Frequently asked questions

Stranger Chat is a free website that randomly connects you with other people from around the world for anonymous text chat or optional video chat. There is no sign-up and nothing to install.

Yes, 100% free. Text chat, video chat, interest matching and every other feature cost nothing. We never ask for a credit card.

No. Stranger Chat is anonymous by design. A random session id is stored in your browser's localStorage so you can start chatting in one click with no email, name or password.

Click Start to join the matching queue. The server pairs you with the first compatible stranger in the queue, usually within seconds. Use Next to skip to another stranger or Stop to leave.

Pick the video chat mode on the home screen, then click Start. When the browser asks for permission, allow your camera and microphone. You can also start video mid-chat using the camera button.

No. A camera is completely optional. Text chat only needs a keyboard, and even in video mode you can keep your camera off and your microphone muted.

Yes. Text chat is keyboard-only — no camera or microphone is ever required. You can stay fully invisible and just type. See text chat for details.

Before starting, type one or more interests such as music, gaming or tech. The matchmaker prefers pairing you with strangers who share at least one interest. Niche interests relax after a short wait so you never wait forever.

Yes. No account, name or email is required — you are identified only by a random session id kept in your browser. Chats are ephemeral, and video calls are peer-to-peer so they are never stored on our servers.

The current chat ends and the other person is returned to the queue. You are placed back in the queue to be matched with a new stranger. A short cooldown prevents you from being instantly matched with the same person again.

Use the Report button in the chat to send a report with a reason and context; the chat ends afterwards. Use the Block button to permanently prevent that person from ever being matched with you again.

We combine several safety layers: report and block tools, rate limiting, server-side validation, automatic idle-room cleanup, and clear community guidelines. Still, you should never share personal information with strangers. See the Safety Center for tips.

Yes. The site is fully responsive and works in any modern mobile browser. Video chat works with your phone's front camera.

Any modern browser: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari and Opera, on desktop or mobile. Video chat requires a browser with WebRTC and camera/microphone support.

No download is needed. Stranger Chat runs entirely in your browser. You can add it to your home screen like an app for one-tap access.

Yes. Stranger Chat is a modern, free and open-source alternative to Omegle-style random chat: same instant stranger matching, but free, anonymous and with built-in report, block and privacy tools.

Stranger Chat is built entirely with free, open-source technology. The source code is public so anyone can review how matching, chat and moderation work, or self-host their own instance.

Visit the Contact page to reach the team with any question, bug report or moderation concern. We aim to reply as soon as possible.

Yes. Stranger Chat runs in Safari and any modern browser on iPhone, with no app or download. Video chat uses your iPhone's front camera, and you can add it to your home screen for one-tap access.

Yes. It works in Chrome and any modern browser on Android phones and tablets, with no app to install. Video chat uses your device's front camera.

It is usually a browser permission. Make sure you allowed camera access when prompted, close other apps that are using the camera, and check your browser and OS privacy settings. If it still fails, try another browser — see our camera troubleshooting guide.

Most microphone problems are permission or device-selection issues. Allow microphone access when prompted, check your browser and OS privacy settings, and make sure no other app is using the mic. Try another browser if it still does not work.

No, by default. Text messages are held in memory only while the chat is open and are cleared when it ends. Video is peer-to-peer and never stored. The one exception: if you or your partner files a report, the recent conversation is saved with the report so it can be reviewed. Files you share are stored temporarily and deleted automatically.

No account, name, email or phone number is required. The server briefly processes your IP address for rate limiting and abuse prevention, and keeps anonymous, aggregate usage statistics to run the service. If you report someone, the recent conversation is saved with your report for review. See the privacy policy for full details.