X Numbers Lets Users Message Privately Without Sharing Phone Numbers
X has introduced X Numbers, a feature that allows users to chat without sharing their phone numbers. The feature is part of X Chat and lets users share a private code with selected contacts.
Users can create an X Number and provide the code to people they want to contact them. Additionally, anyone with an active code can send messages, even if the accounts do not follow each other.
How X Numbers work
X Numbers offer another way to connect through X Chat. Moreover, messages sent through the code appear directly in the main Chat inbox instead of the message request section.
The feature also supports audio and video calls, depending on recipient call settings. Therefore, users can communicate without exchanging personal phone numbers.
However, an X Number is not a phone number. Instead, it works as a private access code for contacting users through X Chat. It is also separate from safety numbers used for identity verification in encrypted conversations.
Furthermore, the feature allows messages from selected contacts even when inbox settings restrict messages from accounts that do not follow each other. An active X Number creates an additional contact method.
Creating and managing X Numbers
Users can create an X Number from the chat section. First, they need to open X Chat, enter their Chat PIN if required, open the inbox dropdown menu, and select the Number option.
Additionally, users can disable their code at any time. They can also refresh their X Number to generate a new code. Once refreshed, older codes cannot be used to start new conversations.
This option provides more control over contacts. For example, users can refresh their code after sharing it with many people or when they want to prevent new messages through an older code.
Privacy options and future expansion
X has added privacy controls because X Numbers can be shared by others. Moreover, existing direct message connections may allow others to view and share the code.
Users can enable the “Hide from others” setting if they do not want existing contacts to access the code. Additionally, notifications appear when someone contacts a user through an X Number.
The platform is developing X Chat as a separate messaging service. Furthermore, the service focuses on allowing communication through existing accounts without requiring phone number exchanges.
X has not revealed the number of digits in an X Number. However, the standalone XChat app launched earlier with messaging features connected to existing accounts.
Meanwhile, the platform has expanded into other services, including payments. X Money became available for eligible premium subscribers in the US, although it is not currently available for free users.
