X Introduces X Numbers: Giving X Users a "Phone Number" for Direct DMs and Calls

X has introduced X Numbers, giving users a "phone number" for direct messaging and calls: once enabled, simply share the number with anyone you want to connect with, and they can reach you directly in X Chat without waiting for a follow-back or sending a message request first.

Here, "phone number" is a metaphor: it is an internal contact number on X that you choose to enable, specifically for DMs and calls in Chat. The official demo displays numbers formatted as two groups of four digits ("XXXX-XXXX").

No Follow-Back Needed: Messages Go Straight to Your Inbox

Previously, when two unconnected X users wanted to discuss something, they usually had to follow each other back or wait for a message request to be found and accepted. X Numbers turns this into exchanging numbers: you give someone your number, they enter it, and they can start chatting right away.

Its most practical benefit is letting you receive the messages you want without opening your DMs to every stranger. Even if your inbox is closed to message requests, messages sent using an enabled number go straight to your primary inbox without requiring approval. The sender can also place voice or video calls to you, which will adhere to your existing call settings.

People you already follow, existing chat contacts, and members of the same Premium Business or Premium Organization can still reach you the usual way without needing to swap numbers. Inboxes configured to allow message requests will also continue receiving them as usual.

How to Create Your Number

1. Open Chat and enter your Chat PIN when prompted.
2. Tap the dropdown menu at the top of the inbox and select Number.
3. Toggle Enabled on to activate your X Number.
4. Tap Share to send your number to anyone you want to connect with.

Once the other person enters this number on their chat screen, they can start messaging. In the official demo, entering the number prompts a message indicating that users can now send messages and initiate calls.

Numbers Can Be Shared and Replaced at Any Time

Whether to enable an X Number is entirely up to you. The panel includes the following controls:

Numbers can be forwarded, and anyone with a currently valid number can use it, so it is best shared only with people you want to connect with. If it gets shared more widely than intended, you can turn it off or refresh it. Existing chats will remain active; to stop a specific contact from messaging you, you can block them.

Collaborations, Hiring, and Event Coordination: Start by Exchanging Numbers

Business Inquiries and Hiring: Include your X Number in partnership pitches or job application emails, allowing prospective collaborators straight into your inbox without waiting on a mutual follow. You won't have to open your DMs to the entire public just for that one conversation.

Temporary Event Coordination: When organizing community events or in-person meetups, share your number with attendees so they can reach you one-on-one. Once the event wraps up, you can refresh the number or turn it off, preventing any further connections through the old number.

X Numbers gives X users an additional, more direct way to connect: beyond handles and follower relationships, you can now exchange a number and keep the conversation going in Chat.