Short answer
Tap the envelope (Chat) icon, start a new message, choose the person and write; the recipient must follow you or accept message requests, and X's newer Chat system adds encryption, edits and disappearing messages.
Key takeaways
- Since late 2025, X's DMs moved into Chat, an encrypted successor with calls and file sharing.
- Messages from people you don't follow land in Requests.
- A standalone XChat app launched on iOS in April 2026; DMs also still work inside X.
Direct messages on X went through a big change. In November 2025 X launched Chat, an encrypted replacement for its old DM system, and in April 2026 a standalone XChat app arrived on iOS. Sending a message is still simple.
How do I send a message?
Open Chat (the envelope icon), tap the new message button, pick a person and write.
- Tap the envelope/Chat icon in the app's bottom bar, or Messages/Chat in x.com's sidebar.
- Tap the new message button.
- Search for the person by name or username.
- Type your message and send. Add photos, videos, GIFs or files with the icons by the text box.
You can also start a chat from someone's profile with the envelope button, if they allow messages from you.
Who can message whom?
It depends on the recipient's settings: followers only, verified users, or everyone, with strangers going to Requests.
Go to Settings and privacy > Privacy and safety > Direct messages to choose. Messages from accounts you don't follow appear in Message requests; nothing tells the sender you've seen them until you reply or accept.
What does Chat add?
Encryption, voice and video calls, file sharing, edits and deletes, disappearing messages and screenshot blocking.
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | X's claim for Chat messages; metadata isn't encrypted |
| Edit / delete | After sending |
| Disappearing messages | Timer per conversation |
| Screenshot blocking | Can block and notify on screenshot attempts (where the platform allows) |
| Calls | Voice and video |
| Voice notes | Returned in April 2026; see voice messages |
Is the XChat app required?
No. X described the standalone app as an option; messaging still works inside the X app and on the web.
Group chats moved front and center in 2026 when X closed Communities and pointed admins to group chats instead; see group messages.
How do I spot scam messages?
Be wary of unexpected messages about account problems, prizes, investments or "verification".
X support doesn't DM you to fix your account. Never share codes or passwords in a chat. And remember that DM screenshots are easy to fake (our own DM mockup tool makes one in a minute), which is why it starts with a MOCKUP label.
Questions people ask
Can anyone send me a DM?
Only if your settings allow it. By default, people you follow can message you; others land in message requests if you allow them. Change it under Settings > Privacy and safety > Direct messages.
Are X messages encrypted?
X says messages in its newer Chat system are end-to-end encrypted. Metadata such as who messaged whom isn't, and X has acknowledged limits in protecting against some attacks.
Can I unsend a message?
In Chat you can edit or delete sent messages. Deleting removes it for both sides in Chat conversations.