X Chat replacing DMs for some X users, prompting PIN input for access

Update 13/11/25 – 09:11 am (IST): Since xAI is yet to publish any documentation related to all the changes and features X Chat brings to the table, Pop Base has shared a brief rundown on what’s missing and what you get with this new DM experience. Check it out below:

Even though X Chat has exited its beta stage, you’ll still notice that it misses out on the option to edit encrypted chats, plus the voice memo feature is no longer present.

Original article published on November 12, 2025, follows:

Some X users are noticing a shift when they open their direct messages tab. Instead of the usual DM setup, they’re greeted by X Chat, a new interface that demands a four-digit PIN before letting them in.

This appears to be part of an experiment where X is phasing out the old DM system in favor of this encrypted version, adding an extra layer of security but also a bit of friction for daily use. Judging by the few screenshots shared online, the change seems to be happening primarily on the iOS app. But not for everyone, as most users, including myself, still see the classic layout.

On X, people are venting about the hassle. One user called it disgusting and asked how to turn off the encrypted feature. Another wondered what the new DM PIN was all about. Folks report needing a passcode just to check messages, with some losing notifications until they set it up.

Adding to that, the feature might no longer be in beta testing, since users have pointed out that the (beta) tag that was once present beside the ‘Chat’ tag is not there anymore. I can’t see it either.

Someone asked Grok about the change and how to disable it, to which the chatbot responded that logging out and then back in can skip the prompt for a while. But it’s unclear if that even works. Here’s a screenshot of that interaction:

Over on Reddit, the complaints pile on too. One thread describes the sudden PIN request as confusing. But another comment under the post was even more interesting. The individual claimed that they didn’t opt for the PIN, and X Chat let them in, but deleted all their older DMs. So make sure to double-check the fine print before moving ahead with setting up your PIN or opting to not use one. 

This isn’t entirely unexpected. Back in April, an X employee mentioned in a thread that the whole DM system would be gone soon, hinting at a major overhaul.

As X pushes for more secure messaging, this could expand to everyone eventually. For those hit by it, tweaks like adjusting privacy settings or the logout workaround might help in the meantime. However, I’d suggest getting prepared for the new X Chat experience because it’s inevitable. Any workarounds that might help now would most likely be patched in the coming weeks or months.