanishing mode and advanced group chats. These updates reflect a broader shift in the tech industry towards privacy-centric communication.

The launch puts X in direct competition with platforms owned by Meta, such as WhatsApp and Instagram, which are also expanding end-to-end encryption (E2EE) capabilities. While WhatsApp offers full E2EE by default, Messenger and Instagram are still rolling out similar protections.

XChat is a key component of Musk’s long-term strategy to turn X into a multifunctional platform — similar to China’s WeChat — integrating messaging, payments, media, and even dating. Musk previously stated that he envisions X evolving into a digital bank and dating app by the end of 2024.