X is preparing to expand its standalone messaging platform, XChat, to Android devices after debuting the app for iPhone and iPad users earlier this year.
The upcoming Android launch signals the company's broader push into private and community-based communication, moving beyond the traditional direct messaging experience available on the X platform.
The Android version of XChat is currently listed for pre-registration on the Google Play Store, although the company has not yet announced an official release date. The app is being positioned as a privacy-focused alternative to popular messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, with several features aimed at enhancing user security and control.
According to the Play Store listing, XChat is designed without advertisements or activity tracking. The company said that all conversations are end-to-end encrypted and protected using unique encryption keys tied to individual user accounts. Users will also be able to access the app using their existing X credentials, eliminating the need to register with phone numbers or create separate messaging profiles.
Much like the iOS version, XChat for Android is expected to include disappearing messages, screenshot blocking, large group chats, voice and video calling, and advanced privacy settings. These features are intended to create a more secure and flexible communication environment for both personal and community conversations.
One of the app's major highlights is end-to-end encryption, which ensures that messages remain accessible only to the sender and recipient. X says this system prevents third parties from accessing private conversations. In addition, users can enable disappearing messages that automatically delete after a short duration, reportedly around five minutes.
The platform is also introducing screenshot blocking functionality, aimed at preventing users from capturing conversations directly through their devices. Alongside this, XChat will reportedly allow users to edit sent messages or delete them entirely for all participants in a chat.
Group communication appears to be another major focus for the platform. XChat currently supports group chats with up to 481 members, though the company has indicated plans to expand this capacity to 500 users initially and potentially up to 1,000 participants in the future. The app is also expected to support cross-device voice and video calls, allowing users to communicate seamlessly across smartphones and tablets.
Privacy remains central to the XChat experience. The Play Store description notes that user data and conversations will be secured through encryption and a PIN-based system stored only on the user's device. Unlike many traditional messaging services, the app also allows people to connect directly with existing X users, including creators, colleagues, and community members, without sharing personal phone numbers.
The launch of XChat also aligns with X's broader strategy to reshape its social ecosystem. Earlier this month, the company announced plans to phase out Communities and encouraged users to migrate group conversations to XChat using invite links before May 30. The move is part of X's effort to simplify the platform while placing greater emphasis on niche discussions, private interactions, and community-focused engagement through newer features like Custom Timelines.