What happened to Omegle?
Omegle shut down in November 2023. Its founder said that fighting misuse of the site had become too hard and too costly. Websites and apps that still use the Omegle name or look like it are not the original service, so treat them as unknown apps: check who makes them and read the reviews before you turn on your camera.
How random video chat works
You open the app, tap start, and get connected to a random person who is online. If you don't want to talk, you skip to the next person. Many apps add filters for country, language or gender, and some let you chat by text first and move to a video call when you both agree, which is the safer way to meet people.
Free random video calls: what "free" means
Most random chat apps are free to install. They make money in one of three ways: ads, coins or gems you buy for filters and longer calls, or a subscription. Before you install, look for the "In-app purchases" label on Google Play. X Live Video Call has no coins to buy; it's free and shows ads.
Live video calls with strangers: safety rules
- Assume you can be recorded. Anyone can record their screen. Never do anything on camera you wouldn't want saved and shared.
- If someone threatens to share a recording, don't pay. Stop replying, keep the messages, report the account in the app and report it to the police. Paying rarely makes it stop.
- Keep personal details private: your full name, address, school or workplace, and social media accounts.
- Never send money or gift cards to someone you met online, whatever the story.
- Block and report anyone who is rude, pushy or seems underage.
Video call numbers and online lists
Lists of "video call numbers" posted online are mostly scams, bots or numbers used without permission. You don't need anyone's phone number for a video call: in a video chat app you find people and call them inside the app, and they don't see your phone number.
Meet new people on X Live Video Call
X Live Video Call is built for meeting new people and keeping in touch: send a message first, then start a video or voice call when you're both ready, join group chats, and play games like Ludo or Tic Tac Toe in the chat. Block and report are in every conversation, and the app is for adults 18 and over.
Frequently asked questions
Is Omegle still working?
No. Omegle closed in November 2023. Sites that use its name now are different services.
Is random video chat free?
Most apps are free to install. Many sell coins or subscriptions for filters and longer calls; others, like X Live Video Call, are free with ads.
Is random video chat safe?
It can be, if you follow a few rules: chat before you call, keep personal details private, never send money, and block and report anyone who makes you uncomfortable.
Can people record my video call?
Yes. Any app can be screen-recorded. Behave on camera as if the call could be saved, and never pay someone who threatens to share a recording.
Do I need to share my phone number?
No. In a video chat app you call people inside the app, and they don't see your phone number.
How old do you have to be to use random video chat?
Most random video chat apps, including X Live Video Call, are for adults 18 and over.
Make free video calls on Android
X Live Video Call: video calls, voice calls, chat and games. Free on Google Play.