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.

What is XChat?

XChat is a new chat service that replaces X’s DMs, and the traditional DMs have been integrated into XChat.

XChat includes features such as encryption, messages that disappear after a certain period (Vanish Mode), and file sharing, enhancing security and convenience.

Previously, DM encryption was only available to users subscribed to a paid plan, but with XChat, all users can use encryption.

Xに追加されたチャット（XChat）とは？概要と使い方を解説

X（Twitter）には最近、チャット（XChat）と呼ばれる機能が追加されました。この記事ではXChatの概要から使い方まで解説します。

June 12, 2025

XChat also offers settings such as assigning nicknames that only you can see to the people you chat with, and preventing screenshots.

Overall, XChat provides stronger security and privacy than DMs, along with additional convenient features.

What’s the difference from the traditional DM?

What differences are there between the traditional DM and the new XChat?

The main differences between DMs and XChat are as follows.

As shown above, except for the requirement to set a passcode, XChat is essentially an upgraded version of DMs, and features available in DMs can generally also be used in XChat.

Why is a passcode required?

When you open XChat for the first time, you are prompted to set a 4-digit passcode.

In XChat, messages are encrypted so that not even X can read them, and only the rightful user can view the messages.

The 4-digit passcode in XChat is used to securely store on X’s servers the key called a “secret key” that is required to decrypt (restore) encrypted messages.

As long as you remember the 4-digit passcode, you can restore the secret key and decrypt your messages from any device you are logged into.

When you log out of your account, the secret key and cached conversation history stored on that device are deleted, taking security into consideration.

Note that if you forget your passcode, there are cases where you will no longer be able to decrypt encrypted messages, so caution is required.

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

How can you continue using the traditional DM?

Although this is likely not the intended usage by X, you can temporarily continue using the traditional DM by using the web version of X.

For details, please see the following article.

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

Recently, on X (Twitter), DMs have been integrated into a new service called XChat. If for some reason you want to continue using DMs, you can do so by using the web version of X to keep using the traditional DM.

December 16, 2025

Conclusion

This article explained what XChat is, why a passcode needs to be set, and where the traditional DMs have gone.

XChat is a new service that replaces X’s DMs, offering enhanced security and convenience, and except for the requirement to set a passcode, it is essentially an upgraded version of DMs.

I encourage you to set a passcode and try using XChat.