How to continue using or revert to the traditional DM instead of XChat on X (Twitter)

On X (Twitter), DMs have recently been integrated into a new service called XChat.

XChat is basically an upgraded version of DMs, with enhanced security and convenience.

X (Twitter) DMs integrated into XChat: What’s the difference between DMs and XChat?

When you open DMs on X (Twitter), you now see a screen that says [Welcome to the new XChat] along with a [Create a passcode] button. This article explains in detail what XChat is, why you need to set a passcode, and where the traditional DMs have gone.

December 16, 2025

However, using XChat requires a 4-digit passcode, and if you forget the passcode you set, in the worst case you may be unable to restore encrypted messages.

What is the X (Twitter) Chat passcode? What happens if you forget it?

Recently, X (Twitter) DMs have been integrated into X Chat, and when you try to open your DMs, you are prompted to set a passcode. This article explains in detail what the X Chat passcode is used for and what happens if you forget it.

December 16, 2025

While I recommend using XChat while making sure not to forget your passcode by using a password manager or similar tools, there may be cases where you want to continue using DMs for some reason.

In such cases, you can continue using the traditional DMs by using the web version of X.

Continue using the traditional DM on the web version of X

To continue using the traditional DM, open the following link in a web browser.

• https://x.com/messages/

By opening this link, you can use the traditional DM. If you cannot open it in a web browser, please refer to the following article.

How to deal with the browser version of X (Twitter) redirecting to the app and not opening

Have you ever tried to open the browser version (web version) of X (Twitter) on your smartphone and been redirected to the app? This article explains how to open the web version of X on a smartphone with the X app installed.

October 17, 2025

At the time of writing, even the latest version of the Android X app allowed the use of traditional DMs by opening this link.

Therefore, on a smartphone with the X app installed, even if you tap the link above and open it in the X app (rather than the web version of X), you may still be able to use the traditional DM.

Note that the traditional DM is not implemented in the Android version of X Lite, so only XChat is available.

Android版XにX Liteが統合！新アプリとの切り替えボタンが搭載

Android版Xアプリに、いちから書き直されたXの完全新規アプリ「X Lite」の切り替えボタンが追加されました。

November 26, 2025

Conclusion

Although X’s DMs have been integrated into the new chat service, XChat, you can still access the traditional DM from a specific URL on the web version of X.

While I recommend using XChat, please use this as a reference if, for some reason, you need to continue using the traditional DM.