Text chat with strangers: how to have good anonymous chats

Text chat with strangers is the original form of random chat, and many people still prefer it to video. No camera, no pressure about how you look, and time to think before you reply. Here is how to get the most out of it and stay safe while you do.

Why text chat?

• More comfortable. No camera or microphone, so you can chat from anywhere.
• Easier to think. You can take a moment to write a better reply.
• Good practice. It is a low-pressure way to practise a language or get more confident talking to new people.
• Easier to leave. If it is not working, one click and you are talking to someone new.

How to start a text chat with a stranger

Your first message decides whether you get a reply. “hi” and “m or f?” usually get skipped. Try something easy to answer instead:

• “Hi! What are you up to today?”
• “Random question to start: coffee or tea?”
• “We both picked music. What have you had on repeat lately?”
• “Hey! Quick one: best thing that happened to you this week?”

On RandomHey you both see the same conversation starter when the chat begins, so you can simply answer it. For more openers, see how to start a conversation with a stranger.

How to keep the chat going

• Ask open questions that start with what, how or why.
• Follow up on what they said before changing topic.
• Share something back so it feels like a conversation, not an interview.
• End your messages with a hook or a question.
• Use a quick game when it stalls: this or that, would you rather or 21 questions.

There are nine more techniques in how to keep a conversation going.

Good topics for text chats

• Films, series, books and music you have enjoyed lately.
• Food: favourite dishes, strange combinations, what you ate today.
• Travel: places you have been or want to go.
• Hobbies, games and things you are learning.
• Light debates: is a hot dog a sandwich? Is pineapple on pizza okay?
• Hypotheticals: see hypothetical questions for 100 ideas.

What to keep private

Anonymous chat is only anonymous if you keep it that way. Do not share:

• Your full name, address, school or workplace.
• Your phone number, email or social media accounts.
• Photos of yourself or of things that show where you live.
• Passwords, codes, bank or payment details of any kind.

Talk about your interests and opinions instead. You can have a great conversation without anyone knowing who you are.

Red flags: when to leave

• They push for personal details or photos.
• They quickly want to move to another app.
• They ask for money, gift cards or help with a payment.
• They are sexual, abusive or try to make you uncomfortable.
• They seem to be under 18. Leave and report it.

You never owe a stranger a reason. End the chat, and use Report or Block if the site has them. Our guide to staying safe when talking to strangers online covers scams and sextortion in more detail.

Where to text chat with strangers

RandomHey’s random text chat runs in your browser with no account and no camera. You can add interests or languages to meet people who share them, and messages are deleted within minutes of the chat ending, unless you include them in a report. It is for adults only. If you want to see who you are talking to, try random video chat instead.